Microbial Contaminants in Drinking Water

Abstract

1.1 INTRODUCTION In water treatment plants, the goal is to produce pathogen-and parasite-free drinking water, not necessarily sterile water. There are, however, several sources of contami-nation in a potable water system (Percival et al., 2000): r Drinking water source (see Chapter 2). r Inadequate treatment in the water treatment plant. r Water distribution system (WDS): Treated water quality may deteriorate in the distribution system. Pathogens and parasites may be introduced into treated water through cracks in the water pipes, back-siphonage or cross-contamination. r Biofilm development which may alter water quality. This chapter surveys the major microbial pathogens and parasites which may contaminate drinking water.