Conventional media filtration is one of the most widely used methods for removing pathogens and solids from water, serving as a critical barrier in ensuring safe drinking water. However, until now, there has been no standardised protocol for validating the effectiveness of these filtration systems, leaving a gap in our understanding of how well they perform in real-world conditions.
Water Research Australia’s project, titled Development of a WaterVal Granular Filter Validation Protocol, developed a protocol aiming to fill this gap, offering a more reliable way to assess and improve conventional water treatment processes across the country.
The WaterVal Granular Filter Validation Protocol provides a comprehensive guide for validating the performance of media filtration systems. It outlines the steps necessary to measure the Log Removal Value (LRV) of pathogens and solids, ensuring that water treatment plants can reliably achieve the safety standards set out in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. Additionally, the protocol offers a roadmap for conducting trials in pilot treatment plants, laying the groundwork for future innovations in water treatment.
WaterRA members can download the final report to discover more about how this protocol promises to reshape how water treatment facilities across Australia validate the effectiveness of their filtration processes.