Management of Trihalomethanes in Finished Drinking Water Through Source Water Precursor Monitoring

Trihalomethanes are organic compounds formed in drinking water distribution systems as a result of disinfection. This capstone project researched and evaluated the statistical correlation of trihalomethanes in finished drinking water and total organic carbon in source water using data generated by Denver area utilities. Results of the study conclude that some drinking water supply systems show a slight correlation between source water total organic carbon levels and trihalomethane levels in finished water. Results of the study also verify the assertion that changes to treatment for the reduction of trihalomethanes, for the protection of human health under the Safe Drinking Water Act should be determined by each utility, using information from gathered data, seasonal trends, and small scale batch testing.

Planning for the Future: Gray Water Supply as a Conservation Measure for a Key Water Provider in Douglas County, Colorado

Diminishing water in the Denver Basin aquifers requires Parker Water and Sanitation District plan for the future to ensure availability of supply. Water conservation is one approach to prolonging the life of the aquifers. Homeowner installed gray water systems will help conserve 25 percent of the water needed and reduce the need to pump ground water for irrigation. Non-potable water through gray water systems will reduce the demand on the supplier. Gray water use will prolong a potable supply to Parker for years ahead. For this plan to be effective, Colorado regulations must change to allow gray water use. This goal will be achieved as the mind-set about water conservation shifts and water suppliers and consumers demand modification to policies.