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Comparing microbial water quality in an intermittent and continuous piped water supply
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-1710, USA.
Water Research
|July 20, 2013
Summary
Converting to a continuous water supply significantly reduces microbial contamination in tap water. However, household water storage practices can still lead to re-contamination, diminishing the benefits of improved supply infrastructure.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Microbiology
Background:
- Intermittent water supply is a global practice, increasing microbial contamination risks.
- Transitioning to a continuous supply offers potential for enhanced drinking water quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of switching from intermittent to continuous water supply on microbial contamination.
- To compare water quality in intermittent and continuous supply systems in Hubli-Dharwad, India.
Main Methods:
- Water samples were collected over one year from reservoirs, consumer taps, and household storage.
- Tested for total coliform, Escherichia coli, turbidity, free chlorine, and combined chlorine.
- Statistical analysis to compare microbial loads between supply types and seasons.
Main Results:
- Microbial contamination, particularly Escherichia coli, was significantly higher in intermittent supply tap water compared to continuous supply.
- Rainfall increased total coliform levels in both supply types.
- Household stored drinking water showed higher contamination than tap water, irrespective of supply type.
Conclusions:
- Continuous water supply demonstrably improves tap water quality by reducing bacterial presence.
- Household water storage practices are a critical factor in maintaining water quality, even with improved supply systems.
- Interventions should address safe water storage at the household level to maximize benefits of continuous supply.
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