Coliform non-compliance nightmares in water-supply distribution systems

Technical Report · Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1988

OSTI ID:5318358

Geldreich, E E

Coliform occurrences in distribution systems have created a great concern for both utilities and water authorities because of the implied public-health implications and failure to meet Federal regulations. Many of the known cases involve systems in the east and midwest. The common denominator being systems that have significant amounts of pipe networks over 75 years old and all are treating surface waters. Origins for these contamination events can be found in source-water fluctuations, failures in treatment-barrier protection, or loss of pipe-network integrity. Once passage into the distribution network has been achieved, some of the coliforms (Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Citrobacter) and other heterotrophic bacteria adapt to the pipe environment, finding protection and nutrient support in pipe sediments. Under conditions of seasonal warm waters (10 degC) and availability of assimilable organics in the pipe sediments and tubercles, colonization grows into biofilms that may slough-off into the water supply, creating a coliform non-compliance problem. Significance of these occurrences and control measures are part of a realistic action plan presented for guidance.

• Research Organization: Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH (USA). Water Engineering Research Lab.
• OSTI ID: 5318358
• Report Number(s): PB-88-158936/XAB; EPA-600/D-88/005
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS//MATHEMATICS, COMPUTING, AND INFORMATION SCIENCE
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
COLIFORMS
PUBLIC HEALTH
WATER POLLUTION
WATER QUALITY
WATER SUPPLY
COMPLIANCE
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
POLLUTION
520200* - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)
552000 - Public Health
290300 - Energy Planning & Policy- Environment
Health
& Safety