Area-Wide Optimization Program
SC DHEC initiated the SC
Area-Wide Optimization Program (AWOP) in 1997. AWOP is an effort to
optimize the performance of existing surface water treatment
facilities. The goal of the program is to optimize particle removal
and disinfection at all filtration plants to maximize public health
protection. AWOP was originally focused on microbial contaminants,
but has expanded to include a disinfectant byproducts component.
AWOP Recent Achievement Awards
- 2004 (Awarded September 7, 2205)Annual Report: Area-Wide Optimization Program in South Carolina
- 2004(April 2005) AWOP
Poster
To request a poster, contact Richard Welch at (803) 898-3546
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Optimization reduces the risk of a waterborne disease
outbreak.
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Optimization emphasizes improving the operation of
existing facilities rather than building new facilities.
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A public health professional's responsibility is to
protect the health of their customers.
How Does AWOP Work?
Status Component
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Establish optimized performance goals.
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Prioritize water systems based on public health risk.
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Continuously monitor and assess performance data.
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Develop professional relationship with water utilities
to encourage continuous performance improvement.
Evaluation Component
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Use existing programs to focus on optimized
performance goals.
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Implement Comprehensive Performance Evaluations at
high risk systems.
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Support other evaluation programs.
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Identify and develop resources to sustain evaluation
capability.
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Provide quality control on third-party evaluation
activities.
Follow-Up Component
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Transfer optimization skills to plant personnel.
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Use developed methods to systematically address
factors which are limiting performance.
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Develop resources to provide follow-up capability.
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Performance-Based Training
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Comprehensive Technical Assistance
Maintenance Component
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Integrate AWOP into other state programs (permitting,
training activities, sanitary surveys).
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Review and revise program as needed.
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Initiate and sustain quality control activities.
South Carolina's Optimized Performance Criteria
Sedimentation/Clarification 
Performance Criteria:
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Settled water turbidity of less than 2 NTU 95 percent
of the time where average annual raw water turbidity is greater than
10 NTU.
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Settled water turbidity of less than 1 NTU 95 percent
of the time where average annual raw water turbidity is less than or
equal to 10 NTU.
Filtration Performance Criteria:
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Filtered water turbidity of less than 0.1 NTU in 95
percent of the maximum turbidity samples reported each day (excluding
15 minute period following filter backwash).
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Maximum filtered water turbidity of 0.3 NTU.
Performance Criteria:
Disinfection By-Product Criteria:
- Under Development
- Criteria will include CT, THM & HAA goals, and TOC removal goals
AWOP's Success
South Carolina has experienced great success with the AWOP program. Each year, more surface water systems have achieved optimized performance. The increasing population served by optimized plants readily demonstrates the effectiveness of AWOP. DHEC continues to promote the program and actively encourage surface water plants to commit to and achieve AWOP's goals.
South Carolina Population Served By Optimized Plants
Links
- The Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA)
- Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water
- Partnership for Safe Water
SC AWOP Team Contact
Richard Welch (803) 898-3546
Bureau of Water . Phone: (803) 898-4300 . Fax: (803) 898-4215 . Contact Us