
PROJECT DETAILS
- Project No 3505
- Project Name Reverse Osmosis Chemical Validation Protocol
- Lead Organisation Water Research Australia
- Research Lead Rheological Consulting Services
- Main Researcher Peter Scales
- Completion Year 2025
Project Description
Adoption of a risk management approach to the removal of chemicals from water to provide safe water for both potable and non-potable applications is a key water industry need. The current WaterVal protocol (template) developed for pathogens has now been exemplified and operationalised to specific water treatment barriers including, for example, reverse osmosis, ozonation and chlorination. Each specific protocol provides a clear framework for the removal of a broad range of pathogens, including removal credits and operational limitations, using the specific barrier. The protocol overlays a series of key operational steps in both barrier validation and operation to meet regulatory requirements.
This project aims to adapt the WaterVal template for pathogens to a chemical basis that is applicable to a range of chemical removal barriers in water and wastewater treatment. It is then proposed to develop a specific WaterVal protocol for a reverse osmosis (RO) treatment barrier. A review of the literature in the case of chemical removal using an RO barrier, the classification of chemicals required relative to the end use classification outlined in databases such as ECHIDNA, along with a draft generic template and a draft specific reverse osmosis protocol will be presented to the WaterVal Technical Advisory Group. This presentation will include operational and strategic challenges in adaption of the chemical WaterVal framework and the specific challenges associated with the reverse osmosis case. After feedback, a draft reverse osmosis protocol will be presented to a WaterVal partner workshop. A report inclusive of the generic template and the proposed reverse osmosis protocol will then be drafted and presented for final comment and feedback. An industry training module for the WaterVal Reverse Osmosis protocol will also be developed.