Full Description

Bacterial regrowth and formation of disinfectionbyproducts (DBPs) in distribution systems are issuesof concern for many drinking water utilities. Yet, thetraditional methods for determining microorganismsin water distribution systems can greatly underestimatethe actual number of organisms.Using several newer methods for quantifyingmicroorganisms and related parameters, the authorsexamined bacterial growth in two chloraminateddistribution systems. They found that although intermittentaddition of free chlorine reduced microorganismcounts, the counts begin to increase upon switchingback to chloramines. Periodic flushing, however,can avoid formation of DBPs, especially at locationsthat experience sporadic water use and at "dead-end"points in a distribution system's piping. This studyrelates the importance of examining unique issues indrinking water distribution systems - such as longdetention times, sporadic use, and dead-end pipingsituations - and the importance of creating betterflushing protocols that would contribute to betterwater quality at the tap. Includes 30 references, tables, figures.

Product Details

Edition: Vol. 101 - No. 10 Published: 10/01/2009 Number of Pages: 11