TOLEDO STREAMLINES TREATMENT OPERATIONS

Toledo, Ohio, which has an abundant supply of freshwater from Lake Eri e, is using computer technology to streamline operations at its Collin s Park Water Treatment Plant. A distributed control system, operationa l since 1993, makes Collins Park one of the most fully automated plant s in the Midwest. The system has reduced expenditures on chemicals, en ergy, and labor; a preliminary study indicated the system will pay for itself in six years. The system calculates the most efficient pumping variables to maintain proper pressures and flow rates and to take adv antage of off-peak energy rates. The reservoir is allowed to be drawn down during the day and is refilled at night when power and water dema nds have subsided. The authors provide recommendations to aid in devel oping and installing an instrumentation and control system.