Web Optimization Assessment Software (WebOAS) is a web-based application that can be used by Pennsylvania surface water systems to analyze their raw, settled, and combined filter effluent turbidity data.  It is intended to help surface water treatment plants improve their turbidity removal by trending seasonal performance and identifying periods of poor turbidity performance.  WebOAS also allows turbidity data to be compared against established turbidity optimization goals.

WebOAS can be valuable for operators to record and trend not only combined settled/clarified and filtered maximum turbidity data, but also individual settled/clarified and filtered turbidity data.  Having the individual data and trends can assist with optimizing the performance of specific units as well as the entire filtration process.

WebOAS can be accessed using DEP’s Greenport website.  WebOAS registration is required to utilize it and can be completed using the DWELR/WebOAS registration form.

WebOAS participants are also eligible for a PA AWOP Award.  PA has an AWOP Award Program that annually recognizes top performing water plants on their outstanding efforts towards filter plant optimization and exceptional turbidity performance.  Visit PA’s AWOP Award Program webpage for more information on the program and the criteria for receiving an AWOP Award.
 

Turbidity Optimization Goals:

  • Sedimentation/Clarification Goals:
    • < 1 NTU 95% time if raw annual average is < 10 NTU
    • < 2 NTU 95% time if raw annual average is > 10 NTU
  • Individual Filter Effluent (IFE) and Combined Filter Effluent (CFE) Goals:
    • < 0.10 NTU 95% time
    • ≤ 0.05 NTU 95% time for membrane plants
       

For more water treatment plant optimization goals click the link below:

Classic Optimization Assessment Software (OAS) Software:

  • Classic Optimization Assessment Software is a Microsoft Excel program which is custom tailored for filtered surface water suppliers, allows users to enter turbidity information and assess the performance of sedimentation processes, individual filters, and the combined filter effluent. Here is an example output (PDF) from the spreadsheet. To assist you in using the program, instructions are available on the spreadsheet file as a separate tab.
  • WebOAS users have an option to download their turbidity data into the Classic OAS Software once it is uploaded into WebOAS.
  • For Partnership for Safe Water (PfSW) Members, this Classic OAS Spreadsheet will be accepted by the PfSW in lieu of the Partnership software.
    • Currently, the Classic OAS Spreadsheet cannot be uploaded to the data collection section in the Partnership portal. Instead, please email your data directly to the Partnership staff at partnership@awwa.org.