Taylor's University - Building Services 0816 - Report Assignment

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SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN
BACHELOR OF QUANTITY SURVEYING (HONOURS)
BUILDING SERVICES 1 (BLD 60403)
WATER TREATMENT FOR DOMESTIC WATER SUPPLIES
NAME STUDENT ID
PHON KIT POI 0328435
LIEU XUE QI 0327523
SEW YUE LING 0327032
HONG LI VIAN 0327007
LEE LIN HUI 0322797
FONG KAH YAN 0322815

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CONTENT PAGE
Introduction 3-4
Management System 5-11
Installation Process 12-28
The Advantages and Disadvantages 29-30
Possible Problems to the System 31-33
Case Study 34-37
Recommendations for the Future Improvement 38-41
Learning from the Group Work Project 42-43
References 44-45

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INTRODUCTION
Water Treatment for Domestic Water Supplies is the topic that we had chosen for our Building
Services 1 assignment. This topic is talking about the process of contaminated water that had to
treated into a drinkable and useable water. All living things need water to survive. Once the
surface water and groundwater are contaminated, we have to provide water treatment to ensure
the water is clean and safe for drinking purpose. Poor quality of water can cause health problem
to the living organisms. Water can consider as one of the main resource in the Earth. At the same
time, water is reuse over and over again and this process is name as water cycle.
The water cycle explain the movement of water in the Earth through the surface of the earth or
rises into the atmosphere. While the sun rise up, the temperature of the earth will increase. So
the water will evaporate .While the water cool down, it will form clouds.When the cloud get heavier,
it will drop on the ground as rain or snow. Snow will be melt while the temperature get warmer
and the liquid will flow into lakes and rivers.
Due to the water cycle process, we know that the amount of water is always remain the same.
From a research tell us that about 97% is sea water and only 3% is the freshwater in lakes and
rivers. Unfortunately, the 3% of water may contaminated by pollution or human activities.

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Therefore, we have to go through a process called water treatment. This process will makes water
become more acceptable to utilize. In this treatments process, the impurities or solid compound
will be remove from the water. The aim of water treatment is to render the water safe and clean
and to ensure the treated water quality meets the drinking water requirement and reduce the
percentage of these impurities to a level which will not harm us. Untreated water will cause
infectious diseases,which may cause epidemics and canbe fatal. The types of treatment required
depends on the characteristics of the untreated water. For the raw water can purified by some
steps as shown below:
In addition, they have several steps to go through such as screening, aeration, coagulation and
flocculation, sedimentation, filtration and disinfection. The water sources can divided into two
categories, surface sources and underground sources. Surface sources are lakes, rivers and
reservoirs. Underground sources are shallow and deep well.

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WATER TREATMENT PROCESS
The major process of water treatment includes intake, screening, aeration, coagulation,
flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection and distribution.
Intake
Clean and safe water is essential to our daily life. Water is essential for healthiness, cleanliness
and the productivity of our community.However, how do we get the water? Raw water is obtained
from the river, lake or reservoir through pumps. At this stage, those big and large objects such as
wood, leaves, algae, fish and other objectionable suspended matter are prevented from entering
the intake with the water. Intake can be classified into three categories. The following table shows
the details.

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Category 1
Submerged intake It is constructed entirely under water and also commonly used to
obtain water from lakes.
Exposed intake It is in the form of oil or tower constructed near the river bank and
are more common due to the ease of operation.
Category 2
Wet intake The water level in the tower is same as the level of the water
supply sources.
Dry intake Water enter the port directly into the conveying pipes in case
there is no water in the water tower.
Category 3
River intake It may located inside the river or near the river bank where it
reaches the required depth of water to prevent where there is
shortage of water.
Reservoir intake It is similar to river intake, a dam is constructed across it to store
water in the reservoir when the flow of river is not guaranteed
throughout the year.
Lake intake It is constructed in the bed of the lake as to draw water during dry
season.
Canal intake It is located in the bank of canal and it is used in small town as
an irrigation canal. In Malaysia, Sungai Perak obtained untreated
water supply. Untreated water is pumped from the river and it will
go through some stages of the treatment process before being
offered for domestic water and consumption.
Screening
Screening is the first treatment station. Screen is a device with openings that use to filter the water
by removing and blocking the larger particles that carried by the water. At this stage, floating
objects and other suspended material are removed from the water. There are three types of
screens:Coarse screen,Fine screen and Microstrainer. Coarse screenis to prevent large objects
from entering the conveyance system. Fine screen normally fits after the coarse screens to
remove smaller objects that may cause operation and maintenance to the system. Very fine

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suspended matter suchas algae and plankton are removed from the fabric by high pressurewater
jets through Microstrainer screen.
Aeration
A device called aerator is used in this process. This is the process that brings air and other gases
in contact with water in order to remove dissolved gases and metals such as carbon dioxide, iron
and manganese in an aeration tank. There are two methods of aeration. Water-fall aerator is a
method of aeration and it is most common used in industry. Gas transfer by causing the water to
break into drops of thin films. Air is diffused into a vessel containing counter-current flowing water
through air diffusion aerator.
Coagulation
Generally, coagulation is a procedure to form a “floc” by attracting small particles in water. The
main purpose of this stage is to increase the settling velocity for the functions of water filtration
and purification. Sometimes, coagulant-aid is used to enhance the procedure of the primary
coagulant.
In this process,a chemicalsuchas liquid aluminium sulfate also called alum and/or polymer which
produces positive charges to counteract the negative charges on the particles is added to
untreated water during coagulation. Then and there the particles cling together and forming bigger
particles which are more easily removed.

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Flocculation
After rapid mixing, the particles are under a neutral charge and can be clung together. After that,
the water flows into the flocculation tank. The flow of water is slowed and brings the small particles
together to form heavier particles in the tank with paddles. Mixing is made quite slowly and
moderately during the flocculation step. If the mixing is too fast, the flocs will break apart into small
particles and will occur the problem that difficult to remove in sedimentation or filtration. Under
most situations, a flocculant is essential to begin the flocculation process. The most common
flocculants are calcium, aluminum, iron, and magnesium. When ‘flocs’ are fully formed, they can
be entirely removed through the process of filtration.
Sedimentation
Before the process of coagulation, sedimentation is used to reduce the concentration of particles
in suspension and also to decrease the sum of coagulating chemicals required. After the process
of flocculation, the water flows into sedimentation tanks where the water moves gently and the

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heavier and larger floc particles to settle to the bottom and are removed as well as the clear water
moves off the top of the filtration chamber. Floc which is collected from the bottom of the tanks is
called sludge and it is piped to drying lagoons. Small particles settle more gently than larger
particles. It would take a long period of time for all of the particles to settle out and that would
mean we would need a massive sedimentation tanks. Thus the clear water with most of the
particles removed moves off the top to the filtration chamber.
Filtration
After that, the water flows into the filtration apparatus made of layers of sand which does the
filtering, gravel which possess the sand from getting out and an underdrain where the crystalclear
water exits to remove particles in the water. After the filter is managed for a moment, the sand
becomes clogged with particles when water flows through the sand filter and must be
backwashed. Flow through the filter is reversed as well as the sand and particles are suspended.
The particles rise up and are flushed from the system because they are lighter than sand. Crystal
clear water that has been filtered will be received by the pipes underneath the sand. When
backwashing is completed, the sand settles down onto the gravel, flow is reversed and the
process begins again. Filtration gathers the suspended contaminations in water and gets rid of
any remaining microscopic particles and microorganisms as well as increases the effectiveness
of disinfection.

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Disinfection
Last but not least, the water with particles removed is disinfected in order to protect it against
bacteria so that no pathogens remain in the water. Clear water flows into the clear water tank
where enough chlorine is added so that some residues are allowed to go out in the water
distribution system which makes it safe to drink and to protect the public after the water departs
from the plant. Chlorine can kill germs and microorganisms and it is a very effective disinfectant
and the remaining concentrations can be retained to guard against possible biological
contamination in the water distribution system.

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Distribution
Finally, water is pumped from the clear water tank into reservoir or a closed tank where it flows
through pipes to homes. Pumping of the clean water produced at the process of water treatment
to the community is known as distribution. This can be done directly or by firstly pumping the
water to water storage tanks or reservoir. The water can flow down because of gravity to the
people if it is stored on a hill.

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WATER SUPPLY DISTRIBUTION
The purpose of water distribution system is to deliver water to consumer from the water treatment
plant to storage then to the house. There are two types of water treatment system in house. They
can improve the overall taste, smell and appearance of water, remove chemicals and minerals.
Point-of-use systems:Installed on a single tap and treat for drinking and cooking water only. Most
common is reverse osmosis system.
Point-of-entry systems: Installed on the main water supply line, treat the whole house water. Most
common is water softener and water filter.
Point-of-use system and point-of-entry system can work together to meet the requirement of water
needed.
Advantages of these systems:
I. No chemicals are added into water.
II. The process is not affected by ammonia and pH.

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Water Pipes Distribution
Water pipes is a pipeline to deliver water to house.
The distribution pipes basically are laid below the road pavements, and there are four different
types of pipe network.
Grid-iron system
It is suitable for cities with rectangular layout.
Ring system
The water main supply is laid all along the peripheral roads and the sub mains branch out of the
mains. The water flow is similar to grid system but the character is same as the dead end system.

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Radial system
The area is divided into different zones. The reservoir is at the middle of the zone and the water
is pumped from it. The sub main water pipes are distributed around the reservoir.
Dead end system
It is suitable for old towns and cities having no different pattern of roads.

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Method of Water Distribution
Depending on the level of the source, water is supplied by different type of pressurizeddistribution
system.
Gravity system
It is suitable to use when the source is at sufficient height. It is the most economical distribution
system.
Pumping system
It also called pumping without storage system, high lift pumps are required.

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Combined gravity and pumping system
Most common system, treated water is pumped and stored in an elevated reservoir and supply
by action of gravity.
Distribution Reservoir
It is used to store the treated water for emergency used. There are two types of reservoirs.
Surface reservoirs: It is also called ground reservoir. It is in rectangular or circular shape. It is
commonly used in large areas of city. It is constructed at high natural ground.
Elevated reservoirs: it is used when the area of the city is not suitable for under gravity. It is
economical than surface reservoir because of reduce pumping requirements. It is in rectangular,
circular and elliptical shape.

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Material Used for Piping
 Ductile cast iron pipe
 Gray cast iron pipe
 Asbestos pipe
 Steel pipe
 Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe
 Concrete pipe
Material Advantages Disadvantages
Ductile cast iron pipe
 Long life span
 Resist bending and
twisting without breaking
 Heavy
 Easily to corrode
Gray cast iron pipe
 High level of stability
 Resistant to corrosion
 Low tensile strength
 Brittle
Asbestos pipe
 High tensile strength
 Light weight
 Easy to handle
 Difficult to locate when
buried
 Low flexural strength
Steel pipe
 High tensile strength
 Lighter than ductile iron or
concrete pipe
 Subjective to corrosion
 Require maintenance
PVC pipe
 Inexpensive
 Corrosion free
 Wide range of sizes
 Strength affected by
sunlight
 Require special bedding
Concrete pipe
 Easy to installed
 Low maintenance
 Less expensive than
others pipe
 Heavy
 May deteriorate in
corrosive soils

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Connecting Pipes in House
Communication pipe
Pipe from water main or other source of portable water supply to the water distribution system.
Distribution pipe
A pipe which convey water from the water service pipe or meter to the point of utilization.
Riser
Water supply pipe that convey water to branches or to a group of fixtures.
Fixture branch
Water supply pipe between the fixture supply pipe and the water distributing pipe.
Fixture supply pipe
Water supply pipe connecting the fixture with the fixture branch.

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Water Supply to Residential Building
Indirect system
Direct system

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Water Filtration System
Water filtration system work to remove the chemicals and impurities in water. It is to provide clean
and clear water for drinking, shower and washing.

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Installation of water filter:
Step 1: Turn off water supply
Turn off the water supply, then turn on a faucet to release pressure and drain he water from the
system at the lower point in the house.
Step 2: Choose a location for filter
You need to choose a suitable location for the installation of water filter. Choose a place that is
near the shutoff value.
Step 3: Cut the pipe
Use a pen to mark down the location that had selected to install the water filter on the pipe. Use
a pipe cutter to make two cuts on the selected section and remove it. Place a bucket underneath
to catch the remaining water. Clean the just-cut pipe with emery cloth so that we won’t be cutting
off.
Step 4: Attach the fittings
Place a compression nut, small end first, on one of the cut pipe ends. Wrap Teflon tape around
the thread of the outlet fitting then tighten it. Screw an adapter in to the inlet of the filter. Wrap
Teflon tape around the threaded fitting on the other side. Then tighten it with a piers and pipe
wrench.
Step 5: Mount filter bracket
Pick a location to install the filter mounting bracket. Mark, measureand cut it to the require length.
Use a lag bolts supplied with the mounting board.
Step 6: Position the filter
Ensure that all the filter fittings is connected and tighten. Fasten it to the mounting bracket by
using lag bolts. Do not over tighten. The mounting bracket can be adjusted as needed. The filter
need to be install in a proper way, if not it won’t function. The “in” port should be connected to the
end closer to the water meter, the “out” port should be point toward to water heater.
Step 7: Turn on water supply
Turn the water supply on once the filter had positioned. Open both valves. Check the filter for
leaks. If you detect leaks at the filter housing, tighten it until dripping stops.

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The most common type of water filter system include
 Ion exchange
 Activated carbon
 Reverse osmosis
 Ultra-violet sterilization
Ion Exchange
Ion exchange also called water softening, obviously it is use to soften the water. A common
problem that exist in our water supplies is hard water that contain magnesium and calcium ion.
This systems is to soften the hard water by replacing the magnesium and calcium ions to sodium
ions.
Process:
Hard water enter the water softener. Magnesium and calcium ions are attracted to the tiny beads.
Sodium ions on the exchange resin replace the magnesium and calcium ions. Once the beads
are saturated with magnesium and calcium ions, it will enter a 3 phase cycle.

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First is the backwash cycle, it is to remove dirt from the water.
In the recharge phase, the concentrated sodium rich salt solution is carried from the brine tank to
the softener tank. The sodium ions collect at the beads replace the calcium and magnesium ions.
The final phase is rinse cycle, the softener tank is rinse with fresh water and the brine tank is
refilled. And is ready for the next cycle.
Installation of water softener:
Step 1: Turn off the water supply, turn on all the faucet in house to drain the water lines.
Step 2: Mark down the water pipe where you want to install the pipe of water softener
Step 3: Cut the water pipe by using a pipe cutter
Step 4: Clean the pipe ends with emery cloth
Step 5: Position the water softener
Step 6: Make the pipe connection from main water pipe to the pipe of water softener
Step 7: Welded the pipe together
Step 8: Attach a discharge pipe to water softener near the drain and run it to the drain
Step 9: Fill the tank with salt
Step 10: Turn on the water supply and check for the leaks

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Activated Carbon
Activated carbon filters absorb impurities from water through the carbon cartridge. This process
is called adsorption. Basically it is used to reduce unwanted taste, odour and chemicals in the
water. Activated carbon also can reduce radon gas and residual chlorine. Carbon filters will not
remove or reduce major chemicals.
There are four types of activated carbon filters:
Faucet-mounted: Attach to the faucet where drinking water comes out
In-line: Installed beneath the kitchen sink
Line bypass: Attach to the cold water pipe, install a separate faucet at the sink in kitchen for
cooking and drinking
Point of entry: Treat all the water in the house

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Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis is a process that reduces suspended and dissolved matter such as salts,
bacteria and organic compounds from water. It is a process that the water flow from high
concentration of solute to low concentration of solute. Mechanical filters and activated carbon
filters are always used with reverse osmosis unit.

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Process:
Reverse osmosis is the reverse process of osmosis. It used a membrane under high pressure to
obtain clean water. The microscopic holes allow water to flow through. If enough of pressure is
exerted on the concentrated side, the flow of water will be reversed. As the concentrated solution
enters the reverse osmosis membrane, the salts and contaminants are not allow to pass through
and is discharge to the reject stream. The water that pass through the membrane is called
permeate water.

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Ultra-violet system
This is a system using ultraviolet light to kill the microorganisms in the water. This is a non-
chemical method to destroy the microorganisms in water so it is safe for drinking and cooking.
There are three different wavelength of ultraviolet system
Long-wavelength ultraviolet: Wavelength range 3250 to 3900 Angstrom, occur naturally in
sunlight.
Middle-wave ultraviolet: Wavelength range 2950 to 3250 Angstrom, occur naturally in sunlight.
Short-wave ultraviolet: Wavelength range 2000 to 2950 Angstrom, does not occur naturally in
Earth’s surface.
Process:
A special lamp is used to emit the UV light into the water. UV light has the ability to disrupt the
DNA/RNA of microorganisms. The frequency used to kill the microorganisms is 254 nm. When
the water pass through the UV system, the microorganisms in water are attack by the UV light
and the genetic code are rearrange and the microorganisms had malfunction. It cannot replicate
and reproduce, therefore the amount of microorganism will reduce and remove.

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Advantages of UV system
I. Cost effective
II. Clean
III. Environmentally friendly
IV. Chemical free

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Nowadays, most of the households especially those living in the urban area relies on water
treatment process to receive clean water which is important for their daily activities. Water
treatment is a process that water passes through several stages before the clean water can be
supplied to the domestic water tap. It is undeniable that water treatment process for domestic
supply really brings a lot of benefits to the society but it also has its bad side.
ADVANTAGES
i) Clean and mineral-rich water
Water treatment process can provide us clean and mineral-rich water. The process helps to
remove harmful microorganisms like copper and magnesium which can cause diarrhea, vomiting
and even death, so that the water sources safe for us to drink. However, it keeps the natural
elements in the water such as minerals which are vital for our body health.
ii) Convenient
Everyone can easily get clean water once they turn on the fixture water supply pipe that had been
installed in their houses as the water supply company delivers water to housing area with the
main public service pipe. They don’t need to get water from the well, river or lake.
iii) Control of water quality
Water of good quality is guaranteed as the water goes through a series of water treatment
processes. Large pieces of contaminants in the untreated water from reservoir are screened
before they are diverted into treatment plant while smaller contaminants are removed at the other
stages. Chlorine is also added to kill bacteria and microorganisms. Therefore, contaminants like
suspended solids, chemical substances, fine particles and other impurities which give adverse
effects to our health can be removed. The final product is safe for us to carry out our daily
activities.
iv) Less risk of being without supply
Water is pumped to a huge storage tank which is normally elevated after all the treatment
processes. The purpose of storing water in a tank is to ensure that the water supply is enough to
accommodate the demand present high population. Storing water in elevated tank also has the
benefit of creating high flow rate in the water distribution system.

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DISADVANTAGES
i) High expenses
To completely make the water clean, there are five processes whichare coagulation, flocculation,
sedimentation, filtration and disinfection that the water has to go through. Many of the water
treatment plants for those processes canbe very expensive to purchase as well as the installation
fees. Skilled labours are needed for frequent monitoring also. Coagulation is a process that alum
and other chemicals are added, these coagulant can effectively remove dirt particles and viruses
by forming tiny sticky particles called floc. Chlorine and fluoride are also added in the filtration
process. All the chemicals are another reason that causes the expenses to increase.
ii) Regular cleaning and maintenance needed
Problem like blockage always happen due to the sedimentation of silt, sand and other dirt particles
in the untreated water to the bottom of the water treatment plants. Other than that, moss or lichen
is likely to grow on the wall of those water treatment plants when they are exposed to the sunlight.
Thus, frequent cleaning and maintenance is a must.
iii) Risk of water pollution
If there is any dangerous chemical from the nearby factory accidentally enter into the river, the
water in the following water treatment plants will be affected as well. Thus, many residential areas
will experience water disruption as the water in the tank is polluted and cannot be used. It needs
to take a long time for the workers to remove the chemical and clean the water again.

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POSSIBLE PROBLEMS TO THE SYSTEM
Three general categories, physical, biological and chemical can describe water quality. The
effects on water quality in each category are described below.
1. Physical
Problem: Taste and Odor
Taste and odour can affect the quality of water by tainting certain foods and vegetables and by
reducing the palatability of foods cooked in water. The main sources of odour- and taste-bearing
substances are harmless organic materials like iron bacteria, and certain inorganic chemical
constituents such as hydrogen sulphide.
Hydrogen sulphide is the primary cause for the "rotten egg" taste and odour in water. Hydrogen
sulphide is derived from the decomposition of organic matter or sewage.
Besides, acidic (low pH) water can leach copper out of pipes causing a metallic taste. An odour
problem may occurwith the presence of iron bacteria, which may causea mustyor swampysmell
in the water.
These problems can be solved by eliminating the substances that cause the problem. Treatment
techniques such as activated carbon filtration and/or oxidation using chlorination, potassium
permanganate, ozonation or ventilation.
Problem: Turbidity and Colour
Turbidity is a visual haziness in water caused by the presence of insoluble suspended particles.
Discoloured water may contain substances such as organic compounds derived from the decay
of plant and animal matter. Other than that, discoloured water may contain certain metallic ions,
such as iron and manganese, causes the water looks yellowish, brown or red after contact with
air or heat.
Treatments for turbidity and colour usually involve settling or filtration.

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2. Biological
Problem: Pathogenic Organisms
Pathogenic (disease-causing) organisms occurring in water range from ultra-small viruses to
microscopic bacteria to relatively large protozoa. Bacteriologic and protozoan pathogens can
cause typhoid, dysentery, cholera, and some types of gastroenteritis. Viruses can cause human
maladies including polio, infectious hepatitis, and some forms of gastroenteritis.
A chemical disinfectant should be effective on many types of pathogens regardless of their
quantity and it should be able to kill all pathogens within a reasonable contact time. The chemical
should also be safe and easy to handle and it should not make the water toxic or unpalatable.
In addition, the concentration of disinfectant in the water should be easy to monitor and the
disinfection should provide residual protection against possible recontamination.
3. Chemical
Problem: Hardness
Hardness, which is very common in water supplies, is caused by calcium and magnesium in
water. Hardness at a moderate level (3 to 7 grains per gallon [gpg] or 50 to 120 milligrams per
liter [mg/L]) may be beneficial because water becomes acidic at low hardness levels, which may
cause plumbing corrosion or leaching of lead from soldered plumbing joints into the drinking
water.
Hard water is disadvantageous because soap does not clean efficiently and may leave an
insoluble curd on bathtubs, sinks, clothing, and skin. Hard water also deposits a scale inside
pipes, boilers, and hot water tanks, reducing their capacity and heat-transfer properties.
The condition is commonly treated with water softeners.
Problem: Iron
Iron compounds,commonin rocks and soil, are easily dissolved in water, particularly acidic water.
The earth's crust is a major source of iron; hence, iron mainly exists in many ground water
supplies. Water that contains iron can cause corroding metal in pipes, pumps, and other water-

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related fixtures. It may also leave iron stains on sinks, tubs, showers and other water using
appliances that makes water smell bad.
A water-test can determine how much iron is present in the water pipes and types of iron it is.
Problem: Radon
Radon is a colourless, odourless and tasteless radioactive gas. It is formed during the decay of
naturally occurring minerals containing radioactive elements such as uranium. Radon gas may
enter a home through two primary pathways: cracks in the foundation and release from the water
supply used inside the home.
Radon in water is commonly treated through ventilation.
Problem: Industrial Chemicals
This is a general term for a broad range of hazardous or regulated substances and wasteproducts
that are not naturally occurring. They may end up in the ground water supply if they are improperly
handled.
A few examples of these types of materials include organic compounds (e.g., benzene, MTBE),
heavy metals (e.g., cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, etc.), pesticides and herbicides,
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), petroleum hydrocarbon fuels, and polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Treatment methods may include activated carbon filtration, ion-exchange, neutralization and
others.

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CASE STUDY
SYARIKAT BEKALAN AIR SELANGOR SDN. BHD.
History of SYABAS
Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (SYABAS) is a water supply company that supply water
to Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. Currently Tan Sri Rozali Ismail is the CEO of SYABAS.
This company is a backup of Puncak Niaga Holdings Berhad (PNHB) was consolidated on eighth
of July 1996 under the Malaysian Companies Act, 1965 to embrace the privatization of water
supply benefits in the State of Selangor and the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and
Putrajaya. SYABAS' key business is to give quality administrations to the purchasers. In this
manner, it endeavours to address the issues and requests of its customers all together to
guarantee that the administrations gave are of most elevated standard.
The administrations incorporate providing continuous clean water to shoppers and separated from
that, SYABAS performs periodical and standard support of foundation and water-related
resources, for example, supplanting maturing funnels and water meters. SYABAS likewise does

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its part in CSR exercises through different projects to make customer mindfulness on water-
related issues to guarantee the standard personal satisfaction is supported.
Management of SYABAS
SYABAS has invested millions in its Information Communication Technology (ICT) so that the
services that provided by them can meet the present requirement and quality that meets the
international acceptance standards. They ensure their critical departments and personnel are
equipped with advanced technology to meet and if possible exceed, the increasing complex
demand of its consumers in terms of turnaround reaction time as well as providing solution to
resolve every single incoming problems.
Computer Data Centre Redundancy Infrastructure that is equipped with fault-tolerance high
availability system is another system that is developed and deployed by SYABAS. Their
frameworks and PC servers are upheld by the Data Centre’s fiber optics so that their systems are
always up and running 24 hours without failed, which in turn enable the Data Centre to resolve
future computer catastrophe involving loss of information and operation down-time. SYABAS also
has VPN Network Infrastructure that runs on 1.5 mega-bits per second bandwidth speed that can
connect all district offices with the HQ for a better work correspondence and synchronization.
SWIMS which stands for SYABAS Water Management Information System is a computerised
framework that is deployed by SYABAS, the purpose of SWIMS is to support Company’s business
strategies and to centralise the computer system with integrated architectural design.
SWIMS has three major management systems which are integrated that comprised other
components apart from GIS mapping system. They are SCADA/Telemetry; Network modelling,
Water Quality, Non-Revenue Water (NRW) and Operation and Maintenance systems which are
under Engineering systems. Commercial systems that comprise Billing and Collection system,
Customer Service and Development Plan approval systems while Support systems comprise
Procurement, Accounting, Store Inventory, Human Resource & Administration and Enforcement
& Legal systems.
After SYABAS took over the water treatment system, they collected maps and asset information
from Districts and various Departments which were not centralized. Most of them are paper-
intensive documents, centralized mapping in a digital and database format was non-existent.
SYABAS first started to carry out a GIS-based (Geographical Information System) mapping and

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water distribution asset registration system. GIS-based system is used to facilitate asset
inventories and asset management and assist in the planning and expansion of the water supply
system to meet rapid development in the state. It also helps to improve the efficiency and
effectiveness of the operational control and management of the complex water distribution with
centralized information on the water distribution system.
The SWIMS framework focuses on five major SYABAS Value Chain management process.
The 5 management processes are:
1. Supporting process: that comprises Finance, Administration, Legal, and Human
Resource, procurement, technology and R&D Management
2. Process Management: that comprises Program and Project & Contract Management.
3. Core Business Process: that comprises Supply, Operations & Maintenance, Billing &
Collections, Development Plan Approval and Customer Service
4. Quality Management: that comprises Training and Client Charter Compliance
Management
5. Product Information: that comprises Distribution Infrastructure Assets.
Water Quality of SYABAS
1. Quality Assurance Programme by Ministry of Health (MOH)
When SYABAS took over in 2005, water quality becomes more clean and safe to drink. The water
supplied by SYABAS is comply by the “National Standard For Drinking Water Quality” (NSDWQ)
issued by the Ministry of Health (MOH). Water quality of SYABAS is monitored by MOH and is
testing under its Quality Assurance Programme (QAP).
To ensure water quality, MOH collect an average 1000 water supplies throughout Kuala Lumpur,
Selangor and Putrajaya. From year 2010 to year 2014, the water quality of SYABAS is recorded
by MOH. The water quality is 100% complied with the Mandatory Level of Service (MLS).

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2. In-House Water Quality Assessment
From June 2006, SYABAS has started the in-house Water Quality Testing Programme. The
personnel from Districts’ Water Quality Units had collected some samples and sent to third party
for microbiological and chemical analysis.
From year 2010 to year 2014, the water quality is 100% complied with the Mandatory Level of
Service (MLS).
Responsibility of SYABAS
I. Supply treated, quality and clean water to consumers
II. Provide periodical and regular maintenance of replacing aging pipes and water meters.
III. Promotes consumer awareness on water-related issues
IV. Provide convenient payment method to consumer

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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE WATER TREATMENT PROCESS IMPROVEMENT
Healthy Natural Systems
A. Healthy natural systems are essential for human and environmental well-being and
economic prosperity. Diligently inform citizens about potential health effects of water
resource problems. The state should monitor and report accurate information on water
quality issues affecting public health, making such information promptly available via print
and electronic media and at places where the public regularly uses the waters of the state
or seeks information about those waters. Local emergency responders must also receive
timely information about water quality threats.
B. Adopt and implement a final in stream flow policy that protects natural seasonal flow
patterns. The state should adopt a final in stream flow policy that restores, maintains, and
preserves natural seasonal flow patterns for streams and rivers. The finalized flow policy
should minimize the biological disruption caused by barriers to flow for all waters — for
water quality, ecology, and economic benefits, including recreation. The final policy should
be science-based, protective of in stream needs, and should account for seasonal flow
variations. Until a final policy is developed, site-specific in stream flow studies should be
required of all new projects including reservoirs that have the potential to significantly alter
natural stream flow. The results of these studies should be used to establish flow
requirements downstream of such projects.
C. The low flows in the river’s system in west central and southwest Malaysia illustrate the
result of the current lack of protections for minimum flows in many rivers throughout
Malaysia. Though recent droughts have garnered headlines for their intensity and
economic effects, current water withdrawal levels are forcing many waterways into a
permanent drought state, even when rainfalls are at normal levels. In addition to that, other
rivers throughout Malaysia exhibit a downward trend in flow level. While climate change
(as evidenced by shifts in rainfall patterns) may explain someof this result, over permitting

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of water withdrawals from these economically valuable and diverse river and creek
systems, and systematic lack of returns, is the major cause.
D. Protect Malaysia’s remaining free-flowing streams and river segments from dams.
Malaysia’s remaining free-flowing streams and stream segments are vital for people and
wildlife of Malaysia. Therefore, the state should consider the construction of reservoirs
and dams only as a last resort for water supply. When evaluating whether to construct
new reservoirs and dams,the state should first considerwater conservation and efficiency,
as well as optimizing operations of existing impoundments and expansion of existing
reservoirs in order to minimize further impacts to rivers and streams. Malaysia should
prohibit the construction of water supply reservoirs for private uses such as amenity lakes
for residential developments. EPD should promptly initiate rulemaking on reservoir
permitting that was outlined in the 2008 Comprehensive State-wide Water Management
Plan. Furthermore, a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement should be
prepared for every new reservoir project in Malaysia.
E. Minimize the adverse impacts of power plants on Malaysia’s waters. Coal-fired and
nuclear power plants withdraw and consume significant amounts of water from our
waterways and are the largest water-use sector in the state. Water that is not lost through
evaporation is heated and discharged back into streams, resulting in warmer, oxygen-
depleted water that harms ecosystems. Power plants emit mercury, sulfur dioxide,
nitrogen oxide, and other toxins, which are deposited in our streams and consumedby the
fish and shellfish which many people eat. Residue coal ash ponds leak harmful toxins into
our waterways and pose significant risk. The state should enact and enforce protective
coal ash disposal regulations. Additionally, new energy supply options or technologies that
are less water intensive should be researched and developed before new water intensive
power plants are permitted. Old, inefficient, dirty power plants in Malaysia should be
retired, and water budgets should be established and made public for all thermoelectric
plants.

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F. Protect and restore groundwater resources and aquifer recharge areas. The state must
protect and restore groundwater resources, including significant recharge areas,
concentrated recharge areas, and aquifers, by increasing legal and regulatory protections
and enforcing existing laws and regulations. The state should broaden restrictions on land
activities above aquifer recharge areas. We cannot allow contaminants to enter aquifers
through these areas. The state should expand its monitoring and assessment of
groundwater resources throughout the state, and should specifically focus on increasing
our understanding of the relationship between groundwater and surface water. The state
should also increase protections for private wells.
G. Preserve and restorevegetated buffers adjacent to all of Malaysia’s state waters,including
small streams, freshwater wetlands, coastal marshlands, floodplains, and reservoirs.
Natural buffers protect water quality, filter stormwater, provide flood control, prevent
erosion, preserve native flora and fauna, and serve as wildlife habitat. Implementation of
vegetated buffers on wetlands should be strengthened to reflect the value of all of these
functions and to reflect scientific understanding of what is needed to protect water quality.
The state must enforce stream buffer regulations uniformly and minimize the granting of
variances. The state must provide sufficient funding for meaningful enforcement, and
create and apply effective penalties that include buffer repair and restoration when
violations are committed.The state also should provide financial incentives for the creation
and retention of green infrastructure, including riparian buffers, wetlands, floodplains,
living shorelines, and other pervious green space, which are costeffective means of
enhancing both water quality and quantity and preventing floods.
H. Ensure protection of freshwater wetlands and restore degraded wetlands. Malaysia’s
freshwater wetlands recharge aquifers, improve water quality, filter pollutants, provide
flood control, and serve as habitat for wildlife. Protections for, and restoration of,
freshwater wetlands, including the use of buffers, should reflect the value of all of these
functions. Additionally, federal Section must adequately provide for wetland mitigation
requirements, and these requirements need to be enforced.

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I. Develop and implement a comprehensive plan for headwaters protection. All of Malaysia’s
fourteen river basins have their headwaters in Malaysia. Safeguarding these headwaters,
including springheads and stream buffers, is vital to the protection of water quality, water
quantity, and the health of our aquatic resources. Protecting water quality upstream can
save money downstream. Focus should also be on minimizing segmentation of protected
stream reaches.

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LEARNING FROM GROUP WORK PROJECT
In this assignment, our group consists of 6 members,with 6 brains put together, there were plenty
of ideas and opinions that come out with. Group leader is Phon Kit Poi, and the group members
are Sew Yue Ling, Hong Li Vian, Lee Lin Hui, Lieu Xue Qi and Fong Kah Yan. The group members
are in team work and we had a leader to guide us on what we need to do. Our assignment topic
is “Water Treatment for Domestic Water Supplies”. We distribute the task evenly and we started
our work after the first meeting. In this assignment, we had gained a lot of knowledge about the
water supplies.
To obtain a clean, clear and safe water to drink and use, it is not easy. The raw water must go
through several steps and processes to ensure that the water is safe to drink and use. Other than
that, in completing this assignment we are now able to know how the water treatment process is
carried out, the importance of water supplies and the device and system used for water treatment.
Apart from that, we get to know more detail about Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn. Bhd.
(SYABAS). From this case study, we know the history of SYABAS, management system of
SYABAS and of course the water quality and responsibility of SYABAS. We know that water is
not easily to obtain so we will have to treasure on the water supply.
In this assignment, we had developed quite number of skills in completing it. First of all, we had
gained improvement in our communication skill. We discussed our ideas with our group mates,
because communication help us to express our thoughts. Moreover, we had learnt to understand
each of the group mates through their communication and this can strengthen our team work in
completing the assignment. Having the communication skills, we could face fewer difficulties to
speak out confidently during upcoming interviews or presentation.
Through discussion, we also able to develop thinking and problem solving skills. When one of the
members expressed an idea, we can also tried to think and make better solution,
recommendations or even improvements. Problems could occur everywhere. So thinking and
problem solving skills is very important to help us detect its source and ways to resolve it
effectively.
On the other hand, this is the most important skill in completing this assignment. We had
developed the discipline and specific knowledge skills. We are able to put theories into practice.
People said “practice makes perfect” and in this assignment, it is a challenge for us in the

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beginning, but we took it as a practice for us to gain more knowledge in this “Building Services 1”
subject.
In addition, we had also developed intrapersonal skills. In competing this assignment, we had
learnt different moral value from each of the members such as patient, team work, hard-working
and problem solving. These will be a useful skills for us in the future to become a qualified Quantity
Surveyor. In our life, we can use these skill to solve many problems in our study or even working
fields.
Last but not least, we had gained interpersonal skills. We learnt to work with different types of
people, we tried to adapt, tolerate, accommodate and care about each other when working with
them to ensure that this assignment can go well and everyone can works well together in a team.
In conclusion, there are more benefits in a group assignment than individual.

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REFERENCES
1. Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention,U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
(2014). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/home-water-
treatment/household_water_treatment.html
2. Chris Woodford (2016). How do water filters work? Retrieved from
http://www.explainthatstuff.com/howwaterfilterswork.html
3. Disclaimer Sitemap (2011). Water treatment processes. Retrieved from
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Processes.aspx
4. Domestic Water Treatment for Homeowners. (n.d.). Retrieved November 14, 2016, from
https://agwt.org/content/domestic-water-treatment-homeowners#WATER
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6. Georgia Water Coalition Partners (2014). Retrieved from
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7. IWA Publications (2016). Sedimentation processes. Retrieved from
http://www.iwapublishing.com/news/sedimentation-processes
8. Michigan Environmental Education Curriculum (2003). Drinking Water Treatment-
Coagulation. Retrieved from
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9. Michigan Environmental Education Curriculum (2003). Drinking Water Treatment –
Disinfection. Retrieved from http://techalive.mtu.edu/meec/module03/Sources-
SurfaceWater.htm
10. Michigan Environmental Education Curriculum (2003). Drinking Water – Distribution.
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Flocculation. Retrieved from
http://techalive.mtu.edu/meec/module03/DrinkingWaterProcess.htm
12. Michigan Environmental Education Curriculum (2003). Drinking Water Treatment –
Filtration. Retrieved from http://techalive.mtu.edu/meec/module03/Sources-
Groundwater.htm

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13. Minimum Cost Housing Group, McGill University (2016). Retrieved from
https://www.mcgill.ca/mchg/student/sanitation/chapter7
14. Rainwater Cisterns: Design, Construction, and Water Treatment, Penn State College of
Agricultural Sciences (2016). Retrieved from http://extension.psu.edu/natural-
resources/water/drinking-water/cisterns-and-springs/rainwater-cisterns-design-
construction-and-water-treatment
15. Seawater Reverse Osmosis, seawater desalination Malaysia, Lyndsey Gilpin (2014).
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future-of-water/
16. Syarikat Bekalan air Selangor Sdn. Bhd. (n.d). Retrieved November 19, 2016, from
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17. Syarikat Bekalan air Selangor Sdn. Bhd. (n.d). Retrieved November 22, 2016, from
https://www.syabas.com.my/corporate/about-us-ict
18. The National Academies Press (2006). Drinking Water Distribution Systems. Retrieved
from https://www.nap.edu/read/11728/chapter/3
19. Valerie Webber (2015). How does drinking contaminated water affect our health?
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contaminated-water-affect-our-health/
20. VertMarkets (1996). Water distribution system challenges and solutions. Retrieved from
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0001
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