Chapter 7 - Springwater treatment

Abstract

Springs emerging from soils with high organic-matter levels typically have higher dissolved organic compound concentrations and notable water color. In general, however, the chemical and physical nature of the water from many springs remains relatively stable over time. The notable exceptions are springs arising from karst formations, as they are influenced more quickly by the aboveground occurrences, such as storms and human activities, including farming and improper waste disposal practices. This is because their primary flow paths are often fissures, fractures, and channels within and between rock layers. The variability in the flow and storage volume of a karst spring, as well as travel distances and land use in its recharge area, can make the spring particularly susceptible to anthropogenic contamination. This vulnerability increases water quality variability and the complexity of treatment that may be required before springwater can be used. Anthropogenic contaminants, which are typically organic compounds, include industrial chemicals, fuel components, agricultural supplies such as pesticides and fertilizers, and most recently, pharmaceuticals. These compounds are typically stable in the dissolved phase. For this reason, water treatment methods must be chemically or mechanically energetic, which increases their capital and operating costs relative to more traditional techniques. The technologies used for springwater conditioning are those used to treat groundwater and surface water. Their engineering and operation are well understood and readily available. The most significant challenge is adequate monitoring of springs that are quickly affected by surface events, such as rain events, and adjustment of treatment plant operations to remove new constituents or continue control of increased levels of those already present.