AWWA WQTC55213

The quantity and nature (chemical and microbiological) of suspended matter which may transit throughout a distribution system during a raw and treated water turbidity peak were evaluated. Suspended particles concentrations remained much lower than the ones of dissolved matter, but were well transported up to the remote locations, with little change in the nature of suspended particles resulting from transport. A higher bacterial aerobic spores concentration was associated to the cold water turbidity peak in raw, treated and distributed water, while cultivable bacteria concentrations were low in treated and distributed water whatever the turbidity. Classical microbial indicators of contamination were not found in both treated water and distribution system during turnover events. Includes 15 references, figures.