AWWA JAW57953

Many parts of the world require strict testing standards toensure safe drinking water. However, sometimes even waterthat passes stringent tests and that is in compliance withconventional microbial water quality indicators may host pathogens.The most common of these are Giardia and Cryptosporidium, whichcan cause a variety of gastrointestinal maladies in the generalpopulation. Although these illnesses are usually of short durationand are not serious to most people, these organisms can cause life threateningconditions in at-risk populations, including children, theelderly, and those with compromised immune systems.This existence of pathogens that resist regular chlorinedisinfection led the authors to further research this topic. Theunderestimation of waterborne diseases calls for the need forbetter surveillance and reporting systems and also for adequatedetection of pathogens or surrogates. This article provides additionalincentives to design and operate treatment plants thatencompass multiple barriers. As the authors purport, if disinfectionprocedures haven't been preceded by effective physicalremoval of particle-bound pathogens, health risks will be onlypartially abated. Includes 42 references, tables.

Product Details

Edition:

Vol. 95 - No. 5

Published:

05/01/2003

Number of Pages:

11

File Size:

1 file , 360 KB