AWOP is a national filter plant optimization effort among numerous volunteering states, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA). The goal is to support public water systems with the optimization of their treatment processes and distribution systems. The program focuses on enhancing existing treatment and operations, which generally leads to improved operations at drinking water systems.
Pennsylvania has participated in AWOP since 2003. This participation has played a key role in DEP's drinking water program development. DEP has gained valuable information that is used to improve Pennsylvania’s public water systems by enhancing their capability to solve performance problems through optimized treatment which can ultimately improve public health protection and allow systems to maintain compliance with regulations.
Pennsylvania’s primary programs that involve AWOP related activities include the Filter Plant Performance Evaluation (FPPE) Program and the Distribution System Evaluation (DSE) Program. Also, DEP's Web Optimization Assessment Software and DEP's AWOP Awards are other key program initiatives that resulted from Pennsylvania's participation in AWOP.
Overall, water systems that implement optimization efforts help to reduce the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks and are better prepared to meet current and future regulations.
PA AWOP Programs:
Optimization Goals:
For more Information on AWOP: