Impact of stormwater on biofilm density and microbial community composition in water distribution networks

Harvesting of stormwater and injecting it into aquifers for storage and recovery during high water demand periods is a promising technology for augmenting conventional water reserves. However, little has been known on how stormwater impacts the biofouling of water distribution infrastructure. This study evaluated the effect on harvested and limestone aquifer treated stormwater on biofilm formation in a pilot distribution pipe network compared to an identical drinking water pipe rig. Coupons made of cement, copper and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe materials were installed to each pipe rig and exposed to stormwater or drinking water. The total cell counts determined by flow cytometry on the pilot rig coupons were in the order of 10⁵ to 10⁷ cells/cm² for both source waters and showed some variation over the duration of the study. The culturable cell counts were somewhat higher for stormwater exposed coupons than for coupons in mains water rig. The total number of thermotolerant coliforms was notably higher on coupons exposed to stormwater than on those exposed to mains water. Considerable differences were observed in the bacterial and eukaryotic communities on coupons made of various materials and exposed to mains water and stormwater using pyrosequencing. Moreover, seasonal variations were observed in community composition and diversity. A number of bacterial and eukaryotic families and genera harbouring potential human pathogens were detected in both mains water and stormwater systems, with larger numbers of genera observed in the latter indicating a potentially increased risk of exposure to pathogens with stormwater. The stormwater system also harboured sulfur reducers, and a greater diversity of iron oxidisers. A number of bacterial genera that contribute to nitrogen cycling were observed in both mains water and stormwater systems. A number of bacteria grazing eukaryotes were detected, indicating that the biofilm communities are quite dynamic and the abundance of bacteria is able to support higher level eukaryotes.