What is an example of benchmarking in water quality monitoring?

• A. Evaluating sample locations
• B. Determining the highest monthly average turbidity
• C. Determining the lowest monthly average during 12-month monitoring of Giardia and virus inactivation
• D. Reviewing historical contamination data

Answer: (C)

Benchmarking in water quality monitoring refers to establishing standards or reference points against which changes and performance can be assessed. In this context, determining the lowest monthly average during a 12-month monitoring period of Giardia and virus inactivation provides a benchmark for evaluating the effectiveness of water treatment processes.

By identifying the lowest monthly average, operators can determine a threshold for acceptable performance related to pathogen reduction. This is crucial since it helps in setting goals and assessing the reliability of treatment systems over time. Monitoring such average values establishes a standard that can be used to compare against future data, ensuring that performance remains within safe operational limits.

In contrast, evaluating sample locations or reviewing historical contamination data may be important for overall monitoring strategy, but they do not provide specific quantitative benchmarks for evaluating the effectiveness of treatment over time. Determining the highest monthly average turbidity does provide important information as well, but it does not offer the same direct measure of performance against a baseline for pathogens as the lowest monthly average of Giardia and viruses does. Consequently, capturing the lowest average during a designated period serves as a critical performance benchmark for the water treatment facility.