AWWA WQTC58981

Many utilities spend significant time and money pilot testing various processes before designing a new treatment plant or when making major plant upgrades. Many times pilot testing is needed to evaluate innovative processes, to confirm aggressive design criteria, or when treating particularly difficult supplies. In such cases, piloting can save considerable money in the design and construction of a new plant and provide peace of mind that the new processes will work as envisioned. However, there are times that piloting may not be necessary, which could save both money and time. This paper discusses when piloting is needed, demonstrates the benefits of pilot testing, and states that for many plant upgrades and designs utilities can safely skip the piloting step. Process changes made to the design of New York City's 290-mgd Croton WTP serves as a case study. Includes tables, figures.