Systems and methods for monitoring water quality

Abstract

A water quality monitoring system for monitoring water quality in a water distribution network including a plurality of distribution lines for interconnecting the plurality of distribution lines with one or more nodes from which water is supplied into the distribution network comprises a plurality of water sampling subsystems, each subsystem disposed in fluid communication with a corresponding distribution line for obtaining water quality parameters from the corresponding distribution line, each subsystem including a communication module for communicating data related to the water quality parameters to a database via the communication network, each of the subsystems operatively linked with one another via the communication network for triggering simultaneous measurements of the water quality parameters. The system further comprises means for displaying a graph providing a visual indication of the water quality.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to Australian Provisional Application No. 2020904744, filed December 18, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a system and method for monitoring water quality. [Background technology]

[0003] Any reference to a prior art method, apparatus, or document should not be construed as constituting any evidence or admission that such method, apparatus, or document formed or forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0004] Drinking water in many drinking water distribution systems is currently monitored by manually collecting infrequent water samples at a limited number of locations. The samples are then subjected to laboratory analysis for a list of contaminants. From the time of contamination, the turnaround time for definitive detection can range from days to weeks, depending on the type of contaminant and the accessibility of laboratory services. Therefore, a need exists to provide real-time water quality monitoring.

[0005] In real-time water quality monitoring, considerable difficulties are experienced in collecting and processing measurements from remote sensors in a manner that facilitates rapid and accurate interpretation of the measurements by a human operator. The present inventors have insight that these difficulties arise primarily due to problems associated with correlating the measurements with actual conditions over a time period of interest. Furthermore, when a large number of water sampling devices are used for constant water quality monitoring, a large amount of water quality-related data needs to be processed and analyzed to provide any meaningful inferences to personnel responsible for monitoring water quality. Applicant's previous invention, published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0129990 (incorporated herein by reference), provides a water quality monitoring device that enables real-time water quality monitoring. However, when a large number of water quality monitoring devices are reporting water quality results back to a server, it becomes incredibly difficult, if not impossible, for an individual to process the data in real time and provide any meaningful information to an operator. Therefore, a need exists to provide improved methods and systems that address at least some of the shortcomings of the prior art and existing technologies. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] International Application No. PCT / AU2020 / 050073 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In some portions of the following description summarizing the invention, where features are set forth, item numbers from the figures will be provided as examples of features for the reader's convenience. It will be understood that such examples are purely illustrative and are not intended to be limiting of features.

[0008] In one aspect, the present invention provides a water quality monitoring system for monitoring water quality in a water distribution network 80 including a plurality of distribution lines 90 interconnecting one or more nodes from which water is supplied into the distribution network, the system comprising: a plurality of water sampling subsystems (100), each subsystem (100) disposed in fluid communication with a corresponding distribution line (90) for acquiring data related to a water quality parameter from the corresponding distribution line (90), each subsystem (100) including a communications module (110) for communicating data related to at least one water quality parameter to a database (42) via a communications network (29), each of the subsystems (100) being operatively linked with one another via the communications network to enable all of the subsystems in the corresponding distribution line to be triggered to perform simultaneous measurements of the water quality parameter at a measurement event (213); a remotely located server computer (33) in communication with the plurality of water sampling subsystems (100), the server computer including a processor (35) and a non-volatile memory device (47), the processor (35) the maximum measured value (202) for the water parameter from the set of water parameter values ​​measured by each subsystem at each measurement event (213); the minimum measured value (204) for the water parameter from the set of water parameter values ​​measured by each subsystem in each measurement event (213); an average measured value for the water parameter (205), calculated by taking the average of all measured values ​​of the water parameter in the set; a remotely located server computer (33) operable to perform the step of retrieving data from a database (42) to determine Equipped with The memory device displays a graph (207) including a first axis (209) for showing a maximum measured value (202), a minimum measured value (204), and an average value (205) for each measurement event (213), and a second axis (211) for showing a time period during which a plurality of said measurement events occurred, thereby providing a visual indication of water quality.

[0009] In one embodiment, the processor (35) for the remotely located server computer 33 is operable to determine a range (206) of measured values ​​of the water quality parameter by calculating the difference between the maximum measured value (202) and the minimum measured value (204), and the memory device includes executable instructions (48) for displaying the range (206) of measured values ​​on a first axis (209).

[0010] In one embodiment, the system further includes a user input interface (43, 44) in communication with the processor (35) for controlling the operation of the functionally linked water sampling subsystem (100) and for initiating one or more measurement events (213).

[0011] In one embodiment, each subsystem 100 monitors (a) pressure, (b) transient pressure, (c) water temperature, (d) water pH, (e) oxidation reduction potential (ORP), and (f) conductivity (E C ), (g) free chlorine concentration, and (h) turbidity.

[0012] In one embodiment, the memory device (47) includes executable instructions (48) for additionally indicating, for the water quality parameter, whether the maximum measured value is above a predetermined maximum limit value and / or whether the minimum measured value is less than a predetermined minimum limit value.

[0013] In one embodiment, the memory device includes executable instructions for calculating the difference between the average value of each measurement and the maximum measured value for each measurement, and processing the difference according to one or more predetermined rules to provide an indication of an unexpected change in water quality.

[0014] In one embodiment, the memory device includes executable instructions for calculating the difference between the average value of each measurement and the minimum measured value for each measurement, and processing the difference according to one or more predetermined rules to provide an indication of an unexpected change in water quality.

[0015] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for monitoring water quality in a water distribution network (80) including a plurality of distribution lines (90) interconnecting one or more nodes from which water is supplied into the water distribution network (80), the method comprising: disposing a plurality of water sampling subsystems (100) in fluid communication with corresponding distribution lines (90) and acquiring water quality parameters from said corresponding distribution lines, each of the subsystems (100) being operatively linked with one another via a communications network to enable all of the subsystems in the corresponding distribution lines to be triggered to perform simultaneous measurements of the water quality parameters at a measurement event (213); communicating data relating to the water quality parameters via a communication module (110) of each of the water sampling subsystems to a database (42) via a communication network (29); providing a remotely located server computer (33) for retrieving data from a database (42), the server computer (33) including a processor (35) and a non-volatile memory device (47); the maximum measured value (202) for the water parameter from the set of water parameter values ​​measured by each subsystem at each measurement event (213); the minimum measured value (204) for the water parameter from the set of water parameter values ​​measured by each subsystem at each measurement event (213); an average measured value for the water parameter (205), calculated by taking the average of all measured values ​​of the water parameter in the set; activating a processor (35) to process the retrieved data to determine and arranging a display device (33) in communication with the processor (35) and the memory device (47) to display a graph (207) including a first axis (209) for indicating a maximum measured value (202), a minimum measured value (204), and an average value (205) for each measurement event (213), and a second axis (211) for indicating a time period during which a plurality of said measurement events (213) occurred, thereby providing a visual indication of water quality. The present invention provides a method comprising:

[0016] In one embodiment, the method further includes determining a range of measured values ​​of the water quality parameter by calculating a difference between a maximum measured value and a minimum measured value, and the memory device includes executable instructions for indicating the range of measured values ​​on a first axis.

[0017] In one embodiment, the method further comprises displaying the predetermined maximum and minimum limit values ​​for the water quality parameter on a display device.

[0018] In one embodiment, the method further includes calculating the difference between the average value of each measurement and the maximum measured value for each measurement, and processing the difference according to one or more predetermined rules to provide an indication of an unexpected change in water quality.

[0019] In one embodiment, the method further includes calculating the difference between the average value of each measurement and the minimum measured value for each measurement, and processing the difference according to one or more predetermined rules to provide an indication of an unexpected change in water quality.

[0020] Preferred features, embodiments, and variations of the present invention can be seen from the following detailed description, which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The detailed description should in no way be considered to limit the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention. The detailed description will make reference to several drawings, as follows: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram of a water distribution network utilizing multiple water collection subsystems 100 on corresponding distribution lines within the water distribution network. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a box diagram illustrating various functional elements of a water quality monitoring system according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a first visualization produced by the system of the preferred embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a second visualization produced by the system of the preferred embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a water distribution network 80 including a plurality of distribution lines 90 (arrows indicate the direction of water flow) interconnecting one or more nodes from which water is supplied into the distribution network, with n water harvesting subsystems 100-1, ..., 100-n, generally designated 100, disposed in fluid communication with at least one corresponding distribution line 90.

[0023] In at least some embodiments, each water sampling subsystem 100 may be provided in the form of a pit lid-mounted water sampling and testing system as described in PCT / AU2020 / 050073. Each lid-mounted water sampling subsystem 100 may be disposed in fluid communication with a corresponding distribution line 90 for obtaining water quality parameters therefrom. Each water subsystem includes a communications module 110 for communicating data relating to the water quality parameters from each subsystem to a database 150 via a communications network 29, such as a wireless communications network (in a preferred embodiment, the Internet).

[0024] As illustrated in Figure 2, sampling subsystems 100 are grouped into several groups, with each group's sampling subsystems in data communication with a common Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) 120. The RTU is a microprocessor-based device that monitors and controls field devices, which in turn connects to the plant control system. As used herein, the term "RTU" is intended to encompass functionally equivalent devices, such as a suitably programmed programmable logic controller (PLC) with network accessibility and data storage capabilities.

[0025] For example, FIG. 2 shows groups 70a, 70b, ..., 70m of sampling subsystems 100, where the sampling subsystems 100 of group 70a are each in data communication with RTU 120a, the sampling subsystems 100 of group 70b are each in data communication with RTU 120b, and so on up to group 70m, where the sensor subsystems 100 of group 70m are each in data communication with RTU 120m. Each of the sensor subsystems 100 is a network device and can monitor a reference time signal, such as a signal from an internet-accessible clock. Each sampling subsystem 100 operates in an idle mode, listening for wake-up calls from RTUs in its group. Upon receiving a wake-up call, the sampling subsystem prepares to make a measurement of a parameter at a time specified by the RTU. Because all subsystems monitor a common reference time signal, they are effectively operatively linked to one another via a communications network, allowing them to trigger simultaneous measurements of water quality parameters in corresponding distribution lines by all of the operatively linked subsystems 100 in a measurement event. For example, measurement events 213 may be triggered at five-minute intervals, as shown in FIG. 4, where 72 measurement events are shown over the course of a six-hour period, from 00:00 on November 13 to 06:00 on the same day. Each RTU includes a data logger 122b that stores measurement data from the sensor subassemblies 100 in the RTU's group. The measurement data from the RTU data logger 122b is then transmitted over the communications network 29 for storage in the database 42. In other alternative embodiments, measurement events 213 may be triggered to occur simultaneously within a predetermined time period or range of times, such that measurement events 213 may occur within a defined time period rather than at exactly the same time.For example, the time period may be specified to be a 5 minute period, and all "concurrent" measurements at the event will be taken during this specified time period.

[0026] A remotely located server computer 33 is arranged to communicate with multiple water sampling subsystems 100, said server computer including one or more processors (CPUs) 35 and a non-volatile memory device 47 such as a secondary storage hard drive or solid state drive. The server 33 further includes conventional components such as a main board that couples together various modules including a ROM containing a BIOS or UEFI for booting up the server prior to loading of the operating system, RAM, an operating system stored in secondary storage, a communication module such as a network interface card, and a graphics driver for interfacing between the CPU and a display device such as a flat screen monitor.

[0027] The processor 35, by instructions effecting a program 48 stored in the secondary memory 47, selects the maximum measured value (M x ) (shown as 202 in FIG. 3) and the minimum measured value for the water parameter (M N ) (shown as 204 in FIG. 3 ), and an average measured value for the water parameter (A ), which processor 35 calculates by taking the average of all measured values ​​of the water parameter in the set of water parameter values ​​for each measurement event. v) (shown as 205 in FIG. 3). In a preferred embodiment, 16 data points are recorded for each water sampling subsystem 100 for every measurement event. Specifically, the range of measured values ​​(shown as 206 in FIG. 3) (M R ) is the maximum measured value (M x )202 and the smallest measured value (M N ) 204.

[0028] The memory device 47 stores the maximum measured value (M x ) 202, the smallest measured value (M N ) 204, and / or the range of measured values ​​206 (M R ), and the average value (A V The program 48 stores executable instructions for configuring the processor 35 to display on the display device 49 a graph (shown as 207 in FIG. 3 ) including a first axis 209 for indicating the number of measurement events 213 (measured at the time of the measurement) 205 and a second axis 209 for indicating the time period during which the plurality of measurement events 213 occurred, e.g., in FIG. 3 , from 00:00 on November 13 to 12:00 on November 20, thereby providing a visual indication of water quality. The systems and methods described herein are used to transform data acquired by interconnected water sampling subsystems 100, and visualization techniques are used to present large amounts of data in a manner that is more suitable and useful for rapid assessment and analysis by operators and supervisory personnel.

[0029] 2, the processor 35 in combination with the memory device 47 and the display device 49, according to one embodiment, may be referred to as a data visualization device 45. The data visualization device 45 may include input interfaces, such as a keyboard 44 and a mouse 43, an output interface, such as a display device 49, a communications interface, such as a modem 41, and may retrieve a data set (e.g., a set of measurement data related to water quality parameters) from a database 42. Fewer, different, and / or additional components may be incorporated into the data visualization device 45.

[0030] The input interface may provide an interface for receiving information from a user for entry into the data visualization device 45, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The input interface may interface with various input technologies, including, but not limited to, a keyboard, a mouse, a display, a trackball, a keypad, a microphone, one or more buttons, and the like, to allow a user to enter information into the data visualization device or make selections presented in a user interface displayed on a display. The same interface may support both an input interface and an output interface. For example, a touchscreen display supports user input and presents output to the user. The data visualization device 45 may have one or more input interfaces using the same or different input interface technologies. The input interface technologies may also be accessible by the data visualization device through a communication interface. The user input interface may also receive user input for triggering measurement events. Specifically, each of the water sampling subsystems 100 may be operatively linked to the processor 35 via the communications network 29 and the RTU 120 to initiate or trigger one or more measurement events simultaneously at each of the sensor subassemblies 100.

[0031] An output interface may also be provided to output information for review by a user of the data visualization device. For example, the output interface may interface with various output technologies, including, but not limited to, a display, a printer, etc. The data visualization device may have one or more output interfaces using the same or different output interface technologies. The output interface technologies may also be accessible by the data visualization device through a communication interface.

[0032] A communication interface, such as interface 41, provides an interface for receiving and transmitting data between devices using various protocols, transmission technologies, and media, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The communication interface may support communication using various transmission media, which may be wired and / or wireless. The data visualization device 45 may have one or more communication interfaces using the same or different communication interface technologies. For example, the data visualization device may support communication using an Ethernet port, a Bluetooth antenna, a phone jack, a USB port, etc. Data and messages may be transferred between the data visualization device and other computing devices using the communication interface.

[0033] Memory device 47 is an electronic holding place or storage for information and instructions, such as instructions that make up program 48, so that information can be accessed by processor 35, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Memory device 47 may include, but is not limited to, any type of random access memory (RAM), any type of read-only memory (ROM), any type of flash memory, etc., such as a magnetic storage device (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strip, etc.), an optical disk (e.g., compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), etc.), a smart card, a flash memory device, etc. Data visualization device 45 may have one or more computer-readable media using the same or different memory media technologies. Data visualization device 45 may also have one or more drives that support the loading of memory media such as CDs, DVDs, external hard drives, etc. One or more external hard drives may further be connected to the data visualization device using the communications interface.

[0034] As discussed in earlier sections, processor 35 executes instructions, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The instructions may be implemented by a special-purpose computer, logic circuitry, or hardware circuitry. Processor 35 may be implemented in the form of hardware and / or firmware. Processor 35 executes instructions, meaning that it performs / controls the operations called for by the instructions. The term "execute" refers to the process of running an application or performing the operations called for by the instructions. The instructions may be written using one or more programming languages, scripting languages, assembly languages, etc. Processor 35 is operatively coupled to input interfaces (e.g., keyboard 44, mouse 43), output interfaces (e.g., display 49), communication interfaces (e.g., modem 41), and memory devices 47 to receive, send, and process information. Processor 35 may retrieve a set of instructions from a permanent memory device and copy the instructions in executable form to a temporary memory device, typically some form of RAM. The data visualization device 45 may further include multiple processors using the same or different processing technologies.

[0035] A data visualization application in the form of a program 48 may be provided on the data visualization device 45 to perform operations associated with providing one or more visualizations in the form of graphical displays, such as graphs 207, generated from data sets associated with water quality parameters measured for each measurement event from multiple water sampling subsystems 100 (which in some embodiments includes, comprehensively, monitoring wastewater parameters). Some or all of the operations described herein may be implemented in the data visualization application 48. The operations may be realized using hardware, firmware, software, or any combination of these methods. Referring to the example embodiment of FIG. 2 , the data visualization method is implemented in software in the form of a program 48 (comprised of computer-readable and / or computer-executable instructions) stored in memory device 47 and accessible by processor 35 for execution of instructions that implement the operations of the data visualization application. The data visualization application 48 may be written using one or more programming languages, assembly language, scripting language, etc.

[0036] The data visualization application 48 may also be implemented as a web application. For example, the data visualization application may be configured to receive hypertext transport protocol (HTTP) responses and to send HTTP requests. The HTTP responses may include web pages, such as hypertext markup language (HTML) documents, and linked objects generated in response to the HTTP requests. Each web page may be identified by a uniform resource locator (URL), which includes the location or address of a computing device containing the resource to be accessed, in addition to the location of the resource on that computing device. The type of file or resource is determined by an Internet application protocol, such as File Transfer Protocol, HTTP, H.323, or others. The files accessed can be simple text files, image files, audio files, video files, executable files, Common Gateway Interface applications, Java applets, extensible markup language (XML) files, or any other type of file supported by HTTP.

[0037] Each data set visualized by visualization device 45 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes measurements for multiple water quality parameters taken for a measurement event by all connected water sampling subsystems 100. For every measurement event, each water sampling subsystem 100 may take measurements of multiple water quality parameters at the same time (when a measurement event is triggered across all water sampling subsystems 100). For example, values ​​for the following water quality parameters may be measured: (a) pressure, (b) transient pressure, (b) the temperature of the water; (c) pH of the water; (d) oxidation-reduction potential (ORP); (e) Electrical conductivity (E C ) (f) Free chlorine concentration (g) Turbidity

[0038] For each measurement event, data generated by each water sampling subsystem 100 may be logged in its respective remote terminal unit (RTU) data logger 122 and transmitted to a central database 42. The database may also take the form of a computer-readable medium and / or reside on one or more other computing devices and be accessed by a remote server computer 33 using a communications interface 41. Data sets may be stored using a variety of file formats known to those skilled in the art, including files, file systems, relational databases, systems of tables, structured query language databases, cubes, and the like.

[0039] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4, which is a detail of the first six hours of the graph displayed in Figure 3, an example of the results of operations performed by the data visualizer 45 is illustrated. In the illustrated example, free chlorine levels were measured by each water sampling subsystem 100. Measurement events 213 were triggered across all of the water sampling subsystems 100 every five minutes, and measurements were recorded over a seven-day period. Free chlorine measurements were performed over a one-week period using 16 sampling subsystems, with each sampling subsystem performing 2,193 measurements (one every five minutes) over the seven-day period, or 35,088 individual measurements.

[0040] In a visualization operation, a graph (similar to graph 207 shown in FIG. 3) is presented by processor 35 on display 49. Graph 207 is a graph of the maximum measured value (M X ) 2002, the smallest measured value (M N3 includes a vertical axis 209 for showing the free chlorine level 204, and a range 206 of measured values ​​of free chlorine is visually displayed on a graph 207. In addition, an average value 205 of the free chlorine levels across all 16 water sampling subsystems 100 is also shown on the graph for each measurement event. A horizontal axis 211 indicates the time period over which multiple such measurement events occurred, thereby providing a visual indication of water quality. In the visualization shown in FIG. 3, the horizontal axis 211 is shown over a 7-day time period.

[0041] In a visualization operation, the memory device 47 may include executable instructions in the program 48 for the processor 35 to calculate the difference (first variable) between the average value across all 16 subsystems 100 for each measurement event and the maximum or minimum measured value for each measurement. Similarly, the deviation or difference (second variable) between each individual value from the average value and the maximum and minimum values ​​may also be calculated. The first and second variables may then be processed according to one or more predetermined rules to provide an indication of any unexpected changes in water quality. As shown in FIG. 5, when a predetermined rule is satisfied, the data visualization device 45 provides an indication of the particular subsystem 100 recording the unexpected change in water quality. In a preferred embodiment, pie charts 75a, 75b, and 75c are shown, with each sector of the pie chart indicating a particular water sampling subsystem 100. Any unexpected changes, when predetermined rules are met, are indicated by the color red (represented in FIG. 5 by black segments 77 in pie chart 75b) for a particular water collection subsystem 100. The segments in the pie chart (which may be identified as each representing a sensor subassembly 11) serve as immediate visual identifiers of nodes in the water distribution network 80 where some portion of the measured parameter is above or below a variable, user-preset, or calculated, defined limit for the measured parameter.

[0042] In the example for pH (shown in FIG. 5), red segment 77 is the highest level alarm indicating that the pH at that point is significantly above or below the user-defined and preset alarm level parameters for the maximum and minimum pH levels for that particular measurement node.

[0043] In some further embodiments, pie chart segments can be programmed to provide more than one indicator, for example, any segment can be shown as orange to communicate that the measured quantity has exceeded a threshold alert level predetermined by the user and set into the system.

[0044] Segments in alert (orange) or alarm (red) status indicate real-time events where water quality at an individual node exceeds predetermined parameters of safe water quality as determined by the end user for that node or portion of the water distribution system.

[0045] It is important to note that although the preferred embodiment utilizes line graphs, other graphs such as bar graphs, histograms, binned bar graphs, density plot graphs, kernel density estimation plot graphs, pie graphs, tree maps, bubble graphs, etc. may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Any graph may be used in which aggregated data is mapped to the dimensions of the elements within the graph.

[0046] The skilled reader will appreciate that the essence of the present invention resides in the realization that by triggering sensor subassemblies to perform simultaneous (or near-simultaneous) measurements at a common measurement event time, and then deriving average, minimum, and range values ​​from those measurements for the parameters of interest, the measurements can be meaningfully presented to a human user in a manner that allows the user to quickly interpret the measurements and identify out-of-range measurements that may be cause for alarm. Meanwhile, in the preferred embodiment, a specially programmed computer was used to implement the visualization.

[0047] In compliance with statutory regulations, the present invention is described in language more or less specific to structural or organizational features. The term "comprises" and variations thereof, such as "comprising" and "consisting of," are used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features.

[0048] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular features shown or described, as the means described herein include preferred forms of putting the invention into practice.

[0049] The invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims as appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. 1. A water quality monitoring system for monitoring water quality in a water distribution network including a plurality of distribution lines interconnecting one or more nodes from which water is supplied into the water distribution network, the water quality monitoring system comprising: a plurality of water sampling subsystems, each disposed in fluid communication with a corresponding distribution line for acquiring water quality parameters from the corresponding distribution line, each subsystem including a communication module for communicating data related to the water quality parameters to a database via a communication network, each of the subsystems monitoring a signal in an idle mode, the plurality of water sampling subsystems operatively linked with one another via the communication network to enable all of the subsystems in the corresponding distribution line to be prepared to be triggered to perform simultaneous measurements of the water quality parameters upon a measurement event; a remotely located server computer in communication with the plurality of water sampling subsystems, the server computer communicating with a processor and a memory device, the processor comprising: the maximum measured value for the water quality parameter from the set of water quality parameter values ​​measured by each subsystem at each measurement event; the minimum measured value for the water quality parameter from the set of water quality parameter values ​​measured by each subsystem at each measurement event; and an average measured value for the water quality parameter calculated by taking the average of all measured values ​​of the water quality parameter in the set; a remotely located server computer operable to perform the step of retrieving said data from said database to determine Equipped with the memory device includes executable instructions for configuring the processor to display on a display device a graph including a first axis for indicating the maximum measured value, the minimum measured value, and the average value for each measurement event, and a second axis for indicating a time period during which a plurality of the measurement events occurred, thereby providing a visual indication of water quality; a memory device including executable instructions for calculating a difference between the average value for each measurement and the maximum measured value for each measurement, and processing the difference according to one or more predetermined rules to provide an indication of an unexpected change in water quality;

2. 2. The water quality monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the processor for the remotely located server computer is operable to determine a range of the measured values ​​of the water quality parameter by calculating a difference between the maximum measured value and the minimum measured value, and wherein the memory device includes executable instructions for indicating the range of the measured values ​​on the first axis.

3. 3. The water quality monitoring system of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a user input interface in communication with the processor for controlling operation of the water sampling subsystem and for initiating one or more measurement events within a period of time.

4. Each subsystem is (a) pressure, (b) transient pressure; (c) the temperature of the water; (d) pH of the water; (e) oxidation-reduction potential (ORP); (f) electrical conductivity (EC), and (g) Free chlorine concentration (h) Turbidity 4. The water quality monitoring system of claim 1 , configured to measure one or more of:

5. 5. The water quality monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the memory device includes executable instructions for additionally displaying predetermined maximum and minimum limit values ​​for the water quality parameters.

6. 6. The water quality monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the memory device includes executable instructions for calculating the difference between an average value of each measurement and the minimum measured value for each measurement, and processing the difference according to one or more predetermined rules to provide an indication of an unexpected change in water quality.

7. 7. The water quality monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the memory device includes executable instructions for processing the measured values ​​for each measurement according to one or more predetermined rules to provide an indication of unexpected changes in water quality.

8. 1. A method for monitoring water quality in a water distribution network including a plurality of distribution lines for interconnecting the plurality of distribution lines with one or more nodes from which water is supplied into the water distribution network, the method comprising: disposing a plurality of water sampling subsystems in fluid communication with corresponding distribution lines and acquiring water quality parameters from the corresponding distribution lines, each of the subsystems monitoring wirelessly received signals in an idle mode, the subsystems being operatively linked with one another via a communication network to enable all of the subsystems in the corresponding distribution lines to be prepared to be triggered to perform simultaneous measurements of the water quality parameters at a measurement event; communicating data related to water quality parameters via a communication module of the water sampling subsystem over a communication network to a database; providing a remotely located server computer for retrieving data from the database, the server computer in communication with a processor and a non-volatile memory device; the maximum measured value for the water quality parameter from the set of water quality parameter values ​​measured by each subsystem at each measurement event; the minimum measured value for the water quality parameter from the set of water quality parameter values ​​measured by each subsystem at each measurement event; an average measured value for the water quality parameter calculated by calculating the average of all the measured values ​​of the water quality parameter in the set; operating the processor to process the retrieved data to determine arranging a display device in communication with said processor and said memory device to display a graph including a first axis for indicating the maximum measured value, the minimum measured value, and the average value for each measurement event, and a second axis for indicating a time period during which a plurality of said measurement events occurred, thereby providing a visual indication of water quality; calculating the difference between the average value of each measurement and the maximum measured value for each measurement, and processing the difference according to one or more predetermined rules to provide an indication of unexpected changes in water quality; A method comprising:

9. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising determining a range of the measured values ​​of the water quality parameter by calculating a difference between the maximum measured value and the minimum measured value, and wherein the memory device includes executable instructions for indicating the range of measured values ​​on the first axis.

10. measuring one or more of the following water quality parameters: Each subsystem is (a) pressure, (b) transient pressure; (c) the temperature of the water; (d) pH of the water; (e) oxidation-reduction potential (ORP); (f) electrical conductivity (EC), and (g) Free chlorine concentration (h) Turbidity 10. The method of claim 8 or 9, configured to measure one or more of:

11. 11. The method of any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising the step of displaying predetermined maximum and minimum limit values ​​for said water quality parameters on said display device.

12. 12. The method of any one of claims 8 to 11, further comprising the step of calculating the difference between the average value for each measurement and the minimum measured value for each measurement, and processing the difference according to one or more predetermined rules to provide an indication of an unexpected change in water quality.

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