The question concerning the source of nematodes in finished water has been answered by clearly demonstrating that these invertebrates do not breed in the sand filter or another part of the water treatment facility but in the raw water source. The benthic layer of the rivers and lake provides a supportive environment for a large nematode population which is suspended in the water column following heavy rains by the scouring action of increased streamflow. Thus a direct relationship exists between nematode density in finished water and rainfall. Continual sources of nematodes for the rivers and lake, in addition to adjacent agriculture land, are a sewage lagoon and sanitary land fill, both of which flow into the river. Two genera of nematodes which appear in the lagoon effluent also appear in the finished water. An improved method for the detection of nematodes in water was developed whereby nematodes could be extracted and concentrated onto a 12 mm nucleopore membrane and identified by scanning electron microscopy.

"Clemson University." Aug. 1979. Includes bibliographical references. "Grant No. R804292010."