Disinfection of Recycled Water : Whitley Burchett

Disinfection of Recycled Water: How Much is Enough?
(Presented at the CWEA Annual Conference,
Sacramento, CA, April 2006)

Paul Friedlander: Whitley, Burchett & Associates
Dr. Robert Cooper: Biovir Laboratories

ABSTRACT

How do we cost effectively disinfect recycled water while adequately protecting the public health? Do current chlorine and UV disinfection requirements and trends provide a rational approach to cost effective public health protection? This presentation discusses these important questions by tracing the evolution of disinfection requirements for recycled water for irrigation including requirements for 2.2 total coliform, 90 minute contact time, 450 mg-min/l ct, and 5 log virus reduction, and examining where we are today. An understanding of the history and evolution of these requirements is essential in assessing the direction we need to take in the future to most effectively promote water recycling and adequately protect the public health.