Science Inventory

This report summarizes the results of infrastructure decontamination experiments performed at the WSTB.  These experiments focused on simulating contamination of drinking water distribution pipes with a commonly available insecticide formulation containing malathion.  M...

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) can be accidentally backflushed into drinking water systems during firefighting operations or at industrial facilities.  If this contaminated water enters household plumbing systems, homeowners may n...

The Water Security Test Bed (WSTB) is a full-scale representation of a drinking water distribution pipe that conveys potable water. It is the product of a partnership between Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  Currently, the syste...

The project team evaluated the device at multiple wavelengths to assess optimal performance under specific conditions for select contaminants and a suite of contaminants.  This collaboration focused on the following:  - Reactor optimization and flow scale-up,  - Mo...

Legionella pneumophila (Lp) is an opportunistic pathogen that causes respiratory infections primarily through inhalation of contaminated aerosols.  Lp can colonize premise plumbing systems due to favorable growth conditions (e.g., lower disinfectant residual, stagnation, war...

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Homeland Security Research Program (HSRP) conducts research to detect, respond to, and recover from the impacts of terrorist attacks, accidental contamination and natural disasters on the nation's water and wastewater infrastruct...

Lead contamination of drinking water in homes and buildings remains an important public health concern. In order to assess strategies to measure and reduce exposure to lead from drinking water, models are needed that incorporate the multiple factors affecting lead concentrations...

Understanding Legionella survival mechanisms within building water systems (BWSs) is challenging due to varying engineering, operational, and water quality characteristics unique to each system. This study aimed to evaluate Legionella, mycobacteria, and free-living amoebae occur...

Building water systems (BWSs) promote the regrowth and survival of opportunistic pathogens, such as Legionella pneumophila, especially within biofilms (BFs), where most drinking water (DW) microbes reside. However, compared to their planktonic (PL) form, disinfection efficacy fo...

Polymeric materials such as polyethylene and polypropylene are used extensively for drinking water applications. These materials are subject to permeation by organic compounds, such as those found in petroleum products and industrial chemicals, which can result in water quality i...

The objective of this report was to evaluate the persistence of radioactive cesium-137 (Cs-137), on concrete-lined, copper, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe, and possible decontamination approaches. During this study, conditions within operational drinking water pipes were simul...

Report

This study investigated the adsorption of malathion to copper and iron surfaces including pipe specimens similar to those in drinking water infrastructure.

Technical Brief

Journal Article