Monitoring of filter operation

1. Aim and Procedure

The aim of a monitoring programme is to:

- assess treatment plant performance
- establish guidelines for treatment plant operation
- improve treatment plant operation and efficiency

The caretaker carries out the field test and monitors, with the help of a logbook, operation and performance of the treatment plant. The supervisor, attached to the operation and maintenance section of the responsible institution, controls the monitoring programme of the caretaker by means of regular visits, takes water samples to be analysed in the laboratory, and summarises the monitoring results in annual reports.

2. Field Records

The monitoring programme has to cover the quantitative and the qualitative aspects. Discharge measurements characterise the operational conditions of the treatment plant and provide the quantitative information. Water quality tests allow qualitative assessment of the treatment process. Treatment plant operation requires flow control and adjustments on a daily basis. The water quality tests should also be carried out regularly; i.e., weekly. The equipment necessary for discharge measurements and water quality tests must therefore always be available at every treatment plant.

A field monitoring programme proposal is summarised in Table 8/1.

3. Bacteriological and Chemical Water Analyses

Bacteriological and chemical water analyses require more costly equipment generally not available at every treatment plant. The tests should also be performed by experienced staff. It is therefore recommended for the supervisor to perform such tests either at the site with field test equipment brought from the laboratory, or to take samples which will be analysed in the laboratory. Since field testing excludes the risk of delay and mishandling of the water samples, it should therefore be applied whenever possible, provided the equipment is properly maintained and checked prior to each field visit.

A bacteriological and chemical monitoring programme proposal is summarised in Table 8/2.

4. Field Visits

The supervisor will personally conduct on-site training of the caretaker, and will also be present during the initial stars of treatment plant operation. He will later assist the caretaker in his daily activities and supervise operation, maintenance and monitoring of the plant. Frequency of his visits is dependent, among other criteria, on the ability of the caretaker to operate his water supply system. However, field visits will at first be carried out weekly, then monthly and later every two to three months.

Such a post-project assistance is essential to ensure proper use of the installations, to identify possible problems at an early stage, and to compile practical experience gained for future projects.

5. Evaluation

The supervisors will compile the results of the monitoring programme in annual reports which will also contain the data sheets of the field test records and possible laboratory analyses. They will also comprise a short description of the operational experience (plant performance, encountered practical problems, exceptional events) and planned activities (operational modifications of the plant, major maintenance work, etc.).

Table 8/1 Field Monitoring

Table 8/2 Bacteriological and Chemical Monitoring Programme

Conversion Table