Challenge Studies of the Hach GuardianBlue Early Warning System

Abstract

The drinking water industry is paying more attention to water quality monitoring systems that provide real-time detection of contaminants in drinking water distribution systems. This thesis presents the results of an experimental challenge study on one such system, the Hach GuardianBlue Early Warning System. Contaminants of interest included organic and inorganic chemicals, and sewage. Experimental results showed that the system responded to all of the injected contaminants, except dichloromethane, but failed to correctly identify any of the contaminants. A mathematical model was used to determine the detection limit. Several system design and operational limitations were also identified. The GuardianBlue system could not identify a contaminant when it detected the changes in water quality parameters. A few improvements on the system design need to be done before the system can be deployed in the distribution network. At this moment, it can be merely used as an online water quality monitor.