Riverbank Filtration: An Overview

Abstract

Although not widely used by utilities in the United States, bank filtration has been successfully practiced by German water providers for many years. This paper describes their experience, which indicates that bank filtration is a suitable technology for river water under certain conditions. Because it replaces or supports other treatment, bank filtration can help reduce costs for utilities using river water. Because it is a natural process, bank filtration wins support from consumers who want safe, but not highly treated, drinking water supplies.