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KINETICS OF CHEMICAL & MICROBIAL CONTAMINANTS IN DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
Citation:
Goodrich, J. KINETICS OF CHEMICAL & MICROBIAL CONTAMINANTS IN DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/D-91/024 (NTIS PB91176776).
Description:
Once treated drinking water enters the distribution system, substantial microbial, chemical, and physical changes can occur. Examples of such changes can nclude loss of disinfectant residual, increases in disinfection byproducts (DBP), growth of microbial diversity and population or an Increase in heavy metal concentration. hese water quality changes often result In aesthetic problems such as turbid water, red and/or black water or tastes and odors. uch conditions do not necessarily pose a threat to human health. owever, several water quality changes In distribution systems could violate Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) proposed by the Safe Drinking Mater Act Amendments and pose a threat to human health. sbestos fibers can be released into drinking water from deteriorated asbestos-cement water mains (1). Treated waters may also have mutagenic potential from increases In polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons because of the leaching of asphalt-lined pipes (2). ead, trihalomethanes (THMs), other DBPs, or coliforms may exceed the regulations at the tap although the water leaving the treatment plant was in compliance.