Class 4 Water Treatment Plant: Steps Necessary to Ensure Safe Water Distribution

Presenter: Chloe Marlette, Physiology and Neurobiology, Global Public Health Scholars

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For my practicum project, I interned at the City of Bowie Water Treatment Plant. This is a class 4 water treatment facility where I assisted in the production of safe drinking water for approximately 35,000 citizens. During my time, I learned how the distribution system and its parts work to ensure there is proper pressure in the system to produce an adequate water supply. I performed basic lab and chemistry work by conducting chemical residual testing and quality testing under the supervision of a licensed water treatment plant operator such as free chlorine residual, iron residual, pH, hardness, and alkalinity. I also observed and assisted in the collection of water samples from various distribution sites for bacteriological testing under a licensed sampler. Lastly, I performed data entry and assisted/performed daily quality checks from points of distribution systems. Certain contaminants in water can lead to health issues such as gastrointestinal illness, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders; where infants, young children, pregnant women, and the elderly are most at risk. Data from WHO and UNICEF reveal that 2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water. Data also shows that worldwide, millions of people suffer from diseases such as Guinea worm disease, Buruli ulcer, and schistosomiasis, which are often found in places with unsafe drinking water, poor sanitation, and insufficient hygiene practices. From this experience, I learned how much goes into ensuring that the water going out to the public is safe. The number of resources from chemicals, machinery, and people really opened my eyes to the privilege it is to have clean water. By analyzing water quality in one community, I was able to gain a better understanding of the number of resources required and how many communities do not have access to this.