ID:
publications-4100
Type:
article
Year:
2004
Authors:
Propato, Marco and Uber, James G.
Title:
Vulnerability of Water Distribution Systems to Pathogen Intrusion: How Effective Is a Disinfectant Residual?
Venue/Journal:
Environmental Science & Technology
DOI:
10.1021/es035271z
Research type:
Water System:
Technical Focus:
Abstract:
Can the spread of infectious disease through water distribution systems be halted by a disinfectant residual? This question is overdue for an answer. Regulatory agencies and water utilities have long been concerned about accidental intrusions of pathogens into distribution system pipelines (i.e., cross-connections) and are increasingly concerned about deliberate pathogen contamination. Here, a simulation framework is developed and used to assess the vulnerability of a water system to microbiological contamination. The risk of delivering contaminated water to consumers is quantified by a network water quality model that includes disinfectant decay and disinfection kinetics. The framework is applied to two example networks under a worst-case deliberate intrusion scenario. Results show that the risk of consumer exposure is affected by the residual maintenance strategy employed. The common regulation that demands a β€_x009c_detectableβ€_x009d_ disinfectant residual may not provide effective consumer protection against microb...
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