Publication Details

RIVERBANK FILTRATION (RBF) INDEX AND EFFECTIVENESS OF RBF AT WEST MALAYSIA

Drinking water supply in Malaysia is based on surface water abstraction (98%) and groundwater (2%). As Malaysia is currently facing problems with climate change and the pollution of surface water by industrial, agricultural and municipal inflows, riverbank filtration (RBF) would offer in situ water treatment process and a low cost alternative for pre-treatment of raw water for potable use. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the potential of selected riverbank filtration in Langat River, Linggi River and Muda River, Malaysia based on drilling at potential sites and monitoring of both water level and water quality parameters. Analysis of the feasibility of RBF for three sites based on hydrogeology have been also evaluated. The evaluation of three sites receiving a bank filtration share of more than 80 % and producing drinking water has proven the feasibility of riverbank filtration in Malaysia. Main issues for the feasibility of RBF in Malaysia are found to be the hydraulic connection between surface waters and the adjacent aquifer and the surface water and groundwater quality. The Malaysia Rivers has hydraulic connection with a Quaternary aquifer that is comprised of coarse sandy riverine sediments. The coarse sandy riverbed and coarse aquifer materials have a sufficient hydraulic conductivity for RBF. As an interesting aspect, the siting of the pumping well near to the river is also considered. It is recommended that, wells are constructed at short distances from the river bank, to get a high share of bank filtrate and reduced the iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) from the borehole.