POTAble WATER

Monitoring quality of potable water using a fast indicator of microbial proliferation

Microbial quality of potable water can degrade during storage and transport as bacteria detach from the biofilm present naturally on the surface of water pipelines.

Origins of the degradation of potable water quality

Water distribution networks are constantly subject to proliferation of microbial population (bacteria, fungi, protozoa) coming from:

1. Surface water containing 10⁷ to 10⁸ bacteria cells /L with around 1 to 10% viable flora.
2. Storage tanks, ruptures and  work on distribution networks.

Some microorganisms find systematically conditions for their proliferation in water networks, despite the implementation of chlorine disinfections. No disinfection products allow, in real conditions of use, the total inactivation of growth of microorganisms.
In most potable water, the frequency of isolation of faecal microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Streptococcus faecalis) is extremely low as treatments aim the elimination of such flora.
As consequence, dominant and indigenous flora in the networks is represented by a population of  heterotrophic microorganisms (Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium, Aeromonas, Acinetobacter…) associated in most of the cases to the surface of water pipelines as a biofilm.

QGA™ kit – quantification of the total living flora in 3 min in all type of water network

Development of fast measurement (under 3 minutes) of disinfection efficiency is an important advantage when classical culture methods require time (24 to 72 hours) and detect only a small part of living microorganisms (only cultivable bacteria).   
Our new generation of kits for the quantification of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) allows surveillance of the entire water distribution network:

1. capture of ground and surface water
2. treatment plants
3. storage tanks
4. distribution networks

On-site microbial measurement is useful for performing a microbiological mapping of the water network and selecting the critical points for microbial proliferation (water pollution, biofilm presence, stagnant water, corrosion). After their localization, critical points are followed-up on regular basis for preventing further microbial disorders.
QGA kit is the first line for defense in HACCP strategy for securing water and water installations. This kit is an excellent complement to regulatory analysis.
 Implementation of a monitoring plan based on preventive measures is in line with:

1. Management of water resources, control of production and distribution of drinking water, maintaining water distribution networks (ISO Standards 24510, 24511, 24512 )
2. Control of biofilm formation due to materials in contact with water

 

Today, all professionals involved are aware that the distribution network of drinking water should be understood as an equal to a biological reactor, controlled and monitored, in order to limit as much as possible the alteration of water and water/materials interactions.
Risk assessment of microbiological quality of a water network, reduction of sanitary risks related to water consumption, reduction of the concentrations of oxidizing products, are as many key elements that run through the use of the QGA kit of fast control allowing preventive actions.