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Introduction to Drinking Water Treatment

Overview

A 3-day course covers the basics of drinking water supply. The course covers the sampling analysis and assessment of surface and borehole water sources to determine if it is suitable as a supply of drinking water. SANS241 and how it is used to compile a Water Safety Plan, is discussed in detail. Conventional treatment of surface and advanced treatment to remove specific contaminants, are explained. Regulatory requirements to manage a water supply system, are covered. 

Why Should an Individual Attend?

  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of drinking water quality, from source assessment to final treatment and distribution.
  • Master the application of SANS 241 standards to compile effective, regulation-compliant Water Safety Plans.
  • Learn to plan and execute a robust sampling program, including preparation, collection, and quality assurance.
  • Build practical skills in water analysis, enabling accurate interpretation of microbial, chemical, and physical parameters.
  • Conduct and apply Jar Tests to design efficient conventional water treatment systems tailored to specific water sources.
  • Explore advanced treatment technologies, including membrane filtration, ion exchange, and activated carbon processes.
  • Understand the Blue Drop Certification framework, including key performance areas and compliance requirements.
  • Apply theory to real-world case studies, reinforcing your ability to manage water safety and treatment systems with confidence.

Outcomes

At the end of this course, delegates will confidently be able to:

  • Assess water sources with confidence, ensuring safe and reliable supply.
  • Apply SANS 241 standards to compile robust Water Safety Plans.
  • Plan effective sampling programs that guarantee accurate monitoring.
  • Interpret water analysis results to drive informed decisions.
  • Conduct Jar Tests and translate findings into practical plant design.
  • Master conventional treatment processes for everyday applications.
  • Explore advanced technologies shaping the future of water purification.
  • Navigate Blue Drop requirements to meet compliance and excellence standards.
  • Compile Water Safety Plans that protect communities and build trust.
  • Apply theory to case studies for hands‑on, practical learning.

Program Outline

Assessment

  • Concepts of Water Quality
  • Microbial, Physical and Chemical Determinants
  • SANS 241

Sampling

  • Concepts and Objectives of Drinking Water Quality Sampling
  • Planning the Sampling Program
  • Preparing for the sampling exercise
  • Sample collection

Analysis

  • General Information on Water Quality Analysis
  • Analysis Process
  • Quality Assurance Considerations

Application of SANS 241

  • Surface Water Case Study
  • Borehole Water Case Study Controller
  • Treated Sewage directly to Drinking Water

Conventional Water Treatment

  • Coagulation
  • Flocculation
  • Sedimentation

Advanced Water Treatment

  • Membrane Processes:
    • Microfiltration
    • Ultrafiltration
    • Nanofiltration
    • Reverse Osmosis
  • Iron & Manganese Removal
  • Ion Exchange
  • Activated Carbon Adsorption

Jar Test Illustration

  • Utilising Jar Tests to design a Conventional Water Treatment Plant

Management: Blue Drop Certification

  • KPA 1: Capacity Management (15%)
  • KPA 2: Drinking Water Quality Risk Management (20%)
  • KPA 3: Financial Management (15%)
  • KPA 4: Technical Management (15%)
  • KPA 5: Drinking Water Quality Compliance (35%)

Management: Water Safety Planning

  • Water Safety Planning Tool
  • Step 1: Record of Completion
  • Step 2: Assemble the Team
  • Step 3: Describe the System
  • Step 4: Evaluate the Source
  • Step 5: Assess the Source
  • Step 6: Evaluate the Treatment System
  • Step 7: Assess the Treatment System
  • Step 8: Evaluate the Network
  • Step 9: Assess the Network
  • Step 10: Corrective Actions
  • Stepp 11: Summary

Management: WSP Status

Checklist

  • Water Safety Planning Status Checklist Tool

Who Should Attend?

  • Municipal Water Services Managers & Employees
  • Water Treatment Plant Supervisors & Process Controllers
  • Water Utility Company Managers and Employees
  • Water Infrastructure Civil, Mechanical & Electrical Contractors
  • Pollution Control Officers
  • Health Inspectors
  • Water Infrastructure Project Managers
  • Architects and Town Planners
  • Environmental Consultants
Validation Number/s:
Coordinator: Blessings Banda
Fee:
Schedules: