Drinking water quality and treatment: the use of artificial neural networks

Abstract

To improve drinking water quality while reducing operating costs, many drinking water utilities are investing in advanced process control and automation technologies. The use of artificial intelligence technologies, specifically artificial neural networks, is increasing in the drinking water treatment industry as they allow for the development of robust nonlinear models of complex unit processes. This paper highlights the utility of artificial neural networks in water quality modelling as well as drinking water treatment process modelling and control through the presentation of several case studies at two large-scale water treatment plants in Edmonton, Alberta.Key words: artificial neural networks, water treatment process control, water treatment modelling.