Development of a WaterVal Granular Filter Validation Protocol

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. This protocol aims to fill the gap, offering a more reliable way to assess and improve conventional water treatment processes across the country.

This project was spurred by the recognition throughout the Australian water industry of a lack of an accepted method for measuring the Log Removal Value (LRV) performance of media filters, which are essential in both drinking water and water recycling processes. Without this validation, the effectiveness of these systems could vary significantly between treatment plants, posing potential risks to public health.

Drawing inspiration from a related protocol designed for membrane filters, the research team set out to create a validation protocol specifically for granular filters. However, this was no easy task. The team had to navigate a complex landscape of regulatory requirements, health policy positions across different Australian states, and practical constraints associated with full-scale validation in treatment plants.

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 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.