Decision support system to select sustainable point-of-use/point-of-entry treatment systems (D4SPOUTS)

Abstract

Point-of-use (POU) and point-of-entry (POE) devices are, in some situations, considered to be a viable solution for drinking water suppliers and consumers alike to deal with site specific drinking water issues. This paper introduces a newly developed decision support system (DSS) that employs decision making techniques to select among the various devices based on their characterization and sustainability assessment. Careful illustration of the various aspects and components of the DSS is provided and the decision process is explained. Aspects of validity, usability and sensitivity analysis are demonstrated through a hypothetical case study for removing lead introduced in the distribution system of municipally treated drinking water. The output of the DSS helps to determine the more sustainable treatment devices which should have positive implications for the application of POU and POE devices. Other potential uses of the DSS are described to illustrate its versatility and usefulness. The DSS is not intended to replace common engineering practice in selecting POU and POE treatment systems, but rather to give support to the users by providing the necessary information about all possible solutions.