The Slow Sand Filtration Plant at Pyalong, Victoria - Operation and Performance, January 1987 to June 1988

The Slow Sand Filtration water treatment plant at Pyalong, Victoria, was operated as a demonstration facility from January 1987 to June 1988, when the Pyalong Water Board assumed responsibility for its day to day operation. Plant performance was monitored regularly during the demonstration phase and results indicate that the plant was quite effective in removing organic material, including coliform bacteria and algae. The efficiency of removal of inorganic material, particularly colloidal clays, was rather more variable and may limit the broad application of slow sand filtration as a treatment process. The experience with colloidal clays at Pyalong exemplifies the need to fully assess as many water quality and climatic parameters as possible prior to installation of a slow sand filtration facility in a new area.