Abstract |
For 1 1/2 years the Seattle Water Department conducted direct filtration pilot plant studies at the Tolt Reservoir, obtaining data on techniques to remove amphibole and chrysotile asbestos from drinking water. Research showed that filtered water turbidity should be 0.1 ntu or lower in order to effectively remove fibers. Flocculation was necessary but sedimentation was not. Amphibole fibers are more readily removed than chrysotile, but both types could be reduced to below detectable limits or to not statistically significant counts by treatment with alum, lime and a filter aid or alum, cationic polymer and a filter aid; or cationic polymer and a filter aid. Asbestos fiber content of filtered water increased sharply when filtered water turbidity rose above 0.10 ntu. Appendix B contains equipment photographs; data on operating conditions, water quality, fiber counting, and filter media; turbid water test data; results of sludge studies; and documentation of cost estimation data. Appendix C has details on conditions for each filter run. |