THE AUTOMATION OF WATER PRODUCTION PLANTS

Synopsis Water is the basis of life and has a direct bearing on human health. Impurities present in surface waters can affect the turbidity and the safety of the water. Turbidity adds colour, taste and opacity to the water whilst safety is influenced by the presence of microorganisms. These are responsible for diseases such as cholera, typhoid, gastroenteritis, dysentery and hepatitis, in third world and some other countries. As population grows and resources become depleted, the pressure we place on the environment is increasing quite markedly. Even though 2/3rds of our planet is covered in water, the amount of useful drinking water is barely able to support the demand and in some parts of the world there is simply not enough. Water production plants range from small boreholes with the minimum of treatment to large modern structures covering several square kilometres. These plants produce potable water but sadly over 50% may go waste through leakage and mis-use. Modern instrumentation systems can significantly aid in raising water quality, reducing the safety issues and in the correct supply and distribution of this precious resource. This paper looks at the production process and shows automation methods to ensure optimisation production and supply quality.