AWWA ACE63002

This paper briefly discusses the significance of coliforms in water distribution systems. Many scientists feel that these organisms have littleor no health significance and consequently are irrelevant, while others feel that coliformpresence is indicative of potential problems within the distribution system. This study of various distribution systems and of one system in particular, indicatethat finding coliforms within samples collected from the distribution system can beindicative of problems with the treatment processes, distribution system infrastructure, ormanagement of the system.There can be various reasons for the presence of coliforms within distribution systemsand when attempting to control coliform failures, a thorough investigation of likelycauses is required. The three most likely causes are regrowth within the distributionsystem, ingress of contaminated water and failure of the treatment plant to remove allcoliforms. In order to determine which of these is responsible for the presence ofcoliforms, a detailed microbiological investigation was performed together with a completestudy of the distribution system and treatment plant.

Product Details

Edition:

Vol. - No.

Published:

06/01/2006

Number of Pages:

4

File Size:

1 file , 230 KB