Checklist 3: Activated Carbon System

☐ Need for activated carbon confirmed
The requirement for activated carbon treatment should be based on raw water analysis. It must be clearly established whether taste, odor, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, or other organic micropollutants are present at levels that require adsorption treatment.

☐ Carbon type selected
The appropriate type of activated carbon (e.g. granular activated carbon or powdered activated carbon) should be selected based on treatment objectives, operational flexibility, and system design.

☐ Contact time and design flow verified
Adequate contact time must be ensured to achieve effective adsorption of contaminants. Hydraulic loading rates and filter design should match expected flow conditions.

☐ Replacement or regeneration strategy defined
A clear strategy for carbon replacement or regeneration must be established to prevent loss of adsorption capacity and declining treatment performance.

☐ Monitoring procedures established
Operational monitoring should be implemented to detect breakthrough of contaminants. This may include taste and odor checks, pesticide analysis, or surrogate parameters.

☐ Pressure loss monitored
Pressure loss across the activated carbon filters should be regularly measured to detect clogging, fouling, or hydraulic issues.

☐ Maintenance organized
A structured maintenance plan should be in place, including backwashing (if applicable), media handling, and system inspections.

☐ Operational costs evaluated
Energy consumption, carbon replacement costs, and operational requirements should be assessed to ensure long-term economic feasibility.

☐ Operational records maintained
All relevant operational data, including performance trends, maintenance actions, and replacement intervals, should be systematically documented.