Evaluation of source water quality standards for total coliforms, TOC, and COD in Taiwan

The objective of this research is to review the current status of source water as compared with the Taiwanese source water quality standards promulgated in 1997. The total coliforms, total organic carbon (TOC) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were selected as the major parameters for review because of their specific characteristics associated with the disinfection efficiency and disinfection by-products formation and in compliance with source water quality in Taiwan. The water treatment plant with unacceptable source water needs to improve its source water quality and establish the implementation plan based on the results of comprehensive performance evaluation. Throughout this investigation, it suggests that revisions to water quality standards be divided into two execution phases, to achieve the long-term goal of improving source water quality.