AWWA reaches 200 standards

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) issued its 200th standard, underscoring the continued evolution of the technical guidance that supports water systems in advancing treatment, operations, and public health protection.

“I am proud to reach this milestone,” said Paul Olson, director of standards at AWWA. “From our first standard in 1908 through this most recent milestone, AWWA Standards are a trusted resource for our members and the water sector.”

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredits all AWWA standards, which offer minimum requirement guidelines on various products and processes related to water treatment and supply. Each standard undergoes a public review and comment period, which is reviewed by a committee of AWWA volunteers that ensures the final standard represents an industry-wide consensus. The AWWA Standards Council now comprises more than 1,600 volunteers.

AWWA released the most recent standard — ANSI/AWWA F111 Ultraviolet Disinfection (UV) Systems for Wastewater Effluent — Feb. 1. It describes the minimum requirements for materials, design, testing, installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment needed for UV disinfection of wastewater effluent.

UV disinfection minimizes reliance on chemical disinfectants and produces high-quality effluent suitable for reuse, which is a key tenet of AWWA’s Water 2050 initiative. Water 2050 calls for safeguarding water for future generations by striving for circular water practices such as these.

Last year, AWWA achieved the prestigious Audited Designator status as a standards developer at ANSI.

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Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most vital resource. With approximately 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life.