MBBS Batch 11: Padang Terap (Day 7- Kualiti Mutu Air Minum KMAM unit)

DAY 7(8th February 2010)

At about 9.30am, we headed to Loji Pembersihan Air Kuala Nerang which was about 24 kms way from the DHO.

Unit Kawalan Mutu Air Minum (KMAM) is headed by PPKP Shaifulhizam Muhamad. The objective of KMAM is to increase the health status of the community by providing clean and safe water supply. There are five treatment plants in Padang Terap. They are situated in Kuala Nerang, Lubok Merbau, and Nami.

Water Sampling

1. The tap is turned on and water is let to run for 2-5 minutes.
2. Then the tap is turned off.
3. After that the pipe is heated up by direct flame for 3 minutes to remove any contamination.
4. The water is then collected.

Water is sampled from 27 sampling stations.The water sampled is analyzed under 3 different components ; physical, chemical and microbiological. Under the physical component, water is tested for the turbidity, colour, pH and temperature.Chemical analysis is further subdivided into short and long analysis. The short analysis involves test such as fluoride,chloride and manganese level while the long analysis involves testing for heavy metals such as argentum,lead and zinc.Microbiologically, the water sample is tested for E. coli.

Total colour unit(TCU) - 15
5 NTU- raw water( 1000)
- treated water (300)
pH - raw water(5.5-7.5)
-treated water ( 5.5-9.0)

Procedure for Water Treatment

1. The raw water undergoes a process of aeration.
2. Next, flocculation in which Polyaluminium Chloride (PAC) is added to the water.
3. After that, the water will be directed to the sedimentation tank. Here, the floc sinks down the tank leaving cleaner water on top.
4. Next, filtration of the water.
5. The water is then directed to the contact tank, where fluorine and chlorine is added to it. Water is left there for 4 hours so that the chemicals dissolve evenly.
6. Then water enters into the clear water tank where lime is added to raise the pH of the water. The ideal pH is from 6.5-9.0.
7. This treated water is then pumped to the Service Reservoir Outlet (SRO)for distribution.