Continuous Water Quality Monitoring: Insights from an Industry Expert

Continuous water quality monitoring in distribution networks provides utilities with the data they need to understand their assets and manage their networks as needed. In this interview, an industry expert with more than 20 years of experience in the water sector shares insights on leveraging technology to detect anomalies and ensure the delivery of safe drinking water.

Industrial Effluent

Industrial effluent — sometimes referred to as industrial wastewater — discharged from manufacturing and processing activities often contains a mix of chemical, physical and biological contaminants. Effective management is critical, not only for regulatory compliance but also for protecting downstream ecosystems and infrastructure. Advanced flow, water quality and gas monitoring technologies play a vital role in this process by providing real-time data on discharge volumes, pollutant concentrations and gas emissions, enabling operators to maintain control, optimize treatment performance and confirm environmental standards are consistently met.

Ammonium Nitrogen & Ammonium (NH4-N / NH4+)

Measures the concentration of ammonium ions in water, indicating nutrient pollution and potential impacts on aquatic ecosystems.

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)

Quantifies the amount of oxygen required to oxidize organic and inorganic compounds in water, reflecting organic pollution levels and treatment efficacy.

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)

Measures the amount of dissolved oxygen consumed by microorganisms during the decomposition of organic matter, reflecting organic pollution levels.

Chlorine Demands (CLD)

Evaluates the demand for chlorine in water treatment processes, crucial for effective disinfection and maintaining water quality standards.

Bisulfide & Hydrogen Sulfide (HS- / H2S)

Detects the presence of sulfide compounds in water, indicating potential corrosion and health hazards.

Chlorine Dioxide

Chlorine Dioxide is a powerful oxidizing agent used for the disinfection of potable water, cooling towers, process water and food processing.

Chlorine

Chlorine is an effective disinfectant and oxidant used globally within drinking water, wastewater, food processing, swimming pools and cooling tower applications.

Color

Assesses the visual appearance of water, indicating potential contaminants or natural substances influencing water quality.