A triple bottom line approach to optimising odour removal from a residential water supply

Abstract Feedwater to Euroa Water Treatment Plant contains increasingly high levels of natural organic matter (NOM) which were determined cause its strong earthy odour. A multidisciplinary approach was used evaluate the coagulation process better remove taste and odour (T&O) causing organics from water supplied local towns. Such NOM require elevated doses coagulant for removal, accounting approximately 60% chemical costs. need arose reduce these operational However, community expectations regarding T&O, social environmental impacts, are not typically considered in this process. The corporation, Goulburn Valley Water, undertook a case study involving comparison three coagulants optimise (triple bottom line, TBL) perspective. financial assessment incorporated costs potential infrastructure requirements. investigated overall impacts on staff operating treatment plant their broader involvement. focused impact downstream changes sludge volumes wastewater quality, third-party greenhouse gas emissions deliveries. From TBL viewpoint, aluminium chlorohydrate most beneficial option.