Suitability of CSO performance indicators for compliance with ambient water quality targets

Abstract

The aim of the present paper is to assess the applicability of easily obtainable emission-based performance indicators for combined sewer overflows in order to describe the water quality in the receiving water. Theresultsof the computer simulations showed a correlation of some emission-based indicators with discharged loads. However, none of the emission-based indicators was correlated to acute effects. Owing to the correlation of the total overflow volume with the impacts in the receiving water, the outcomes of this study suggest thatreceiving waters in regions with a high annual rain volume are more endangered by combined sewer overflows.

Keywords:

• combined sewer overflow
• emission-based indicators
• performance indicators
• receiving water quality

Acknowledgements

The results presented in this publication have been elaborated in the frame of the EU project CD4WC – as part of the CityNet framework – ( www.cd4wc.org), contract no EVK1-CT-2002-00118, coordinated by TU Dresden (D) and including RUG/BIOMATH (B), IUT Innsbruck (A), Panteion University of Athens (GR), Ruhrverband (D), Tiroler Wasserkraft AG (A), AQUAFIN NV (B) and PVK Prague (CZ). The programme is organised within the Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development Programme in the 5th Framework Programme for Science Research and Technological Development of the European Commission.