AWWA JAW19611 Journal AWWA - Occurrence and Public Health Significance of Invertebrates in Drinking Water Systems

Journal Article by American Water Works Association, 09/01/1986

Levy, Richard V.;Hart, Frederick L.;Cheetham, Ronald D.

Full Description

Research was conducted in the Worcester, Massachusetts, distribution system to evaluate the public health implications of the presence of invertebrates. Research objectives included the following: to examine the occurrence of invertebrates, to determine if bacteria are associated with invertebrates collected from the system; to develop standard methods of collecting and isolating bacteria associated with invertebrates, to identify bacteria associated with invertebrates collected from the system, to examine the establishment of invertebrate-bacterial associations in the laboratory, and to examine the adequacy of chlorine and chloramines for inactivating invertebrates and invertebrate-associated bacteria. Results demonstrate the potential significance of invertebrates in drinking water to public health. Invertebrates entering and persisting within distribution systems are likely to harbor bacteria, some of which may be potentially pathogenic to humans. These bacteria are afforded protection from chlorine and chloramines at levels commonly encountered in drinking water, even when invertebrates are completely inactivated. Currently, the best approach to invertebrate control is the systematic elimination of these organisms before they pass into the distribution system and the physical and chemical modification of their potential habitats within the system. Includes 38 references, tables.

Product Details

Edition: Vol. 78 - No. 9 Published: 09/01/1986 Number of Pages: 6 File Size: 1 file , 1.7 MB