On the need for a radical modernization of water treatment facilities in the context of meeting the requirements of the sanitary and hygienic legislation

Summary

The need for a radical modernization of water treatment facilities in the Russian Federation in light of the tightening requirements of the sanitary and hygienic legislation is substantiated. An analysis of new standards (SanPiN 1.2.3685-21) is conducted, with special attention paid to the significant reduction in maximum permissible concentrations for a range of chemical (residual aluminum, total organic carbon, disinfection by-products of chlorination and ozonation) and microbiological indicators (including chlorine- and ozone-resistant cysts and oocysts of pathogenic protozoa and viruses). It is shown that the simultaneous achievement of both chemical and microbiological standards using existing traditional treatment schemes becomes practically impossible without revising the role of primary and secondary oxidation and introducing additional non-chemical stages of purification and disinfection. Multi-barrier technological schemes successfully implemented in major cities of Russia (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Cherepovets, Nizhny Novgorod) and worldwide (New York, Paris, Helsinki) are considered in depth. The key feature of these schemes is the effective combination and redistribution of roles between chemical (ozonation, chlorination) and physical (UV irradiation, membrane filtration, sorption) methods of purification and disinfection. This approach provides for minimizing the formation of toxic disinfection by-products, ensuring reliable removal of resistant microorganisms, and adapting systems to the variable quality of source water, especially for surface water sources. The conclusion is drawn that the step-by-step modernization of water treatment facilities with the introduction of multi-barrier technologies is not only a mandatory condition for meeting the new sanitary requirements but also a strategic direction for enhancing the environmental and epidemiological safety of drinking water supply under the conditions of anthropogenic impact and climate change.

Key words

ultra-violet irradiation , modernization , potable water quality , membrane technology , water treatment facilities , sanitary regulations and standards , multi-barrier disinfection , disinfection by-products