oERA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Water (4601M)
Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water
Total Coliform Rule Issue Paper
The Effectiveness of Disinfectant Residuals in the
Distribution System

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PREPARED FOR:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water
Standards and Risk Management Division
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington DC 20004
PREPARED BY:
HDR Engineering, Inc.
The Cadmus Group, Inc.
U.S. EPA Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water
and
The Cadmus Group, Inc.
1901 North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 900
Arlington, VA 22209
USEPA Contract No. 68-C-00-113
Work Assignment No. 2-10
Background and Disclaimer
The USEPA is revising the Total Coliform Rule (TCR) and is considering new possible
distribution system requirements as part of these revisions. As part of this process, the USEPA
is publishing a series of issue papers to present available information on topics relevant to
possible TCR revisions. This paper was developed as part of that effort.
The objectives of the issue papers are to review the available data, information and research
regarding the potential public health risks associated with the distribution system issues, and
where relevant identify areas in which additional research may be warranted. The white papers
will serve as background material for EPA, expert and stakeholder discussions. The papers only
present available information and do not represent Agency policy. Some of the papers were
prepared by parties outside of EPA; EPA does not endorse those papers, but is providing them
for information and review.
Additional Information
The paper is available at the TCR web site at:
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/disinfection/tcr/requlation revisions.html
Questions or comments regarding this paper may be directed to TCR@epa.gov
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary	1
1	Introduction	1
2	Overview of Available Secondary Disinfectants	2
2.1	Free Chlorine	3
2.2	Chloramines	4
2.3	Chlorine dioxide	6
3	Overview of Existing Disinfectant Residual Guidelines and Requirements	7
3.1	U.S. Federal Regulations and Guidance	7
3.1.1	Secondary Disinfection in Regulations	8
3.1.2	State Regulations	10
3.2	Secondary Disinfection in Europe	10
4	Review of Secondary Disinfection Effectiveness	10
4.1	Inactivation of Microorganisms in Distribution Systems	11
4.1.1	Impact of Route of Entry on Pathogen Inactivation	14
4.1.2	Effectiveness of Secondary Disinfectant Residuals at Pathogen Inactivation	19
4.2	Secondary Disinfectant Residuals as Indicators of Distribution System Upset	35
4.3	Biofilm Control	36
5	Opportunities for Additional Research	42
References	44
Appendix - A Literature Review Summary of CT Studies Using Secondary Disinfectants
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List of Exhibits
Exhibit 1 -Possible Framework for Evaluating Disinfectant Residuals	3
Exhibit 2 - Summary of Regulations for Secondary Disinfectant Residual	7
Exhibit 3 - Variables for Consideration within a Secondary Disinfection Framework	12
Exhibit 4- Distribution System Deficiencies Causing Outbreaks from 1971 to 19981	 16
Exhibit 5 - CT Values for Inactivation of Viruses in Water at 10° C with pH 6.0-9.01	21
Exhibit 6 - CT Values for Inactivation of Giardia lamblia Cysts in Water at 10° C
with pH 6.0-9.01	21
Exhibit 7 - Contact Time Needed to Achieve 2-Log Inactivation of Viruses and
Giardia Using Various Distribution System Residual Scenarios	22
Exhibit 8 -Comparison of Disinfection Between Bulk Water and Distribution System Water
Conditions	24
Exhibit 9- Summary of CT and Log Inactivation Data Using Free Chlorine for
Various Microbes	32
Exhibit 10a - Summary of CT and Log Inactivation Data Using Chloramines for
Various Microbes	33
Exhibit 10b- Log Inactivation of Various Microbes at CT Values Less than
1000 min*mg/L	32
Exhibit 11 - Summary of CT and Log Inactivation Data Using Chlorine Dioxide for
Various Microbes	34
Exhibit 12 - Comparison of Disinfectant Effectiveness for Biofilm Heterotrophic Bacteria
Inactivation	39
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The Effectiveness of Disinfectant Residuals in Distribution Systems
Executive Summary
Maintenance of a disinfectant residual throughout the distribution system may help to maintain
the integrity of the distribution system in the following ways:
•	Inactivating microorganisms in the distribution system;
•	Indicating distribution system upset; and
•	Controlling biofilm growth.
This paper reviews the efficacy of using a disinfectant residual to ensure distribution system
integrity. An overview of secondary disinfectants, an overview of existing disinfectant residual
guidelines and requirements, a discussion of the three main functions of secondary disinfection,
and summaries of research on the efficacy of secondary disinfectants in carrying out these
functions are provided. Additionally, this paper provides information on the future research
needed to answer more definitively whether provision of a disinfectant residual can meet these
expectations.
Disinfectant residual maintenance can be affected by many variables, some associated with
distribution system conditions, such as pipe volume, chemical/biological characteristics of
treated water entering the distribution system, the type of disinfectant being used, and events
introducing contaminants to the distribution system.
There are six pathways by which pathogens can reach the distribution system (USEPA 2002c):
•	Treatment breakthrough,
•	Leaking pipes, valves, and joint seals,
•	Cross-connection and backflow,
•	Finished water storage vessels,
•	Improper treatment of equipment or materials before and during main repair, and
•	Intentional introduction of contaminants into distribution system.
Secondary Disinfectants
The USEPA (1999a) has discussed the efficacy and practicality associated with the use of free
chlorine, chloramines, and chlorine dioxide for secondary disinfection. While none of these
options is ideal for all systems, each has characteristics that may meet a specific system's needs
for secondary disinfection. Selection of the most appropriate secondary disinfectant must be
made on a system-by-system basis, with consideration given to the system's concerns regarding
inactivation requirements, DBP formation potential, water quality, distribution system condition,
and treatment experience and capabilities.
Existing Disinfectant Residual Guidelines and Requirements
In the United States, the Surface Water Treatment Rule requires systems that use surface water
(or ground water under the influence of surface water) to monitor and maintain a detectable
disinfectant residual throughout the distribution system. This monitoring must be conducted
throughout the distribution system at same locations as those used for total coliform monitoring
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and at entry points. Under the Stage 1 Disinfectant/ Disinfection By-Products Rule, the residual
is not to exceed 4.0 mg/L for chlorine and chloramines and 0.8 mg/L for chlorine dioxide in any
system based on a running annual average of all measurements in the distribution system
calculated each month. States may adopt Federal drinking water regulations or more restrictive
drinking water requirements. The TCR lists disinfectant residual as a Best Available Technology
for compliance with total coliform Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL).
Disinfection practices vary widely in European countries. The European Union has issued
standards for drinking water, and these standards do not require disinfection explicitly. Of the 15
original European Union member states, only Spain and Portugal require secondary disinfection
in distribution systems.
Effectiveness in Pathogen Inactivation
A review of the Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR) concentration-time (CT) requirements
(USEPA, 1991) demonstrates that free chlorine, chloramines, and chlorine dioxide can be used to
inactivate viruses and Giardia lamblia. This inactivation information helps to inform
inactivation capabilities under bulk water conditions.
Distribution systems exhibit varying conditions and multiple forms of microbes that may
influence pathogen inactivation. For instance, in the distribution system, bacteria and viruses can
be found as part of the bulk water, attached to particles, or as part of biofilms. The literature
review found that viruses and bacteria attached to particles or present in biofilms are more
protected from inactivation.
Studies were also reviewed to compare the inactivation provided by free chlorine, chloramines,
and chlorine dioxide on specific microorganisms. Overall, these studies, which were conducted
in laboratory conditions and on bulk water samples, demonstrated that only free chlorine was
able to provide 99.99 percent (4-log) inactivation of viruses. To provide 2-log inactivation of
most species, free chlorine, chloramine, and chlorine dioxide required a CT of 50, 10,000, and
150 min*mg/L, respsectively.
Effectiveness in Indicating Distribution System Upset
Many factors influence the concentration of the disinfectant residual in the distribution system,
including the assimilable organic carbon level, the type and concentration of disinfectant, water
temperature, and system hydraulics. Entry of foreign material into the distribution system from
backflow (or other events) may alter these factors and contribute to a loss of residual. Studies
have shown that large episodes of contamination, such as cross-connections, can overwhelm
disinfectant residuals, resulting in no residual present in contaminated water.
Since most disinfectants are chemical oxidants that react with many substances, their use as
indicators, specifically of microbiological contamination, is not entirely reliable. Inorganic and
organic chemicals in the water can present a disinfectant demand that could misleadingly alert
operators when no pathogens have been introduced. However, the loss or decrease of the
disinfectant residual in this case can serve as an indicator of some contamination events.
Furthermore, the presence of disinfectant-resistant pathogens, such as Cryptosporidium, and in
some instances viruses, may persist in a distribution system despite the presence of a disinfectant
residual.
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There are several advantages to using disinfectant residual monitoring as a warning mechanism
for possible contamination. Residual analysis is inexpensive, results are immediately available,
and USEPA-approved methods for analysis already exist. Water system operators are becoming
increasingly sophisticated in tracking and measuring disinfectant residuals. Accurate and on-
going tracking of disinfectant residuals would assist in detecting sudden changes in residual
levels and in using such changes as indicators of contamination.
Effectiveness in Controlling Biofilms
Problems associated with biofilms in distribution systems include enhanced corrosion of pipes
and deterioration of water quality. Biofilms can also provide ecological niches that are suited to
the potential survival of pathogens. The ability to control (but not eliminate) biofilms using
secondary disinfection is impacted by the disinfectant residual concentration used in the system.
If concentrations are too low, the disinfectant residual becomes ineffective at controlling excess
biofilm growth. The number of variables associated with biofilm control has led researchers to
reach differing conclusions regarding the effectiveness of secondary disinfection at controlling
biofilm growth.
Several studies have compared the effectiveness of various disinfectants at varying
concentrations in controlling bacterial growth. These studies have been performed on different
scales, ranging from continuous flow annular reactors to pilot systems to comparisons of full-
scale distribution systems. Several studies have concluded that chloramines are more effective
secondary disinfectants with respect to biofilm control compared to chlorine. However, in some
instances chlorine has been shown to be more effective at physically removing biofilm from
pipes.
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1 Introduction
Maintenance of a disinfectant residual throughout the distribution system may help to maintain
the integrity of the distribution system in the following ways:
•	Inactivating microorganisms in the distribution system;
•	Indicating distribution system upset; and
•	Controlling biofilm growth.
This paper reviews research on the efficacy of using a disinfectant residual to ensure distribution
system integrity through pathogen inactivation, indication of distribution system upset (e.g.,
contamination), and biofilm control. Within the context of this paper, a distribution system is
defined as a system of conveyances that distributes potable water. All pipes, storage tanks, pipe
laterals, and appurtenances that comprise the delivery system are included in this definition.
Appurtenances owned and operated by private customers, such as service lines and plumbing
components that are typically not considered the responsibility of the public water system
purveyor are also considered in this definition because they are physically attached to the
distribution system and could potentially be a source of contamination, through, for example,
backflow or leaching of contaminants from service lines. These and similar events may affect
the water quality under the purveyor's jurisdiction. This paper provides an overview of
secondary disinfectants, an overview of existing disinfectant residual guidelines and
requirements, and a discussion of the efficacy of these disinfectants in carrying out the three
main functions of secondary disinfection listed above. Additionally, this paper provides
information on the future research needed to answer definitively whether provision of a
disinfectant residual can meet these expectations.
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2 Overview of Available Secondary Disinfectants
Secondary disinfection is the presence of a disinfectant residual in the distribution system
(Surface Water Treatment Rule). The USEPA (1999a) has discussed the efficacy and
practicality associated with the use of free chlorine, chloramines, and chlorine dioxide for
secondary disinfection. This paper focuses on the efficacy of these three secondary disinfectants,
describing the application methods and characteristic chemistry of each, dosing mechanisms,
reaction chemistry, and distribution system kinetics. There are some alternative secondary
disinfectants being investigated by researchers (e.g., potassium permanganate and ozone
combined with hydrogen peroxide, copper combined with hydrogen peroxide, silver combined
with hydrogen peroxide, and anodic oxidation) but currently there are no indications of their
effectiveness within the distribution system.
Selection of the most appropriate secondary disinfectant is made on a system-by-system basis
with consideration paid to the system's particular concerns regarding inactivation requirements,
DBP formation potential, water quality characteristics, distribution system condition, and
treatment experience and capabilities. Exhibit 1 summarizes various aspects of an "ideal"
disinfectant residual.
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Exhibit 1 -Properties of an "Ideal" Disinfectant Residual
The'
Ideal" Disinfectant Residual Provides:
• Protection against distribution system contamination
• An indication of distribution system upset
• Biofilm control
The'
Ideal" Disinfectant Residual has the Following Chemical Characteristics:
• Easily measured on-site under field conditions
• Minimal to no interferences with common constituents in drinking water
• Generates minimal to no disinfection by-products
• Long-lasting
• Selectively reactive (minimal to no corrosion/reaction with dissolved metals,
pipe materials, linings, etc.)
•
Provides clear indication of contamination event (is chemically altered rather
than consumed)
The "Ideal" Disinfectant Residual has the Following Operational/Physical
Characteristics:
•
Highly soluble in water
•
Safely generated, transported, stored, and fed
•
Cost-effective relative to the application (large- or small-scale)
The'
Ideal" Disinfectant Residual has the Following Inactivation Capabilities:
•
Effectively and efficiently inactivates wide range of organisms (bacteria,
viruses, protozoa, algae, fungi)
•
Effectively inactivates microorganisms present in the bulk water and those
associated with particle s/biofilm
•
Achieves desired level of organism inactivation at doses that are safe for human
consumption
The'
Ideal" Disinfectant Residual has the Following Aesthetic Characteristics:
•
Achieves desired level of organism inactivation without creating tastes and
odors
•
Overfeed can be detected by taste, odor, and/or color
2.1 Free Chlorine
Free chlorine is the most commonly used disinfectant in the United States. According to the
2000 Community Water Systems Survey (USEPA, 2002a), most surface water and ground water
systems that have primary disinfection use chlorine. Of large systems participating in the
Information Collection Rule (ICR) study, 83 percent of surface water plant-months and 86
percent of ground water system plant-months used free chlorine for primary disinfection
(USEPA, 2003b). One plant-month indicates that a treatment plant used the specified treatment
for one month. The ICR data were reported in percentage of plant-months to account for plants
that varied disinfectants during the 12-month reporting period. Sixty nine percent of ICR plants
used free chlorine as a secondary disinfectant in their distribution systems (McGuire et al, 2002).
However, ICR plants were more likely to use primary and secondary disinfectants other than free
chlorine if their source water contained high concentration of TOC and bromide. Free chlorine is
also currently the most widely used secondary disinfectant in medium systems (USEPA, 2002a;
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AWWA Water Quality Division, 2000). This may change, however, due to the implementation
of the Stage 1 and 2 Disinfectant/Disinfection By-Product Rules (DBPRs) as systems adjust
disinfection treatment to meet THM and HAA requirements.
Reaction Chemistry
Free chlorine reacts with constituents in the water by various mechanisms. It oxidizes soluble
iron, manganese, and sulfides typically found in drinking water sources. Once oxidized, these
inorganics precipitate and can be removed by clarification and filtration processes. Free chlorine
oxidizes ammonia (NH3) to form chloramines (at Cb to NH3 ratios less than 8:1) and nitrate and
nitrogen gas (at ratios greater than 8:1) (White, 1999). Free chlorine reacts with natural organic
matter and bromide to form halogenated organic compounds, such as THMs, HAAs, and
chlorophenols, some of which may pose human health risks (USEPA, 1999a; Weisel et al.,
1999). Chlorine also oxidizes organic matter to form compounds that do not contain a halogen,
such as aldehydes, carboxylic acids, ketones, and alcohols (Richardson, 1998). Of the known
halogenated compounds, THMs and HAAs occur in the highest concentrations.
Kinetics in the Distribution System
The chlorine decay rate in water can be described by an initial rate, which is relatively rapid, and
a long-term decay rate, which is slower. The initial rate is attributed to substances in water that
react rapidly with chlorine and are usually referred to as the chlorine demand. Once this demand
has been met, a more persistent residual is established with a slower rate of decay.
Chlorine decay kinetics within the distribution system is governed by both decay occurring in the
bulk fluid as well as decay at the pipe walls. A number of factors can affect the kinetics
including the water temperature, total organic carbon (TOC) concentration, initial chlorine
concentration, biofilms, the rate of pipe corrosion and the presence of corrosion products
(Vasconcelos et al., 1996). In general, chlorine decay kinetics increase at higher temperature,
chlorine concentration, TOC concentration, biofilm and corrosion product mass, and as pipe
corrosion rates increase.
The decay reactions for chlorine in the bulk water and at the pipe wall in some instances can be
modeled using a first order rate expression, although the decay constants may vary for each
water. The type and concentration of various chemical and biological constituents that exert a
chlorine demand (described previously) will impact the decay coefficient. The decay coefficient
for a specific bulk water can be determined using bottle decay tests, but the coefficient for pipe
wall decay must be determined in the field or with pipe segments taken from the distribution
system piping. In general, the relative importance of decay at the pipe wall increases as the pipe
diameter decreases because the ratio of volume to pipe surface area decreases (Vasconcelos et
al., 1996).
2.2 Chloramines
Initially, chloramines were used to control taste and odor in drinking water; however, they were
soon recognized as being more stable than free chlorine in the distribution system and,
consequently, were found to be effective in controlling bacterial growth in the distribution
system (Kirmeyer et al., 1993). As a result, chloramines were used regularly for secondary
disinfection during the 1930s and 1940s. Because of an ammonia shortage during World War II,
however, the popularity of chloramination declined.
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The recent concern over halogenated organic byproduct (THM and HAA) formation in water
treatment and distribution systems has increased interest in chloramines because they react
differently with natural organic matter (NOM) compared to chlorine, generally producing lower
concentrations of DBPs (Symons et al., 1998). However, chloramines are not as effective as
chlorine for primary disinfection, requiring significantly higher concentrations or contact times
to achieve comparable levels of inactivation. Therefore, they are used primarily as a secondary
disinfectant. Prior to treatment changes to meet the Stage 1 DBPR, chloramines were used by
large surface water systems as a secondary disinfectant during 40 percent of the plant-months
included in the reporting period, based on data collected under the ICR (USEPA, 2003b). Use of
chloramines for secondary disinfection by community and non-transient, non-community ground
water plants is less common (about 5 percent of all systems) (USEPA, 2003b). Chloramine use
is expected to increase as the Stage 2 DBPR is implemented, with more than half of both large
and small surface water plants predicted to be using chloramines for secondary disinfection by
the year 2013, in order to comply with the requirements associated with this rule.
Reaction chemistry
Chloramines are formed by the reaction of ammonia with aqueous chlorine. In aqueous
solutions, hypochlorous acid from the chlorine reacts with ammonia to form inorganic
chloramines in a series of competing reactions. In these reactions, monochloramine (NH2C1),
dichloramine (NHC12), and nitrogen trichloride (NC13) are formed. These competing reactions
are impacted by bulk water pH and are controlled to a large extent by the chlorine to ammonia-
nitrogen ratio (C12:NH3-N). Monochloramine is the predominant species formed in the pH range
7.5-9 (Kirmeyer et al., 2004). As the chlorine concentration increases and pH decreases,
dichloramines and nitrogen trichloride can form. Temperature and contact time also affect these
reactions. Monochloramine is predominately formed when the applied Cl2:NH3-N ratio is less
than or equal to 5:1 by weight (Kirmeyer et al., 2004). When certain ratios of chlorine and
ammonia-nitrogen are present, chloramines may not form, and ammonia and chlorine may be
converted to other molecules that do not act as disinfectants and are not detected when chlorine
residual is measured. For instance, as the applied Cl2:NH3-N ratio increases from 5:1 to 7.6:1,
the water approaches breakpoint chlorination, when the residual chloramine and ammonia-
nitrogen concentrations are reduced to a minimum. Breakpoint chlorination results in the
formation of nitrogen gas or nitrate and hydrochloric acid. At C12:NH3-N ratios above 7.6:1, free
chlorine and nitrogen trichloride (trichloramines) are present. Trichloramines are quite volatile
and will usually dissipate, however, their formation is typically kept to a minimum due to
objectionable odor formation (Kirmeyer et al., 1993). To avoid breakpoint chlorination, utilities
normally maintain a C12:NH3-N ratio of between 3:1 and 5:1 by weight.
Kinetics in the distribution system
Chloramine decay in the distribution system is the result of autodecomposition reactions and
reactions with organic and inorganic compounds. Biological nitrification, resulting from
chloramine decay or from the presence of excessive ammonia, can cause a large increase in the
rate of decay due to consumption of the remaining chloramine residuals. Autodecomposition is
highly dependent on pH and temperature, with pH levels above 8 giving the slowest
decomposition, and decomposition increasing with increasing temperatures. Higher chloramine
residuals also result in an increase in the decay rate. Monochloramine decay has been modeled
by Valentine (1998) using a second order rate expression.
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2.3
Chlorine dioxide
In a 1998 survey of disinfection practices conducted by the AWWA's Disinfection Systems
Committee (AWWA Water Quality Division Disinfection Systems Committee, 2000),
approximately 8 percent of 200 large and medium-size respondents reported using chlorine
dioxide (CIO2) as a secondary disinfectant (some surveyed utilities used multiple secondary
disinfectants). According to Hoehn et al. (1992), an estimated 700 to 900 U.S. drinking water
systems use chlorine dioxide, largely to oxidize iron and manganese, control taste and odor, and
reduce THM formation. Nineteen of the more than 500 plants that participated in the ICR
reported using chlorine dioxide for at least 9 of the last 12 months of the ICR collection period
(USEPA, 2003b).
Although chlorine dioxide is a relatively strong disinfectant, it is not frequently used as a
distribution system disinfectant for two reasons: 1) its residual does not last as long as that of
other disinfectants, and 2) it breaks down into chlorite (predominantly), a regulated DBP with an
MCL. Chlorine dioxide is used more commonly in Europe, even as a secondary disinfectant in
France and Germany (Foundation for Water Research, 1993) and the Netherlands (Wondergem
and van Dijk-Looijaard, 1991). The USEPA (1999a) recommends that chlorine dioxide use be
limited to water suppliers with smaller distribution systems. To ensure a detectable residual at
the fringes of the distribution system, a large distribution system may require a larger initial dose
of chlorine dioxide than a smaller distribution system. The higher chlorine dioxide dose of the
large system might lead to an exceedance of the chlorine MCL as the chlorine dioxide reacts
producing chlorate and chlorite ions.
Reaction chemistry
Chlorine dioxide is a neutral compound with chlorine in the +IV oxidation state. Because C102
does not hydrolyze in water, it exists as a dissolved gas as long as the pH of the water ranges
from 2 to 10. In strongly alkaline solutions (pH greater than 9 or 10), however, formation rates
of DBPs increase with increasing concentrations of CIO2. Chlorine dioxide is a volatile free
radical that functions as an oxidant by way of a one-electron transfer mechanism in which it is
reduced to chlorite (CIO2) (Hoehn and Rosenblatt, 1996; Doerr, 1981). During drinking water
treatment, chlorite is the predominant reaction byproduct, with 50-70 percent of the reacted
chlorine dioxide converting to chlorite and 30 percent converting to chlorate (CIO3) or chloride
(CO-
Kinetics in the distribution system
Chlorine dioxide decay in the distribution system is the result of autodecomposition reactions
and reactions with organic and inorganic compounds, including biofilms and pipe materials and
scales, and also is subject to photolytic decomposition. Several studies using chlorine dioxide as
a secondary disinfectant in full-scale distribution systems (Andrews et al., 2001, Volk et al.,
2002) have shown that residuals can be maintained throughout these specific systems, without
booster stations. Other studies (Gates, 1998) have demonstrated the opposite, that residuals
disappear at the ends of the system without booster addition. Residuals decrease faster as the
water temperature increases and the size and complexity of the distribution system increase.
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3 Overview of Existing Disinfectant Residual Guidelines and
Requirements
This section describes the current regulations that address distribution system disinfectant
residuals in the United States. Additionally, this section provides a discussion on secondary
disinfectants in Europe.
3.1 U.S. Federal Regulations and Guidance
Exhibit 2 provides a summary of Federal regulations that are related to secondary disinfection.
Exhibit 2 - Summary of Regulations for Secondary Disinfectant Residual
Regulation
Effective
Secondary Disinfection Elements
Surface Water Treatment
Rule (SWTR)
1990
•	For all systems using surface water or groundwater under
the influence of surface water for supply, a detectable
disinfectant residual must be maintained within the
distribution system in at least 95% of the samples
collected (or heterotrophic bacteria counts must be less
than or equal to 500 cfu/ml as an equivalent) and at least
0.2 mg/L concentration of residual disinfectant (free or
combined) entering the distribution system must be
maintained.
•	Monitoring must be conducted throughout the distribution
system at same time and locations as those used for total
coliform monitoring and continuously at entry point.
Total Coliform Rule (TCR)
1990
•	TCR does not require disinfectant residuals or monitoring
for disinfectant residuals.
•	TCR lists disinfectant residual as a Best Available
Technology for compliance with total coliform Maximum
Contaminant Level (MCL).
Stage 1
Disinfectant/Disinfection
By-Products Rule (Stage 1
DBPR)
2002
•	Establishes Maximum Disinfectant Residual Levels
(MRDLs) of 4.0 mg/L as Cl2 for chlorine, 4.0 mg/L as Cl2
for chloramine, and 0.8 mg/L for chlorine dioxide. The
DBPR also lowers the MCL for total trihalomethanes
(TTHMS) from 0.10 mg/L (established in THM Rule) to
0.080 mg/L, and sets new MCLs for haloacetic acids
(HAA5) (0.060 mg/L), chlorite (1.0 mg/L), and bromate
(0.010 mg/L). System may use SWTR disinfectant
residual monitoring results to determine MRDL
compliance.
•	Monitoring must be conducted throughout the distribution
system at same time and locations as those used for total
coliform monitoring and continuously at entry point
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3.1.1 Secondary Disinfection in Regulations
Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR)
The SWTR was promulgated in June 1989 in 40 CFR Parts 141 and 142. It requires the reduction of
Giardia lamblia by 99.9 percent (3-log) and reduction of viruses by 99.99 percent (4-log). The rule
applies to all surface water systems, those systems that use ground water under the direct influence
(GWUDI) of surface water, and systems that supply surface water to any part of their distribution
system or blend surface water with groundwater sources. Systems must filter their water, unless
they meet the filtration avoidance criteria, and must disinfect the water sufficiently so that the
combination of removal and inactivation achieves the required pathogen reduction levels before
the water reaches the first user on the system. This first stage of the disinfection process, before
the water enters the distribution system, is referred to as "primary disinfection." The SWTR also
requires that systems serving surface water and GWUDI systems maintain a disinfectant residual
throughout the distribution system. The free or combined disinfectant residual concentration
entering the distribution system must be at least 0.2 mg/L and the system is in violation if it is
less than 0.2 mg/L for more than four hours. In addition, the disinfectant residual concentration
in the distribution system (known as "secondary disinfection" or "residual disinfection"
concentration), measured as free chlorine, combined chlorine, or chlorine dioxide, cannot be
undetectable in more than five percent of the samples each month, for any two consecutive
months that the system serves water to the public. Water in the distribution system with a
heterotrophic plate count (HPC) less than or equal to 500 colony-forming units per milliliter
(cfu/ml) is deemed to have a detectable disinfectant residual for purposes of determining
compliance with this requirement.
Systems regulated by the SWTR are required to monitor the disinfectant concentration in the
water entering the distribution system continuously, and the lowest value must be recorded each
day. If there is a failure in the continuous monitoring equipment, grab sampling every four hours
can be conducted instead of continuous monitoring, but for no more than five working days
following the failure of the equipment. Systems serving fewer than 3,300 people may use grab
samples for their disinfectant measurements instead of continuous monitoring. The required
number of grab samples taken per day is based on the population served by the system.
Systems complying with the SWTR must measure the disinfectant residual concentration at least
at the same points in the distribution system and at the same time as total coliforms are sampled
for compliance with the TCR, unless States determine that other sites are more representative of
distribution system water quality.
Total Coliform Rule
The TCR was promulgated concurrently with the SWTR in June 1989. Unlike the SWTR, the
TCR applies to all public water systems. A public water system is defined as a drinking water
supplier that serves at least 25 people or 15 service connections for at least 60 days per year.
The TCR requires systems to monitor for the presence of total coliforms in the distribution
system. See the Total Coliform White Paper Distribution System Indicators of Drinking Water
Quality (USEPA 2006a) for further discussion on the use of total coliforms as indicators. The
TCR requires systems to monitor for total coliforms at a frequency proportional to the number of
people served. Coliform samples must be collected at sites that are representative of water
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throughout the distribution system, according to a written sample siting plan. If any sample tests
positive for total coliforms, the system must perform additional tests for either fecal coliforms or
E. coli and test additional samples for total coliform in response to the positive result.
The TCR does not require the presence of a disinfectant residual but does list maintaining a
disinfectant residual throughout the distribution system as a Best Available Technology (BAT)
for compliance with the total coliform MCL.
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
The purpose of the Stage 1 DBP Rule is to improve public health protection by reducing
exposure to disinfection byproducts. Some disinfectants and disinfection byproducts (DBPs)
have been shown to cause cancer and reproductive effects in lab animals and suggested bladder
cancer and reproductive effects in humans. The Stage 1 DBPR, effective in 2002, sets MRDLs
and Maximum Residual Disinfection Level Goals (MRDLGs) for chlorine, chloramines, and
chlorine dioxide. The MRDLs established by the rule are 4.0 mg/L as Cb for chlorine, 4.0 mg/L
as Cl2 for chloramine, and 0.80 mg/L for chlorine dioxide. The Stage 1 DBPR also lowers the
MCL for TTHMs from 0.10 mg/L, established in the 1979 TTHM Rule, to 0.080 mg/L, and sets
new MCLs for HAA5 (0.060 mg/L), chlorite (1.0 mg/L), and bromate (0.010 mg/L). Enhanced
coagulation or enhanced softening is required to improve removal of DBP precursors for systems
using conventional filtration treatment.
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
For the Stage 2 DBPR, the MCLs will remain at the Stage 1 DBPR levels (0.080 mg/L for
TTHM and 0.060 mg/L for HAA5), but compliance will be determined based on locational
running annual averages (LRAAs) instead of the RAAs used in the Stage 1 DBPR. Most systems
will also be required to conduct Initial Distribution System Evaluations (IDSEs) to identify
monitoring locations that represent locations with the highest concentrations of TTHM and
HAA5.
Ground Water Rule
The purpose of GWR is to provide for increased protection against microbial pathogens in public
water systems that use ground water sources. EPA is particularly concerned about ground water
systems that are susceptible to fecal contamination since disease-causing pathogens may be
found in fecal contamination. The GWR will apply to public water systems that serve ground
water. The rule also applies to any system that mixes surface and ground water if the ground
water is added directly to the distribution system and provided to consumers without treatment.
The GWR does not require a disinfectant residual. However, under this rule, ground water
systems providing 4-log treatment of viruses using chemical disinfection must monitor for and
must meet and maintain a State-determined residual disinfectant concentration (e.g., 4-log
inactivation of viruses based on CT tables) or State-approved alternatives every day the GWS
serves from the ground water source to the public. Significant deficiencies may include, but are
not limited to, inadequate disinfectant residual monitoring, when required.
9

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3.1.2 State Regulations
States may adopt Federal drinking water regulations or adopt more restrictive drinking water
requirements, including those for disinfectant residual. At least 34 states have the same
regulations as the federal standard (40 CFR 141.72) requiring monitoring, and the same
minimum disinfectant concentration at the entrance to the distribution system and within the
distribution system. Some states such as Texas, Kentucky, Kansas, and Florida require ground
water systems to comply with the disinfectant residual standards as well as surface water and
GWUDI systems. Other states have adopted more stringent standards. Several states have
increased the minimum disinfectant level to 0.3 or 0.5 mg/L (Delaware and Kentucky,
respectively).
3.2 Secondary Disinfection in Europe
The current approaches to secondary disinfection in Europe are influenced by the wide diversity
of water resources and supply infrastructures, as well as disinfection philosophy, so European
countries vary considerably in their disinfection practices and use of secondary disinfection.
The European Union (EU), which is currently comprised of 25 member states, sets drinking
water regulations for its member-states. The European Union Council Directive 98/83/EC was
adopted November 3, 1998 to regulate quality of water intended for human consumption. The
Directive applies to all water supplies except nationally recognized mineral waters or water used
as a medicinal product. Exemptions are allowed where member states are satisfied that the
quality of the water has no negative influence on the health of consumers concerned.
The EU Directive does not specifically require water supplies to be disinfected. Residual
disinfection is also not required, although the Directive suggests disinfection when necessary.
Water must be free of pathogens as measured by E. coli and enterococci bacteria (i.e., 0/100 ml
mandatory microbiological standard for E. coli, and enterococci). The point of compliance with
these guidelines is at a customer's tap.
European Union member states may adopt standards and monitoring requirements more stringent
than those imposed by the EU Directive. Three countries, Spain, Portugal and the United
Kingdom, require primary disinfection for all water supplies. Four countries, Austria, Denmark,
France, and the Netherlands, require primary disinfection of surface water, but not groundwater,
unless necessary. No other countries in the EU require primary disinfection as a national
standard. Out of the 15 original EU member states, only Spain and Portugal require secondary
disinfection (or residual disinfection) in distribution systems. Germany and Austria require
residual disinfectants as necessary to achieve microbiological standards (no pathogens).
Belgium, Finland, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Switzerland (not an EU member state) offer
guidance on disinfectant residuals.
Some European regulators monitor heterotrophic bacteria while others do not use
microorganisms as indicators of water quality (Hydes, 1999).
4 Review of Secondary Disinfection Effectiveness
As discussed earlier, secondary disinfectants have three main functions:
10

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1.	To inactivate microorganisms in the distribution system,
2.	To serve as indicators of distribution system upset, and
3.	To control biofilms.
This section describes each of these functions and what is known about the effectiveness of
secondary disinfection using chlorine, chloramine, and chlorine dioxide.
4.1 Inactivation of Microorganisms in Distribution Systems
Studies have shown that disinfectant residuals can be used to inactivate microorganisms in the
distribution system. In a study by Snead et al. (1980), researchers showed that a 0.70 mg/L free
chlorine residual could effectively inactivate coliform bacteria (3-log inactivation within 30
minutes) when 1% seeded, autoclaved, raw sewage was introduced to tap water. Additionally,
more than 1.5-log inactivation of poliovirus 1 was observed after 120 minutes. The initial free
chlorine residual lost its effectiveness when challenged with 5% sewage. LeChevallier (1999)
states that in cases of massive contamination, the residual may be overwhelmed.
Proponents of maintaining a disinfectant residual point to situations where residuals were not
maintained and preventable waterborne disease outbreaks occurred. Haas (1999) argues that
both a 1993 Salmonella outbreak caused by animal waste introduced to a distribution system
reservoir and a 1989 E. coli 0157:H7 outbreak could have been forestalled if distribution system
chlorination had been in effect. Both of these outbreaks were due to bacterial pathogens that are
sensitive to chlorine and could have been at least partially inactivated. Whether the extent of
inactivation would have been great enough to prevent the outbreak is unknown. Propato and
Uber (2004) determined that disinfection practices may provide some public health protection.
However, other factors, such as distribution system dynamics and the presence of storage tanks,
can affect the vulnerability of consumers to pathogens.
This section focuses on routes by which bacteria enter the distribution system and pathogen
inactivation in distribution systems. Estimates of the possible extent of inactivation provided by
secondary disinfection and the factors that might influence inactivation are also presented. As
with primary disinfection, secondary disinfection effectiveness at pathogen inactivation depends
on several factors. For example, turbidity, pH, and chlorine demand of the water containing the
pathogens will affect inactivation rates. Pathogen dose and condition will dictate how likely the
contamination is to cause waterborne disease. Disinfectant concentration and contact time will
impact how strong a treatment barrier the secondary disinfection provides. Exhibit 3 provides a
summary of variables that might be considered when evaluating secondary disinfection efficacy.
11

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Exhibit 3 - Variables for Consideration within a Secondary Disinfection Framework

Type
• Chlorine


• Chloramine


• Chlorine Dioxide

Dose
• Residual


• Booster Disinfection
Disinfectant Properties:

• Mixing Behavior


-Plug flow


-Well mixed


-Unknown

Reactivity
• Low/long-lasting


• High/short-lived
12

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Exhibit 3 Continued
Variables for Consideration within a Secondary Disinfection Framework

Mixing Behavior
•	Plug flow
•	Well mixed
•	Convection

Disinfectant Demand
•	Sewage
•	Groundwater intrusion

Volume
•	Concentration
•	Duration
Contamination Event Properties:
Entry Points
•	Number
•	Spatial Distribution
•	Type
-Backflow
-Intrusion
-Other

Contaminant Water
• pH

Quality Characteristics
•	Temperature
•	Disinfectant demand
•	Available nutrients
Microorganism Properties:
Type
•	Virus
•	Bacteria
•	Protozoa
•	Other

Number of Organisms
•	Growth
•	Die-off

Matrix
•	Particle associated
•	Free floating
•	Sheared biofilm
•	Intact biofilm
•	Aggregation
•	Encapsulation
•	Incubation time

Form
•	Spore
•	Cyst
•	Cell (vegetative)

Point of Origination
•	Treatment breakthrough
•	Intrusion
•	Cross-connection
•	Storage Tanks
•	Sediment

Microbial Interactions
•	Competitive
•	Cooperative
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Exhibit 3 Continued
Variables for Consideration within a Secondary Disinfection Framework
Distribution System Properties:
Disinfectant Demand
•	Pipes
•	Gaskets
•	Coatings
•	Sediments
•	Corrosion products

Pressure Gradients and
Hydraulic Characteristics
• Negative pressures (frequency
and duration)

Cross-Connections


Pipe/Reservoir
Volume


Population (Consumer)
Density


Available Contact Time
•	Looping
•	Storage facilities
•	Dead-ends

Water Quality
Characteristics
•	pH
•	Temperature
•	Disinfectant demand
•	Available nutrients
4.1.1 Impact of Route of Entry on Pathogen Inactivation
As mentioned previously, maintenance of a disinfectant residual throughout the distribution
system may help to maintain the integrity of the distribution system in the following three ways:
•	Inactivating microorganisms in the distribution system;
•	Indicating distribution system upset; and
•	Controlling biofilm growth.
Contamination and its interactions with disinfectant residuals can differ significantly depending
on the route by which the contamination enters the distribution system, and this may affect the
effectiveness of the residual. For example, the route can determine the volume of contaminants
reaching the distribution system. A main break may introduce a high volume of contaminated
water in a short period of time. A disinfect residual may be unable to inactivate such a load. On
the other hand, sediments from the interior of a tank are likely to enter the distribution system in
smaller amounts over a long period of time and thus may be not cause a noticeable drop in
residual concentration. In these cases, the ability of the residual to inactivate or indicate is
limited.
Additionally, the route can also be a factor in the type of contamination reaching the distribution
system. Cross-connections could be a source of a high variety of contaminants, while treatment
breakthrough would allow contaminants present in the source water to reach the distribution
system.
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One way to determine the route of entry of pathogens is to examine the causes of outbreaks.
Craun and Calderon (2001) reviewed reported waterborne outbreaks attributed to distribution
system deficiencies from 1971 to 1998. Exhibit 4 provides a summary of the deficiencies that
caused the outbreaks in community and noncommunity water systems. As the exhibit shows,
cross-connections have caused more than half of waterborne outbreaks. Additionally, cross-
connections, main conditions, and storage contamination have historically resulted in more than
85% of outbreaks.
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Exhibit 4- Distribution System Deficiencies Causing Outbreaks from 1971 to 19981

Community Water Systems
Noncommunity Water Systems
Deficiency
Outbreaks
%
Outbreaks
%
Cross-Connection
45
50.6
15
62.5
Corrosion/leaching of metals
12
13.5
1
4.1
Broken or leaking water mains
10
11.2
0
0.0
Contamination during storage
9
10.1
6
25.0
Contamination of mains during
construction or repair
5
5.6
1
4.2
Contamination of household
plumbing
7
7.9
1
4.2
Inadequate separation of water
main and sewer
1
1.1
0
0.0
Total
89
100
24
100
Adapted from Craun and Calderon, 2001.
The Distribution System White Paper Health Risks from Microbial Growth and Biofilms in
Drinking Water Distribution Systems (USEPA 2002c) identifies six routes by which pathogens
can be introduced into distribution systems. Further information describing the probability of
waterborne pathogens entering through each pathway is described further in the White Paper.
The six routes are:
•	Treatment breakthrough,
•	Leaking pipes, valves, joints, and seals,
•	Cross-connections and backflow,
•	Finished water storage vessels,
•	Improper treatment of equipment, materials, or personnel before entry, and
•	Intentional introduction of contamination into distribution system.
Treatment Breakthrough
It has been shown that the majority of organisms that colonize the pipe materials in a distribution
system can be found in the system's source water (Camper, 1996). Some organisms will break
through treatment barriers (Schaule and Fleming, 1997), particularly following rainfall events
(USEPA, 1992). Klebsiella pneumoniae (a coliform, a few strains of which are opportunistic
pathogens) are protected from disinfectants by several means, including their attachment to
carbon fines used to control taste and odor (Morin et al., 1996). Ineffective source water
treatment may also allow fungi and bulk water diatoms to enter the distribution system (Doggett,
2000). High turbidity water can shield pathogens and reduce disinfectant effectiveness (Berman
16

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et al., 1988; Ormeci and Linden, 2002). The turbidity change associated with treatment
breakthrough, however, can be so small that it may go undetected.
Leaking Pipes. Valves. Joints, and Seals
As distribution systems age, they become increasingly vulnerable to leaks, water main breaks,
and system failures that can result in microbiological contamination. For water systems serving
more than 50,000 people in the United States, the average age of the oldest section of the system
is more than 50 years. For the largest systems in the country, the average age of the system's
oldest section approaches 100 years (Haas, 1999). Even new water main installations can be
susceptible to leakage, and therefore many utilities follow the recommendations for hydrostatic
testing of new mains according to AWWA Standard C-600 - Installation of Ductile-Iron Water
Mains and Their Appurtenances (AWWA, 1999). Failure to conduct adequate hydrostatic
testing could result in the installation of many miles of leaking pipe that could be susceptible to
intrusion during a transient pressure event (Friedman et al., 2004).
Utilities commonly have a significant amount of leakage throughout the distribution system. In a
survey conducted by Kirmeyer et al. (2001), 18 of 26 utilities surveyed had sufficient metering
data to determine loss through leaks and breaks in terms of a percentage of total water produced.
Seventeen utilities reported that less than 10% of total water produced is lost to leaks and breaks.
One utility reported that water loss due to leaks and breaks is 18% of total water produced.
Leakage points that are submerged may provide opportunities for intrusion of contaminated
water during transient pressure events (Kirmeyer, et. al., 2001). Pressure changes in the
distribution system can result in hydraulic surges that create low or negative pressure waves,
which often go undetected by water system operators. As a low or negative pressure wave
passes through a pipe, it can cause untreated, exogenous water to be drawn into the pipe through
points of leakage or cross-connections. Sources of these pressure changes can be the effects of
routine distribution system operation, such as pump startup and shutdown, opening and closing
fire hydrants, and sudden changes in water demand (Kirmeyer et al., 2001). Further detail
regarding the introduction of contaminants through intrusion is provided in the Distribution
System White Paper The Potential for Health Risks from Intrusion of Contaminants into the
Distribution System from Pressure Transients (LeChevallier et al., 2002).
While LeChevallier (1999) contends that disinfectant residuals may be overwhelmed by large
backflow episodes, maintaining a disinfectant residual throughout the distribution system may be
effective at providing a barrier to illness in instances of smaller contamination episodes.
Payment et al. (1991) studied waterborne endemic gastrointestinal illness in a Canadian system
that experienced many pipe breaks and low disinfectant residuals throughout the distribution
system network, especially at the ends of the system. LeChevallier et al. (2002) report that
analysis of Payment's data shows that people who lived in zones far away from the treatment
plant had the highest risk of gastroenteritis. Transient pressure modeling (Kirmeyer et al., 2001)
found that the distribution system studied by Payment was extremely prone to negative
pressures, with more than 90 percent of the nodes within the system drawing negative pressures
under certain modeling scenarios (e.g., power outages). LeChevallier et al. (2002) suggested that
low disinfectant residuals and a vulnerability of the distribution system to pressure transients
(reported in Kirmeyer et al., 2001) could account for the viral-like etiology of the illnesses
observed in the Payment study.
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In 1992, in Cabool, Missouri, the city of 5,000 exceeded its sewer capacity and raw sewage
backflowed into water main break sites causing an outbreak that killed 4 people, hospitalized 32,
and caused diarrhea and other problems in 243 people. The responsible agent was a pathogenic
strain of Escherichia coli (Geldreich et al. 1992). At the time, the city did not disinfect the
drinking water supply composed of groundwater sources, and repaired mains were not
chlorinated before being made operational.
Cross-Connections and Backflow
Cross-connection and backflow events have the potential to occur anywhere within the
distribution system. These events have introduced contaminants at storage reservoirs, pump
stations, hydrants, at repair sites, and on customer property (USEPA 2002b). According to
Exhibit 4, contamination from cross-connections caused most of the distribution system
outbreaks in both community and noncommunity water systems.
The level of threat posed by biological contaminants varies dramatically depending on the vector
of the disease, the concentration and degree of infectivity of the pathogen, the level of
disinfectant residual maintained by the water system, and the health of the individual exposed
(Rusin et al., 1997). Further details on the risks associated with cross-connections are included
in the Distribution System White Paper titled Potential Contamination Due to Cross-
Connections and Backflow and Associated Health Risks (USEPA 2002d).
Many of the documented waterborne disease outbreaks caused by cross-connection problems
resulted from contamination of the water supply with sewage. Sartory and Holmes (1997) found
E. coli isolates from sewage effluents to be less resistant to free chlorine than were E. coli
isolated from distribution system bulk water, although the large number of bacteria introduced
during a sewage contamination episode may make this point less important.
Finished Water Storage Vessels
The long hydraulic retention times of many storage tanks can be either beneficial or detrimental
to distribution system water quality. Storage tanks can provide contact time for pathogen
inactivation if contamination has occurred. Alternatively, significantly increased water age
through certain storage facilities can deplete disinfectant residuals and provide reaction time for
DBP formation.
Finished water storage tanks are locations that simultaneously can result in the introduction of
contamination and have significant impacts on disinfectant residual. Sediments at the bottom of
tanks can introduce potential water quality problems such as increased disinfectant demand,
microbial growth, disinfection by-product formation, and increased turbidity within the bulk
water. Further details on the potential for contaminants to reach the distribution system through
storage tanks can be found in the Distribution System White Paper Finished Water Storage
Facilities (AWWA and EES, 2002a).
Improper Treatment of Equipment or Materials Before and During Main Repair
Exposure of piping materials to contaminants can begin at the point of manufacture. Subsequent
handling and storage of piping also present opportunities for exposure. The Distribution System
White Paper New or Repaired Mains (AWWA and EES, 2002b) describes the potential for
contamination associated with main break and repair.
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In North America, disinfection of new mains is typically performed in accordance with AWWA
Standard C651-99. This standard recommends a disinfection dose of 25 mg/L for a 24-hour
contact time, which should result in a CT of 36,000 mirrmg/L, The AwwaRF report
Development of Disinfection Guidelines for the Installation and Replacement of Water Mains
(Haas et al., 1998) documents the results of actual field evaluations to test the adequacy of
AWWA Standard C651 for Disinfecting Water Mains. The researchers concluded that the
AWWA standard provides adequate disinfection: The AWWA-recommended disinfection dose
of 25 mg/L for a 24-hour contact time provides more than a 4-log (99.99%) inactivation of
heterotrophic bacteria. It was also found that approximately 10 mg/L free chlorine inactivates
heterotrophic bacteria to less than 100 cfu/ml. Based on a survey of 250 utilities, Haas et al.
(1998) found that 75% of respondents reference the AWWA Standard C651 in their construction
documents.
Intentional Introduction of Contaminants into Distribution System
As the Distribution System White Paper Health Risks from Microbial Growth and Biofilms in the
Drinking Water Distribution System (USEPA, 2002c) points out, insufficient distribution system
security could lead to microbial contamination through accidental or intentional means. For
example, biological and chemical contaminants could be intentionally introduced by causing a
flow reversal at vulnerable nodes in the distribution system such as fire hydrants, blowoffs, and
potentially at any user connection.
In November 2001, a Water Quality Technology Conference (WQTC) Water Security
Monitoring Panel (AWWA, 2001) encouraged water supplies to adopt three practices to ready
themselves for contamination threats:
•	Pay attention to significant changes in water quality at entry points, finished water
storage reservoirs, and key monitoring locations throughout the distribution system.
•	Establish a reliable water quality baseline against which one can compare current
monitoring results. The amount of data needed to establish a reference baseline depends
on the normal variability of the water.
•	Use indicator tests that can provide real-time results that signal the need for further
investigation or action. Frequent monitoring of pH, turbidity, conductivity, and
disinfectant residual can serve as watchdogs for changes in distribution system water
quality.
4.1.2 Effectiveness of Secondary Disinfectant Residuals at Pathogen Inactivation
One of the goals of this paper is to review the effectiveness of secondary disinfectant residuals
for microbial inactivation within the distribution system. Three approaches were used to
compare pathogen inactivation in the distribution system.
First published CT values for primary disinfection of Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and viruses
were used as a basis for comparison of disinfection practices within distribution systems.
Differences between controlled conditions at a water treatment plant versus the dynamic
conditions within a distribution system may result in some variation in disinfection. For
example, during primary disinfection, a disinfectant is applied at a known dosage to achieve at
least a specific residual over a given contact time. Within the distribution system, the
disinfectant residual can vary from pipeline to pipeline and from the pipe centerline to the pipe
19

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wall. Water users are drawing water at different locations and rates in the distribution system,
and therefore the contact time between two fixed locations will vary throughout the day. Contact
time for an early user on a distribution main will differ significantly from users further
downstream, especially if they are located downstream of storage vessels. There may be
multiple contaminant entry points within the distribution system such as cross-connections,
intrusion during pressure transients, and through storage vessels. Additionally, primary
disinfection is not aimed at biofilm control, and in some instances, primary disinfection may
even contribute to increased biofilm growth within the distribution system if nutrients for
bacteria growth, such as humic substances, are converted to more readily biodegradable AOC.
Second, a literature review was conducted to identify studies that assessed disinfection efficacy
for bacteria and viruses that could be associated with distribution systems. Results were sorted
by microorganism and study matrix (e.g., whether the microorganisms were in association with
bulk water, biofilms, or particles/aggregated). Where data were available, an attempt was made
to quantify the impact of distribution system conditions (i.e., the presence of biofilm/clumping)
on disinfection efficacy, compared to the relatively simplistic bulk water CT approach used to
assess primary disinfection efficacy.
Third, findings from the literature review for bulk water inactivation studies were categorized as
a function of the disinfectant used so that disinfection efficacy for various bacteria and viruses
could be compared.
Comparison of Secondary Disinfection to Primary Disinfection CT Values for Inactivation of
Giardia. Viruses, and Cryptosporidium
For chlorine, chloramines, and chlorine dioxide, primary disinfection CT tables have been
developed and promulgated for Giardia and virus inactivation under the SWTR. These tables
were developed using data from inactivation studies, conducted under laboratory conditions that
more closely resembled the conditions that are seen during primary disinfection (USEPA, 1991).
Exhibit 5 provides CT values for virus inactivation using Hepatitis A virus (HAV), and Exhibit 6
provides CT values for Giardia lamblia cyst inactivation for chlorine, chloramine, and chlorine
dioxide. The values in both Exhibits refer to water at 10°C with pH 6.0-9.0 (pH 7 for chlorine
inactivation of Giardia).
The log inactivations in the tables incorporate conservative assumptions and safety factors,
resulting in the likelihood that they underestimate the actual inactivation achieved for a given
contact time and concentration combination under primary disinfection conditions when free
chlorine or chlorine dioxide are used as the primary disinfectant. The chloramine CT values in
Exhibit 5 were developed for systems using combined chlorine, where chlorine is added prior to
ammonia in the treatment sequence (USEPA, 1991). These CT values should not be used for
estimating the adequacy of disinfection in systems applying preformed chloramines, as would be
the case in a secondary disinfection scenario using chloramines, since CT values based on HAV
inactivation with preformed chloramines may not be adequate for destroying rotaviruses. For
example, CTs of approximately 4,000 - 6,300 min* mg/L were needed for 2-log inactivation of
simian rotavirus at a pH of 8 and a temperature of 5°C when preformed chloramines were used
(Berman and Hoff, 1984). The CT values for Giardia inactivation using chloramines shown in
Exhibit 6 are based on disinfection studies using preformed chloramines (USEPA, 1991).
20

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Exhibit 5 - CT Values for Inactivation of Viruses in Water at 10° C with pH 6.0-9.01
Disinfectant
CT Values (in miiTing/L)
2-log (99.0%)
inactivation
3-log (99.9%)
inactivation
4-log (99.99%)
inactivation
Chlorine
3
4
6
Chloramine2
6432
1,0672
1,4912
Chlorine Dioxide
4.2
12.8
25.1
Using Surface Water Sources (USEPA, 1991).
2 Inactivation achieved using combined chlorine, where chlorine is added prior to ammonia in the treatment sequence (USEPA,
1991). Do not apply to preformed chloramines. CT values for preformed chloramines would be significantly higher.
Exhibit 6 - CT Values for Inactivation of Giardia lamblia Cysts in Water at 10° C
Disinfectant
CT Values (in miiTing/L)
0.5-log
(68.0%)
1.0-log
(90.0%)
1.5-log
(96.8%)
2.0-log
(99.0%)
2.5-log
(99.7%)
3-log
(99.9%)
Chlorine2
17
35
52
69
87
104
Chloramine3
3103
6153
9303
1,2303
1,5403
1,8503
Chlorine Dioxide
4
7.7
12
15
19
23
Using Surface Water Sources (USEPA, 1991)
2	at pH 7.0 and chlorine residual <0.4 mg/L
3	CT values for chloramines are based on preformed chloramines (USEPA, 1991).
The data presented in Exhibits 5 and 6 (and from Berman and Hoff, 1984 for preformed
chloramine inactivation of simian rotavirus using preformed chloramines) can be applied to
distribution system disinfection scenarios to theoretically assess the potential for inactivation of
viruses and Giardia lamblia, should they enter the distribution system, with the exception of the
chloramine data in exhibit 5 which does not apply to preformed chloramines. As discussed in
Section 3, the SWTR establishes a minimum concentration of disinfectant entering systems (0.2
mg/L) and requires a detectable residual throughout the system. In general, the minimum
detectable residual may be considered the detection limit of the field test analysis employed.
This is assumed to be 0.01 mg/L for all three disinfectants (AWWA/APHA/WEF, 1998). Of the
three possible secondary disinfectants, chloramines are the weakest, requiring significantly
higher concentrations or contact times to achieve levels of inactivation of Giardia and viruses
comparable to free chlorine and chlorine dioxide. The contact time to achieve even a 10 percent
inactivation of Giardia at the minimum allowable (i.e., "detectable") chloramine residual
concentration of 0.01 mg/1 is 3,000 minutes (or just over 2 days), while a 99 percent (2-log)
inactivation requires 123,000 minutes (or 85 days).
The CT values presented in Exhibits 5 and 6 (and from Berman and Hoff, 1984 for preformed
chloramine inactivation of viruses) can be applied to other disinfection residual scenarios, such
as the minimum allowable level at the point of entry to the distribution system (0.2 mg/L) under
the SWTR, or the mean disinfectant residual concentrations reported in the 1998 AWWA survey
21

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(AWWA Water Quality Division Disinfection Systems Committee, 2000). Exhibit 7 provides a
summary of contact times that would be needed within a distribution system to provide 2-log
inactivation of viruses and Giardia under various disinfectant residual scenarios.
Exhibit 7 - Contact Time Needed to Achieve 2-Log Inactivation of Viruses and Giardia
Using Various Distribution System Residual Scenarios





Contact Time





Contact Time
Minimum
Needed for 2-log

Contact Time

Minimum
Needed for 2-log
Residual
Inactivation Using

Needed for 2-log

Detectable
Inactivation Using
Level
Minimum Residual
Mean
Inactivation Using

Residual
Minimum Detect.
Allowed at
Level Allowed at
Residual
Mean Residual Level

Level
Level (min)
POE
POE (min)
Level1
(hr)
Disinfectant
(mg/L)
Virus
Giardia
(mg/L)
Virus
Giardia
(mg/L)
Virus
Giardia
£
Chlorine
0.01
300
6,900
0.2
15
345
1.1
3
63
Chloramine
0.01
630,000
123,000
0.2
31,500
6,150
2.4
2,625
513
Chlorine Dioxide4
0.01
420
1,500
0.2
21
75
0.26
16
58
Source: AWWA Water Quality Division Disinfection Systems Committee, 2000
2	10°C, HAV used for virus at pH 6-9; pH 7 used for Giardia
3	Preformed chloramines used for both virus and Giardia. 5°C for simian rotavirus SA11 at pH 8; 10°C, pH 6-9 for Giardia.
4	10°C, HAV used for virus at pH 6-9; pH 6-9 used for Giardia
Chlorine dioxide requires more time than free chlorine to inactivate viruses, but can inactivate
Giardia more quickly than free chlorine. Whereas 1 mg/L of free chlorine can provide a rapid
virus inactivation (4-log inactivation in 6 minutes), 0.26 mg/L of chlorine dioxide needs 16
minutes to provide just 2-log virus inactivation, and 97 minutes to provide 4-log virus
inactivation. Chlorine dioxide can, however, provide some protection against Cryptosporidium
oocyst contamination. Peeters et al. (1989) found that 0.22 mg/L of chlorine dioxide provided
94.3% Cryptosporidium oocyst inactivation in 30 minutes.
An inherent limitation with using the CT approach described above for assessing log-inactivation
provided in distribution systems is the uncertainty associated with calculating contact times
within a distribution system given the potential for multiple and unknown contamination entry
points within any distribution system. Primary disinfection CTs are most applicable to
distribution systems if one assumes a single contamination event at any one time, such as from
the source of supply, or at a specific storage facility, etc. In this hypothetical case, all regions of
the distribution system can be identified for which a specific contact time is met (under various
demand conditions) and a minimum disinfectant residual is maintained. As described in the
Secondary Disinfection Framework presented previously in Exhibit 3, the number, spatial
distribution, and type of contaminant entry locations (and many other variables) will impact the
actual secondary disinfection efficacy.
Impact of Study Matrix on Inactivation of Bacteria and Viruses Potentially Associated with
Distribution Systems
Several studies have assessed disinfection efficacy for microorganisms in conditions that could
be found in distribution systems. For example, Payment et al. (1985) found that the presence of
viable viruses in finished water was due to their occlusion in protective matter. Sobsey et al.
(1991) noted that there is considerable evidence that most viruses in water are embedded in or
otherwise associated with suspended solids and that such associate often interferes with virus
inactivation. For example, Sobsey et al. (1991) found that cell-associated Hepatitis A virus was
22

-------
more resistant to both free chlorine and monochloramine disinfection than was a dispersed form
of the virus. Cell association had a significantly smaller influence on inactivation by
monochloramine than by free chlorine; free chlorine was found to be more effective than
monochloramine by a factor of 600-fold for dispersed virus, but only 60-fold for cell-associated
virus.
Medema et al. (1998) found that approximately one-third of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts
and Giardia lamblia cysts introduced into secondary sewage effluent attached quickly to
particles from the secondary effluent. The affiliation of the cysts and oocysts to particles may
enhance the likelihood of pathogen settling, but also may increase the resistance of the cysts and
oocysts to disinfection. Leclerc (2002) points out that treatment breakthrough of flocculated
particles could result in the introduction of particle-associated pathogens with a greater resistance
to disinfection. Sartory and Holmes (1997) hypothesized that the sensitivity of coliforms to
chlorination may be related to their source and metabolic status. Several strains of coliform
bacteria were isolated from sewage effluent, source waters, and bulk water and biofilms from
distribution systems. For E. coli, the isolates from the distribution system bulk water showed
greater resistance to free chlorine than those from sewage effluents, and equivalent resistance to
those from river water. Coliforms other than E. coli (mainly strains of Klebsiella, Enterobacter,
and Citrobacter) from distribution system biofilms showed the greatest sensitivity to free and
total chlorine, while those from river water had the greatest resistance.
LeChevallier et al. (1988) showed that the attachment of bacteria to surfaces provided the
greatest increase in disinfection resistance. Attachment of unencapsulated Klebsiella pneumoniae
grown in medium with high levels of nutrients to glass microscope slides afforded the
microorganisms as much as a 150-fold increase in disinfection resistance. Other mechanisms
which increased disinfection resistance included the age of the biofilm, bacterial encapsulation,
and previous growth conditions (e.g., growth medium and growth temperature). These factors
increased resistance to chlorine from 2- to 10-fold. The choice of disinfectant residual was
shown to influence the type of resistance mechanism observed. Disinfection by free chlorine
was affected by surfaces, age of the biofilm, encapsulation, and nutrient effects. Disinfection by
monochloramine, however, was only affected by surfaces. Importantly, results showed that these
resistance mechanisms were multiplicative (i.e., the resistance provided by one mechanism could
be multiplied by the resistance provided by a second mechanism).
A literature review of CT requirements for inactivation of various bacteria and viruses in the
presence of free chlorine, chloramine, or chlorine dioxide was conducted. Results were sorted
by microorganism and matrix, i.e., whether the microorganisms were in association with bulk
water, biofilms, or particles/aggregated. Exhibit 8 provides a summary of the microorganisms
for which published inactivation results were available in a variety of matrices. Appendix A
provides a complete listing of all results identified in the literature review.
23

-------
Exhibit 8 -Comparison of Disinfection Between Bulk Water and Distribution System Water Conditions







Difference






CT


in percent




Disinfectant
Disinfectant
(min»mg/L)


inactivation


Micro-

Dose
Residual
or time
Temperature
Log
from non-
Test

organism
Disinfectant
(mg/L)
(mg/L)
(min)
°C
Inactivation
clumping
System
Matrix
Coliforms






Different


assoc. w/






contact

Particle
particles1
Chlorine
5
1.5
50
5
3
times
Laboratory
association
Coliform1
Chlorine
5
4
15
5
3.7

Laboratory
Bulk water









Model DS,


Chlorine






annular
Particle
HPCs2
Dioxide
Chlorine
No data
0.23
14
20 +- 0.5
0.3
-48
reactors
Model DS,
annular
association
HPCs2
Dioxide
No data
0.23
14
20 +- 0.5
1.61

reactors
Bulk water








Model DS,


Chlorine






annular
Particle
HPCs2
Dioxide
Chlorine
No data
0.45
27
20 +- 0.5
2.17
-0.67
reactors
Model DS,
annular
association
HPCs2
Dioxide
No data
0.45
27
20 +- 0.5
4.00

reactors
Bulk water








Model DS,









annular
Particle
HPCs2
Free chlorine
No data
0.47
28
20 +- 0.5
1.6
-1.9
reactors
Model DS,
annular
association
HPCs2
Free chlorine
No data
0.47
28
20 +- 0.5
2.20

reactors
Bulk water








Model DS,









annular
Particle
HPCs2
Free chlorine
No data
0.95
57
20 +- 0.5
2.44
-0.3
reactors
Model DS,
annular
association
HPCs2
Free chlorine
No data
0.95
57
20 +- 0.5
3.25

reactors
Bulk water
24

-------
Exhibit 8 Continued - Comparison of Disinfection Between Bulk Water and Distribution System Water Conditions







Difference




Disinfectant
Disinfectant
CT
(min»mg/L)


in percent
inactivation


Micro-

Dose
Residual
or time
Temperature
Log
from non-
Test

organism
Disinfectant
(mg/L)
(mg/L)
(min)
°C
Inactivation
clumping
System
Matrix








Model DS,









annular
Particle
HPCs2
Monochloramine
No data
1.85
111
20 +- 0.5
2.15
-0.4
reactors
association








Model DS,









annular

HPCs2
Monochloramine
No data
1.85
111
20 +- 0.5
2.53

reactors
Bulk water









Model

Legionella
pneumophila3
Free chlorine
2
No data
t = 30 min
25-30
4
0
plumbing
system
Particle
association








Model

Legionella
pneumophila3
Free chlorine
2
No data
t < 30 min
25-30
4

plumbing
system
Bulk water








Model

Legionella
pneumophila3
Free chlorine
4
No data
t < 30 min
25-30
4
0
plumbing
system
Particle
association








Model

Legionella
pneumophila3
Free chlorine
4
No data
t < 30 min
25-30
4

plumbing
system
Bulk water








Model

Legionella
pneumophila3
Monochloramine
2
No data
t < 30 min
25-30
4
0
plumbing
system
Particle
association








Model

Legionella
pneumophila3
Monochloramine
2
No data
t < 30 min
25-30
4

plumbing
system
Bulk water








Model

Legionella
pneumophila3
Monochloramine
4
No data
t < 30 min
25-30
4
0
plumbing
system
Particle
association
25

-------
Exhibit 8 Continued - Comparison of Disinfection Between Bulk Water and Distribution System Water Conditions
Micro-
organism
Disinfectant
Disinfectant
Dose
(mg/L)
Disinfectant
Residual
(mg/L)
CT
(min»mg/L)
or time
(min)
Temperature
°C
Log
Inactivation
Difference
in percent
inactivation
from non-
clumping
Test
System
Matrix
Legionella
pneumophila3
Monochloramine
4
No data
t < 30 min
25-30
4

Model
plumbing
system
Bulk water
Legionella
pneumophila3
Chlorine dioxide
2
No data
t < 40 min
25-30
3
Different
contact
times
Model
plumbing
system
Particle
association
Legionella
pneumophila3
Chlorine dioxide
2
No data
t = 30 min
25-30
4

Model
plumbing
system
Bulk water
Legionella
pneumophila3
Chlorine dioxide
2
0.5 mg/L
t < 30 min
25-30
4
0
Model
plumbing
system
Particle
association
Legionella
pneumophila3
Chlorine dioxide
2
0.5 mg/L
t < 30 min
25-30
4

Model
plumbing
system
Bulk water

Poliovirus4
Free chlorine
0.5
0.44
2.4
5
4
Different
CT
No data
Particle
association
Poliovirus4
Free chlorine
0.50
0.46
2.3
5
4

No data
Bulk water
Poliovirus4
Free chlorine
0.46
0.41
3.3
5
4
0
No data
Particle
association
Poliovirus4
Free chlorine
0.46
0.41
3.3
5
4

No data
Bulk water
26

-------
Exhibit 8 Continued - Comparison of Disinfection Between Bulk Water and Distribution System Water Conditions
Micro-
organism
Disinfectant
Disinfectant
Dose
(mg/L)
Disinfectant
Residual
(mg/L)
CT
(min»mg/L)
or time
(min)
Temperature
°C
Log
Inactivation
Difference
in percent
inactivation
from non-
clumping
Test
System
Matrix
Poliovirus4
Free chlorine
2.8
1.8
t < 15 min
5
4
Different
contact
times
No data
Particle
association
Poliovirus4
Free chlorine
2.8
2.6
t < 5 min
5
4

No data
Bulk water

Vibrio
cholerae5
Free Chlorine
0.5
No data
0.5
20
2
Different
CT
Laboratory
Rugose
Vibrio
cholerae5
Free Chlorine
0.5
No data
<0.5
20
5

Laboratory
Smooth
Vibrio
cholerae6
Free Chlorine
0.5
No data
0.5
20
2
Different
CT
Laboratory
Rugose
Vibrio
cholerae6
Free Chlorine
0.5
No data
<0.5
20
5

Laboratory
Smooth
Vibrio
cholerae7
Free Chlorine
0.5
No data
0.5
20
3.5
-0.03
Laboratory
Rugose
Vibrio
cholerae7
Free Chlorine
0.5
No data
0.5
20
5

Laboratory
Smooth
Vibrio
cholerae7
Free Chlorine
1.0
No data
0.2
20
2
Different
CT
Laboratory
Rugose
Vibrio
cholerae7
Free Chlorine
1.0
No data
0.33
20
4

Laboratory
Smooth
27

-------
Exhibit 8 Continued - Comparison of Disinfection Between Bulk Water and Distribution System Water Conditions
Micro-
organism
Disinfectant
Disinfectant
Dose
(mg/L)
Disinfectant
Residual
(mg/L)
CT
(min»mg/L)
or time
(min)
Temperature
°C
Log
Inactivation
Difference
in percent
inactivation
from non-
clumping
Test
System
Matrix
Hepatitis A8
Free Chlorine
0.5
No data
2.0
5
4
Different
CT

Dispersed
Hepatitis A8
Free Chlorine
0.5
No data
27
5
4


Cell
association
Hepatitis A8
Monochloramine
10
No data
1225
5
4
Different
CT

Dispersed
Hepatitis A8
Monochloramine
10
No data
1740
5
4


Cell
association
1	Ormeci and Linden 2002
2	Dykstra et al. 2002
3	Gao et al. 2000
4Hoff 1978
5	Clark et al. 1994
6	Morris et al. 1996
7Riceetal. 1993
8 Sobsey etal. 1991
28

-------
The protective impact of biofilms or particle association on the inactivation of coliforms
and heterotrophic bacteria is clearly shown in Exhibit 8. Ormeci and Linden (2002)
found that a free chlorine CT of 15 mirrmg/L could provide 3.7-log inactivation of
wastewater coliforms that were not associated with particles, but that a CT of 50
mirrmg/L was required to provide 3.0-log inactivation of wastewater coliform associated
with particles. Thus, those coliforms associated with wastewater particles required more
than a three-fold increase in CT to achieve a similar amount of inactivation that occurred
for coliforms that were not associated with particles. The authors also suggest that
contact time plays an important role in determining the effectiveness of chlorine
disinfection in wastewater, and that chlorine dose alone may not be a good indicator of
disinfection effectiveness for particle-associated coliforms. The authors concluded that a
lower chlorine dose with longer contact time is likely to be more effective on particle-
associated coliforms than an identical CT achieved with a higher chlorine dose and
shorter contact time.
Dykstra et al. (2002) studied the impact of biofilms on heterotrophic bacteria inactivation
using chlorine dioxide, free chlorine, and monochloramine. Greater inactivations were
observed for bulk water heterotrophic bacteria compared to those within biofilms, for all
three disinfectants, regardless of the CT used.
Gao et al. (2000) compared inactivation of biofilm-associated Legionella pneumophila
with bulk water Legionella pneumophila, using free chlorine, monochloramine, and
chlorine dioxide at various disinfectant dosages and a contact time of typically less than
30 minutes. Four-log inactivation was achieved for free chlorine and monochloramine, at
all dosages, regardless of biofilm association. For chlorine dioxide at a dosage of 2
mg/L, only 3-log inactivation was observed for the biofilm-associated microorganisms
when a disinfectant residual could not be maintained over the full experimental contact
time. Comparatively, 4-log inactivation was observed for the bulk water microorganisms
when chlorine dioxide was used. A replicate experiment that maintained a disinfectant
residual of 0.5 mg/L yielded 4-log removal for both biofilm associated and bulk water
microorganisms.
Ormeci and Linden (2002) reported that the decay rate of chlorine was the same for both
the particle-associated and non-particle-associated samples, and similar chlorine decay
rates were observed at all chlorine concentrations (1 mg/L, 5 mg/L, 10 mg/L, and 15
mg/L). The average total chlorine loss over the duration of the experiment was
approximately 3.5 mg/L for the samples that had initial total chlorine concentrations of 5,
10, and 15 mg/L.
Hoff (1978) compared CTs and log inactivations for poliovirus with and without particle
association, and for different types of particle matrices. Tests were conducted at a pH of
6 and a temperature of 5°C. To achieve 4-log inactivation of poliovirus, free chlorine
CTs in the range of 2.3 to 3.3 mirrmg/L were sufficient in the absence of particles, when
the virus was associated with bentonite (7.1 NTU), or when the virus was associated with
aluminum phosphate (5.0 NTU). However, a free chlorine CT of 23 mirrmg/L was
required to achieve 4-log inactivation when the virus was associated with cell debris.
This and other studies (Hoff and Akin, 1986; Sproul et al., 1979; Hejkal et al., 1979;
Stagg et al., 1977; Boyce et al., 1981; Scarpino, 1979), suggest that the effects of
29

-------
microorganism-particle association on disinfection efficiency are determined by the
nature of the association. Viruses associated with cell debris, feces, or wastewater
effluent solids are substantially protected where as viruses and bacteria adsorbed on
surfaces of particles such as clays or inorganic floes are only minimally protected.
Berman et al., (1988) compared free chlorine and chloramine disinfection of coliforms
associated with particles < 7|im and > 7|im in size. Sieves and nylon screens were used to
separate primary sewage effluent solids into the various particle size fractions. The free
chlorine study was conducted at a pH of 7 and a temperature of 5°C, and the chloramine
study was conducted over the pH range of 7 to 8.5, at 5°C. To provide 2-log inactivation
using free chlorine (0.5 mg/L), a CT of 0.9 min*mg/L was required in association with
particles < 7|im, compared to a CT of 2.7 in association with particles > 7|im. When the
larger particles were homogenized, the free chlorine CT required for 2-log inactivation of
coliform was reduced to 0.5 min*mg/L. Thus, the authors concluded that larger particles
(> 7|am) can have a protective effect against the disinfecting action of chlorine for
bacteria and protozoans, due to their larger size as compared to viruses. At pH of 7.0,
particle size did not have a significant impact on coliform inactivation using chloramine.
However, chloramine inactivated the smaller particles more quickly than those > 7 |im at
pH of 8.0. Using chloramine as a disinfectant, at either pH, a 99% inactivation
necessitated a CT twenty to fifty times greater than that for chlorine at a pH of 7.0.
Hoff and Aiken (1986) reviewed factors affecting the efficacy of chlorine disinfection on
microorganisms. The authors concluded that in comparison with growth conditions and
aggregation, the association of a microorganism with particulate matter affords the
greatest protection from disinfection. The study also found that pathogens are most likely
to be introduced to drinking water through an association with particulates, primarily
fecal particles. Additionally, the type of particulate matter has an impact on vulnerability
to disinfection. For instance, viruses and bacteria adsorbed onto clays are still vulnerable
to disinfection. However, viruses associated with cell debris, feces, or wastewater
effluent are less vulnerable to disinfection.
Abu-Shkara et al. (1998) tested nutrition (high and low), temperature (6°C and 35°C),
and aggregation (0.45-8 |im-sized aggregates) with selected coliforms to evaluate the
impacts of these environmental variables on chlorine resistance. The results of their
experiments showed that coliform bacteria grown at lower temperatures are more
resistant to chlorination, as are bacteria grown in low nutrient conditions. Predictably,
the authors also found that bacterial species that formed aggregates in the water were also
more resistant to chlorination.
Vibrio cholerae 01 has both smooth and "rugose" strains that respond differently to
disinfection (Rice et al., 1993, Clark et al., 1994, and Morris et al., 1996). The rugose
strain appears to produce a mucoid matrix material and has a tendency to aggregate (Rice
et al., 1993). Morris et al. (1996) determined that contrary to previous understanding,
rugose V. cholerae is virulent to humans. Rice et al. (1993) found that 4-log inactivation
of smooth strains occurred in 20 seconds with the application of 1.0 mg/L free chlorine.
However, with the same application of chlorine, 3-log inactivation of rugose V. cholerae
occurred within 80 seconds. Clark et al. (1994) found that rugose V. cholerae was
consistently more resistant to free chlorine disinfection than the smooth strain under
30

-------
differing pH, temperature, and chlorine applications. Rugose strains were composed of
larger particles than smooth strains. Broth rugose strains were less chlorine-resistant than
those grown on solid media (agar). Clark et al. (1994) and Rice et al. (1993) both
indicate that the mucoid matrix and cellular aggregation are the likely cause of the rugose
strain's increased resistance. Clark et al. (1994) point out that aggregate rugose strains
are less likely to be a problem at the treatment plant due to their size, but could be a
potential contamination risk within the distribution system. Clark et al. (1994) indicate
that if introduced to the distribution system through a main break or similar incident, it
would be very difficult for chlorine to adequately inactivate a rugose strain of V.
cholerae.
Impact of Disinfectant Type on Inactivation of Bacteria and Viruses Potentially
Associated with Distribution Systems
Exhibit 9 summarizes CT values and corresponding inactivation rates for bulk water
microbes in the presence of free chlorine. Although the laboratory studies did not
typically mimic distribution system conditions, the results present a potential range of
CTs that might be required to achieve different levels of inactivation for different
microbes that could be associated with distribution systems. It is expected that a wide
range of environmental conditions (i.e., pH, temperature, residual level, etc.) would also
be encountered in drinking water distribution system.
Of the microbes presented, adenovirus, calicivirus, Helicobacter pylori, and
Microsporidia are included on the USEPA Contaminant Candidate List (CCL), under
consideration for additional research and regulatory determination. The data in Exhibit 9
suggest that under the range of conditions tested (shown in Appendix A), a CT of <150
mirrmg/L will provide between 2-log and 4-log inactivation of most microbes studied
when free chlorine is used as the disinfectant and microbes are not particle-associated or
aggregated. Exceptions include Legionella pneumophila and Mycobacterium fortuitum
which required a range of CT values that exceeded 200 mirrmg/L to achieve 2-log
inactivation using free chlorine.
It should be noted that viruses require 4-log inactivation (under the SWTR). Under the
research conditions identified in the literature (and summarized in Appendix A), 4-log
inactivation of poliovirus with free chlorine was achieved at CT values of <3.3
mirrmg/L, While 4-log inactivation of adenovirus and calicivirus were not observed in
the literature reviewed, experimental CT values were typically very low (i.e., 0.01-1.0
mirrmg/L), Furthermore, it should be noted that the data summarized in Exhibit 9
represent inactivation under bulk water conditions. As discussed previously,
microorganisms that are particle associated are typically less vulnerable to disinfection.
31

-------
Exhibit 9- Summary of CT and Log Inactivation Data Using Free Chlorine for
Various Microbes
Chlorine Efficacy - Bulk Water
~	HPCs
¦ Adenovirus
~ Calicivirus
X Foliovirus
•	Coliform
+ Bacillus subtilis
- Helicobacter pylori
o Legionella(l)
X Microsporidia
A Mycobacterium fortuitum(2)
~ Hepatitis A
O Simian Rotavirus
Note: Data source, pH, temperature, disinfectant dose, and other information provided in Appendix A.
(1)	For Legionella, CT range of 100 to 600 min*mg/L required for 2-log inactivation.
(2)	F or Mycobacterium forhiitiim, CT range of 100 to 1000 min*mg/L required for 2-log inactivation.
Exhibits 10a and 10b summarize CT values and corresponding inactivation rates for bulk
water microbes in the presence of chloramines. Exhibit 10a shows results over the CT
range 0-30,000 min*mg/L, whereas 10b focuses on the CT range of 0-900 min*mg/L.
The results presented are from laboratory studies that typically did not mimic distribution
system conditions, although the microbes studied could be associated with distribution
systems. Of the microbes presented, Aeromonas, adenovirus, and calicivirus are included
on the CCL. The data in Exhibit 10a suggest that under the conditions tested (shown in
Appendix A), a CT of 10,000 mirrmg/L would provide 2-log inactivation of most
microbes studied when chloramine is used as the disinfectant, and microbes are not
particle-associated or aggregated. Two-log inactivation of Bacillus subtilis was achieved
over a CT range of 3,200 to 20,000 mirrmg/L. Two-log inactivation of Nitrosomonas
europaea was achieved over a CT range of 1,900 to 19,000 mirrmg/L. As shown in
Exhibit 10b, which provides more detail for CT values less than 1,000 min*mg/L, 2-log
inactivation of several organisms was achieved by chloramines at CT values less than
150 min*mg/L. It should be noted, however, that 4-1 og inactivation of viruses was not
observed in the literature reviewed when chloramine was used as the disinfectant.
4.5
4

¦-3 5
> 3
o
re
c
O)
o
2.5
2 1^
1.5
1
X
20 40 60 80 100
CT
32

-------
Exhibit 10a - Summary of CT and Log Inactivation Data Using Chloramines for
Various Microbes
Chloramine Efficacy - Bulk Water
4.5
3.5
c
o
s 3
>
o
(0
c
O)
o
2.5
2
1.5
1 «
0.5
0
OKA I D	
A +
0.0E+00 5.0E+03 1.0E+04 1.5E+04 2.0E+04 2.5E+04
CT
~	HPCs
¦ Adenovirus
~ Caliciv irus
X Poliovirus
+ Bacillus subtilis
— Legionella
~ Mycobacterium fortuitum
X Salmonella typhimurium
1537
Aeromonas hydrophila
A Nitrosomonas europaea
•	Norwalk virus
o Hepatitis A
O Simian Rotavirus
Note: Data source, pH, temperature, disinfectant dose, and other information provided in Appendix A.
Exhibit 10b- Log Inactivation of Various Microbes at CT Values
Less than 1000 min*mg/L
Chloramine Efficacy - Bulk Water
3.5 n
= 3	
~	2.5 ~
re
£	2 ¦ X	X	
o
g	1.5 —~
g>	1 x
-1	0.5	
0 H	i	i	i	i	i	i
0 150 300 450 600 750 900
CT
« HPCs
¦ Adenovirus
A Calicivirus
X Poliovirus
+ Bacillus subtilis
— Legionella
~ Mycobacterium
fortuitum
X Salmonella typhimurium
1537
Aeromonas hydrophila
A Nitrosomonas europaea
Note: Data source, pH, temperature, disinfectant dose, and other information provided in Appendix A.
33

-------
Exhibit 11 summarizes CT values and corresponding inactivation rates for bulk water
microbes in the presence of chlorine dioxide. The results presented are from laboratory
studies that typically did not mimic distribution system conditions, although the microbes
studied could be associated with distribution systems. The data in Exhibit 11 suggest that
under the conditions tested, a CT of 150 min*mg/L would provide 2-log inactivation of
most microbes studied when chlorine dioxide is used as the disinfectant, and microbes are
not particle-associated or aggregated. B. subtilis required CT values in the range of 40 to
365 mirrmg/L to achieve 2-log inactivation. It should be noted, however, that 4-log
inactivation of viruses was not observed in the literature reviewed when chlorine dioxide
was used as the disinfectant.
Exhibit 1111 - Summary of CT and Log Inactivation Data Using Chlorine Dioxide
for Various Microbes
Chlorine Dioxide Efficacy - Bulk Water
c
o
TO
>
re
c
O)
o
5
4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
KHH-
~	
—+f	
+++
~ HPCs
¦ Adenovirus
~ Calicivirus
X Foliovirus
+ Bacillus subtilis
—	Legionella
-	Clostridium sporogenes
~ Mycobacterium fortuitum
O Simian Rotavirus
100
200
CT
300
400
Note: Data source, pH, temperature, disinfectant dose, and other information provided in Appendix A.
It is important to emphasize that the data presented in Exhibits 9 through 11 were
developed under laboratory conditions (as summarized for each data point in Appendix
A) and address microbes within the bulk water. While this approach may reasonably
represent conditions within storage facilities where the bulk water-to-sidewall surface
area ratio is quite large, in light of the secondary disinfection framework variables
described previously in Exhibit 3, some variability would be expected in distribution
system pipelines. Payment (1999) questioned the effectiveness of free chlorine residuals
at providing significant pathogen inactivation in distribution systems. The authors found
that sporulated bacteria and viruses added to distribution system water samples
containing < 0.9 mg/L free chlorine were nearly unaffected by the residual chlorine. The
authors cautioned that, while E. coli and thermotolerant coliforms were rapidly
inactivated, microorganisms such as Clostridium perfringens, somatic coliphages, and
poliovirus were almost unaffected by free chlorine for several hours.
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4.2 Secondary Disinfectant Residuals as Indicators of Distribution System Upset
Many factors influence the concentration of the disinfectant residual in the distribution
system, including the NOM level, the type and concentration of disinfectant, water
temperature, and system hydraulics (Trussell, 1999). Entry of foreign material into the
distribution system from backflow (or other events) may alter these factors and contribute
to a loss of residual. In some cases, reductions in a disinfectant residual can signify the
existence of an accidental or intentional contamination problem in the distribution
system, including those resulting from cross-connections and backflow (Haas, 1999).
Snead et al., (1980) recognized that a free chlorine residual could be used as an indicator
of contamination. If a system that normally has no trouble maintaining a free chlorine
residual detects an absence of residual, this may indicate the presence of a contaminant in
the system exerting a chlorine demand. Disinfectant residuals can be measured easily,
and operators often use residual concentrations as a way to track system operations.
While a sudden decrease in the disinfectant residual could be due to other problems such
as failure of the feed system, the decrease could reflect the interaction of the disinfectant
with material associated with contaminants entering the distribution system, due to a
main break, backflow, or sewage leak into the system. Snead et al., (1980) note that
combined chlorine residuals may not be effective as indicators of distribution system
upset since they are slower to react with constituents in drinking water.
Several studies agree (Craun and Calderon, 2001; Clement et al., 1999) that large
episodes of contamination, such as cross-connections through which sewage may enter
distribution systems, will overwhelm disinfectant residuals. The chlorine demand of the
organic matter carried with sewage may prevent effective inactivation if chlorine or
chloramines are being used.
Since most disinfectants are chemical oxidants that react with many substances, their
effectiveness as indicators of microbiological contamination may be limited. Inorganic
and organic chemicals in the water can present a disinfectant demand that could
misleadingly alert operators when no pathogens have been introduced. Furthermore, the
presence of disinfectant-resistant pathogens, such as Cryptosporidium, may persist in a
distribution system despite the presence of the disinfectant. However, the loss or
decrease of the disinfectant residual in this case can serve as an indicator of some
contamination events. The use of disinfection residual monitoring as an indicator for
microbiological contamination, especially in regard to contamination due to treatment
breakthrough, is not entirely reliable. The clearest examples of this were the
Cryptosporidium outbreaks in Georgia (Hayes et al., 1989), Oregon (Leland et al., 1993),
and Milwaukee (MacKenzie et al., 1994), during which chlorine residuals were
maintained throughout the distribution systems of the supplies delivering contaminated
water. Thus, the contamination events did not pose a noticeable disinfectant demand
within the distribution system.
Accurate and on-going tracking of disinfectant residuals at critical control points is
needed if sudden changes in residual levels are to be identified and used as indicators of
contamination. The identification of critical control points within distribution systems is
addressed in the Issue Paper Evaluating HACCP Strategies for Distribution System
Monitoring, Hazard Assessment and Control (USEPA, 2006b). Water system operators
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are becoming increasingly sophisticated in tracking and measuring disinfectant residuals.
Real-time sensors of chlorine residuals (measuring both free and total chlorine) have been
developed, and water suppliers are beginning to couple such monitoring tools with
distribution system controls (Haas, 1999). Some advantages to using disinfectant
residual monitoring as a warning mechanism for possible contamination are that residual
analysis is inexpensive, results are immediately available, and USEPA-approved methods
for analysis already exist.
The USEPA Water Protection Task Force (USEPA, 2001) suggested that water supplies
increase the frequency and locations of disinfectant residual monitoring in their
distribution systems to ensure proper residuals at all points in the system and to establish
a baseline and normal fluctuations from the baseline. The Task Force stated that
strategically placed residual monitors are an effective way to signal an unexpected
increase in disinfectant demand and, possibly, a breach or contamination of the
distribution system.
Denver Water, in Denver, Colorado, successfully used on-line chlorine residual
monitoring within the distribution system to identify a decrease in total chlorine levels
caused by high silt loading after a forest fire within the watershed. The chlorine levels
continued to diminish as the water moved further through the distribution system. The
increased chlorine demand was linked to high dissolved manganese levels from the silt
washed into the reservoir. The online monitoring results enabled staff to take prompt
action to increase chlorine residuals leaving the treatment plant (Kirmeyer et al., 2002).
Some disinfectant residual sampling strategies (e.g., grab samples), may not be frequent
enough to detect a reduction in disinfectant residual concentrations for transient events,
such as many backflow or intrusion incidents. For example, surface water and GWUDI
systems are required to monitor disinfectant residuals at the same locations and
frequencies as coliform samples under the TCR. Depending on the size of the water
supply and population served, disinfectant residual monitoring can be quite infrequent.
Since backflow or transient events can occur over a period of seconds, minutes, or hours,
it is possible that a grab sampling regime for disinfectant residual monitoring may not
detect the potential increases in disinfectant demand that can be associated with certain
types of contamination events.
4.3 Biofilm Control
Disinfection of drinking water does not result in the inactivation of all microorganisms.
The growth of bacteria and other microbes in distribution systems has been documented
for many years. Problems associated with biofilms in distribution systems include
enhanced corrosion of pipes and deterioration of water quality. Biofilms can also provide
ecological niches that are suited to the potential survival of pathogens (Walker and
Morales, 1997). Biofilms are often a consortium of different microorganisms bound to
each other and to pipe surfaces by a polysaccharide matrix. Biofilm formation has been
shown to be affected by several factors including disinfectant effectiveness, the nature
and concentration of biodegradable compounds in the water, pipe materials used for
distribution system construction, and water temperature. Proper management of these
factors through adequate source water treatment, appropriate materials selection,
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maintenance of a clean distribution system, and minimization of water age are all
important for biofilm control. Further details on biofilms are included in the Distribution
System White Paper Health Risks from Microbial Growth and Biofilms in the Drinking
Water Distribution System (USEPA 2002c).
Many factors influence the concentration of the disinfectant residual in the distribution
system, and therefore the ability of the residual to control microbial growth and biofilm
formation. These factors include the AOC level, the type and concentration of
disinfectant, water temperature, pipe material, and system hydraulics. The number of
variables associated with biofilm control has led researchers to reach differing
conclusions regarding the effectiveness of secondary disinfectants at controlling biofilm
growth, as illustrated in the discussion below.
Impact of Disinfectant Concentration on Biofilm Growth
The ability to control (but not eliminate) biofilms using secondary disinfection is
impacted by the disinfectant residual concentration used in the system. If concentrations
are too low, the disinfectant residual becomes ineffective at controlling excess biofilm
growth. Several studies have shown that biofilm growth is reduced when sufficient
disinfectant residuals are maintained in the bulk water passing through pipes. Zhang and
DiGiano (2002) compared bacterial growth in the distribution systems of two North
Carolina cities, Durham and Raleigh. The systems delivered water that came from
similar surface water sources and received comparable treatment. The systems differed
in that Raleigh uses chloramines to maintain its residual and Durham uses chlorine.
Although they did not find a difference in heterotrophic bacteria counts between the two
systems, the authors did find strong negative correlations between free chlorine residual
and heterotrophic bacteria levels (in Durham's system) and between chloramine and
heterotrophic bacteria levels (in Raleigh's system).
Momba (1997) also found a large increase in biofilm microorganisms on test coupons in
the absence of a disinfectant residual. This study also showed that maintenance of only
0.2 - 0.5 mg/L free chlorine or 0.8 - 1.0 mg/L chloramine could not be relied on to
prevent bacterial adhesion onto stainless steel coupons, cement coupons, and glass
surfaces. Characklis (1988) found that heterotrophic bacteria levels were controlled in
the bulk water but grew in the biofilm when water carried free chlorine residuals of 0.3 -
0.8 mg/L.
LeChevallier et al. (1996) found that distribution systems that maintained dead-end free
chlorine residuals less than 0.2 mg/L or chloramine levels less than 0.5 mg/L had
substantially more coliform occurrences than systems maintaining higher residuals.
LeChevallier et al. (1990) found that systems with high AOC concentrations needed to
maintain higher disinfectant residuals to control coliform occurrences, suggesting that
maintenance of a disinfectant residual alone will not ensure that treated waters will be
free of coliform bacteria. The study suggested that coliform growth in the distribution
system could be controlled with a free chlorine residual of 1.0 to 2.0 mg/L at AOC levels
less than 5 to 10 |ig/L. Van der Kooij (1987) and Schellart (1986) indicated that no final
disinfection is needed in the Netherlands water systems, provided that AOC levels are
less than 5 to 10 |ig/L. Gagnon et al. (1998) found that levels of biodegradable organic
mater significantly affected distribution system microbial growth if chlorine residual fell
37

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below a critical level, defined as Ccrit. The value of Ccrit was found to be system-
specific, depending on other factors which promote bacterial growth, such as water age or
pipe materials.
Impact of Disinfectant Type on Biofilm Growth
Certain disinfectants may have characteristics that make them more effective at
controlling biofilms than others. Chloramines, which are less reactive and therefore more
persistent than free chlorine, may penetrate biofilms better and thereby control biofilm
growth more effectively (Van der Wende and Characklis, 1990). Most research on the
effects of chloramines has focused on monochloramine, since it is the preferred form for
chloramine disinfection as discussed in Section 2. LeChevallier et al. (1990) found that
both free chlorine and monochloramine at fairly low levels (1 mg/L) effectively reduced
heterotrophic bacteria associated with biofilms grown on galvanized, copper, or PVC
pipe surfaces. Neither free chlorine nor monochloramine, however, were effective at
reducing biofilm on iron pipes unless residual concentrations were raised to above 2
mg/L. When residual concentrations were raised, monochloramine out-performed free
chlorine in reducing the heterotrophic bacteria levels. It has been suggested that
monochloramine does not react with iron pipe material in the same way that free chlorine
does, suggesting that monochloramine is more readily available for inactivation of
biofilm organisms (LeChevallier, et al., 1990). Momba (1997) also found that
monochloramine and hydrogen peroxide were more effective at controlling biofilm
growth in laboratory-scale units than were chlorine, ozone, or ultraviolet light (UV).
Some opportunistic pathogens such as L. pneumophila, M. avium, and primary pathogens
such as V. cholerae, and E. coli 0157:H7 survive and even grow within certain common
amoeba (Barker and Brown, 1994; Barker et al., 1999; Wadowsky et al., 1991; Cirillo et
al., 1997; Thom et al., 1992) and may be protected from disinfection. Some of the
biofilm organisms may even supply an essential nutrient to facilitate the growth of an
opportunistic pathogen. In one study, Legionella grew only near colonies of the
bacterium Flavobacterium breve on an L-cysteine-deficient medium (Wadowsky and
Yee, 1983).
Several studies have compared the effectiveness of various disinfectants at controlling
bacterial growth. These studies have been performed on different scales, ranging from
continuous flow annular reactors to pilot systems to comparisons of full-scale distribution
systems. Several studies have concluded that chloramines are more effective secondary
disinfectants with respect to biofilm control than chlorine in terms of biofilm control
(Camper et al., 2000; LeChevallier et al., 1996; LeChevallier et al., 1990). Whereas
chlorine is more effective at microbiological inactivation in distribution system bulk
water, chloramine may penetrate biofilms and inactivate attached bacteria more
effectively. Stewart et al. (2001) state that the penetration of antimicrobial agents into
biofilms is controlled by the reactivity of the antimicrobial agent with biofilm
components. The high reactivity of chlorine, therefore, blunts its penetration through the
biofilm. Disinfectants with lower reactivities, such as chloramine, are more limited in the
types of compounds with which they will react, lending them a specificity that may allow
them to inactivate microorganisms in complex biofilms. However, there is a lack of
agreement among research results on this topic, as illustrated below.
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Dykstra et al. (2002) compared log inactivations for heterotrophic bacteria within
biofilms in the presence of free chlorine, chlorine dioxide, and chloramine. A "low" and
"high" residual concentration was evaluated for each disinfectant. Annular reactors were
used for the study, and the pH and temperature were held at 7.5±0.2 and 20±0.5°C,
respectively. Exhibit 12 summarizes the required CTs for achieving various log
inactivations for each disinfectant type. The results indicate that free chlorine and
chlorine dioxide provided equal to or greater log inactivation of heterotrophic bacteria
compared to monochloramine for "high" disinfectant residual concentrations tested, and
that chlorine was nearly twice as effective as chloramine at the "low" concentrations
tested.
Exhibit 12 - Comparison of Disinfectant Effectiveness for Biofilm Heterotrophic
Bacteria Inact
ivation
Disinfectant
Residual (mg/L)
CT (min*mg/L)
Log Inactivation
Chlorine Dioxide
0.23 Low
0.45 High
14
27
0.3
2.17
Free Chlorine
0.47 Low
0.95 High
28
57
1.6
2.44
Monochloramine
0.79 Low
1.85 High
58
111
0.86
2.15
While this study and other studies provide a comparison of disinfection efficacy for the
three disinfectant residuals, it is important to note that the CT approach used in the
SWTR was developed to assess inactivation of free-floating microorganisms in buffered
demand-free water. Thus, the log inactivations cited in biofilm-related studies are not
directly comparable to log inactivations presented for various disinfectants and
microorganisms in the SWTR.
Gao et al., (2000) compared free chlorine, monochloramine, and chlorine dioxide
inactivation of Legionella pneumophila within biofilms grown in a model plumbing
system. Slug dosages of either 2 or 4 mg/L for monochloramine and chlorine were tested
(residual disinfectant levels were not reported), whereas chlorine dioxide was tested at a
single dose of 2.0 mg/L and at an initial dose of 2.0 mg/L followed by maintaining 0.5
mg/L residual. A 3-log inactivation of Legionella in both biofilm and bulk water phases
was observed within 30 minutes of contact for all three disinfectants. Within 30 minutes,
more than 4-log inactivation of biofilm-associated Legionella was achieved by the 4.0
mg/L monochloramine slug dose, 4.0 mg/L chlorine slug dose, and 2.0 mg/L chlorine
dioxide slug dose with 0.5 mg/L residual maintenance. At the lower concentrations (2
mg/L slug doses of monochloramine, chlorine dioxide, and chlorine), only chlorine
provided inactivation of all detectable biofilm and bulk water Legionella in the 48-hour
disinfection period. Monochloramine provided inactivation of all detectable Legionella
in both phases within 12 hours, but slight recovery was observed at the end of the
disinfection period.
Walker and Morales (1997) studied the impact of biocides on a microbial culture
consisting of a mixed microbial consortium obtained from a potable water system. The
authors found that 1.0 mg/L of chlorine dioxide was needed to inactivate the bulk water
39

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bacterial population in a continuous culture chemostat model by 99.92% (18-hour contact
time), whereas 1.5 mg/L was required to achieve a similar reduction in the biofilm.
LeChevallier et al. (1990) used a model pipe system to compare disinfectant effectiveness
at biofilm control. Comparison of equal activities (and equal CT) of hypochlorous acid,
hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, and monochloramine on bacteria grown on various
surfaces suggested that monochloramine penetrated and inactivated biofilm bacteria more
effectively than the other disinfectants. Moreover, increasing the CT of free chlorine
tenfold did not appreciably increase its disinfection efficiency.
Although monochloramine may be more effective at reducing counts of viable bacteria in
biofilms, in some instances, chlorine has been shown to be more effective at physically
removing biofilm from pipes. LeChevallier et al. (1990) found that TOC and
carbohydrate levels increased in the pipe system when free chlorine was used instead of
monochloramine, and they attribute this increase to sloughing of material from the pipe
surface into the water column. Chen and Stewart (2000), on the other hand, did not find a
significant difference in biofilm removal when chlorine was used compared to
chloramine. They did, however, find that monochloramine inactivated bacteria in the
biofilm better than did free chlorine at neutral pH.
Full-scale comparisons of disinfectants and their effectiveness at limiting bacterial
growth have more mixed results than the smaller-scale, controlled studies. Kool et al.
(2000) found that hospitals supplied with drinking water containing free chlorine were
10.2 times more likely to have reported an outbreak of Legionnaire's disease associated
with potable water than hospitals that used water with monochloramine as a residual
disinfectant. Norton and LeChevallier (1997) found substantial decreases in coliform
occurrences and heterotrophic bacteria numbers in two distribution systems when they
switched from free chlorine to chloramines. They also found improved maintenance of a
disinfectant residual and a decrease in disinfection byproducts when chloramines were
used. The authors caution, however, that high concentrations of AOC and pitting
corrosion appeared to also affect coliform occurrence, reinforcing that disinfection alone
may not be enough to control coliform growth in all distribution systems.
Neden et al. (1992) compared bacterial growth in three study areas of the distribution
system of the Greater Vancouver (B.C.) Water District, with the following three
treatments: 1) chloramine (2.5 - 3 mg/L dose at the plant), 2) free chlorine (0.2 - 0.5 mg/L
residuals), and 3) no secondary disinfectant. The investigators looked at what percentage
of monthly heterotrophic bacteria samples contained more than 500 cfu/ml and how often
the percentage of positive monthly coliform samples exceeded 10%. Findings of the
study included:
•	The study area with no secondary disinfectant had a higher percentage of
heterotrophic bacteria counts that were >500 cfu/ml and a higher percentage of
total coliform positive samples than the other two study areas.
•	In the area treated with chloramines, the monthly heterotrophic bacteria samples
containing more than 500 cfu/ml ranged from 3% to 10% during the study period.
In this area, positive coliform samples occurred in more than 10% of all monthly
samples during only two months of the 12-month study.
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•	In the chlorinated area, often more than 20% of monthly heterotrophic bacteria
samples contained more than 500 cfu/ml. During the study, the chlorinated area
experienced positive coliform levels at a rate of greater than 10% of all monthly
samples during six months.
•	In the area with no secondary disinfection, a range of 30% - 98% of monthly
heterotrophic bacteria samples contained more than 500 cfu/ml during the study
period. Positive coliform samples exceeded the 10% level for twelve months of
the two-year study.
•	Chloramine was found to be significantly better at maintaining a residual than
chlorine, and chloramine was more effective at controlling coliform and
heterotrophic bacteria numbers in pipe biofilms. During the study, chloramine
levels of > 2.0 mg/L were maintained, and free chlorine levels ranged from <0.1
mg/L to 0.5 mg/L.
The types of chloramines present may also influence their effectiveness. USEPA (1999a)
indicates that studies have not been able to definitively determine which chloramine
exhibits greater disinfection efficacy. Dichloramine has exhibited better inactivation
efficiency in some tests (Esposito, 1974) and monochloramine has in others (Dorn, 1974;
Esposito, 1974; and Olivieri, 1980). Additionally, investigators have demonstrated that
solutions containing equal amounts of monochloramine and dichloramine provide better
disinfection than those with only one of the chloramines (Weber and Levine, 1944).
Monochloramine is the preferred chloramine due to the taste and odor problems
associated with dichloramine and trichloramine. Additionally, dichloramines are more
corrosive and decrease in predominance at pH values of 7 to 8. One study found that
neither chlorine residuals nor chloramine residuals alone were able to control biofilm
development, however when used in combination (i.e., free chlorine followed by
monochloramine), biofilms were controlled (Momba and Binda, 2002).
Little information is available about the effectiveness of chlorine dioxide at controlling
biofilms. Since biofilm biocides appear to favor more specific reactants that can diffuse
more readily into the biofilm, chlorine dioxide's high level of specificity suggests that it
could be very effective at inactivating biofilm bacteria. Walker and Morales (1997)
found that chlorine dioxide was effective at inactivating biofilm bacteria, but only when
the chlorine dioxide concentration was held at 1.5 mg/L. This concentration exceeds the
MRDL for chlorine dioxide of 0.8 mg/L. Chen and Stewart (2000) and Simpson et al.
(2002) found that chlorine dioxide was effective at inducing biofilm sloughing as well as
bacterial inactivation.
Role of Pipe Material in Disinfectant Effectiveness for Biofilm
Pipe material plays an important role in biofilm growth and disinfectant effectiveness. In
some instances, pipe material may be more influential than the level of organic matter in
the system (Volk and LeChevallier, 1999). Some materials provide the microbes a
protective niche where growth can occur, while some provide nutrients to support
microbial growth. Chlorine's ability to control biofilm depends on the pipe material,
because different pipe materials demonstrate different levels of chlorine demand.
LeChevallier et al. (1990) found that free chlorine residuals achieved greater biofilm
41

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inactivation compared to chloramine for PVC and copper pipes. For galvanized pipes,
monochloramine provided greater biofilm inactivation than free chlorine. Iron pipes
seem to exert the greatest disinfectant demand. In the same study, the disinfectant
demand of biofilm on iron pipes was as much as ten times greater than for biofilms
grown on other pipe materials. Concentrations of 1 mg/L of either free chlorine or
chloramine could reduce viable counts of heterotrophic bacteria and coliforms by more
than 2-log in biofilms grown on galvanized, copper, or PVC pipe surfaces. For iron
pipes, however, free chlorine residuals from 3-4 mg/L were ineffective for biofilm
control, and only monochloramine residuals greater than 2 mg/L succeeded at reducing
viable counts of heterotrophic bacteria and coliform. Monochloramine residuals ranging
from 0.33 mg/L to 1.11 mg/L did not significantly reduce biofilm counts, even when
applied for seven days. LeChevallier et al. (1990) found that corrosion control improved
the efficiency of free chlorine disinfection. They proposed that corrosion products of iron
pipes may further reduce disinfectant efficiency.
The bacterial levels on disinfected iron pipes generally exceed those on disinfected PVC
pipes (Norton and LeChevallier, 2000). Biofilms also develop more rapidly on iron
pipes, even with corrosion control (Haas et al., 1983; Camper, 1996). In addition, iron
pipes support a more diverse microflora compared to PVC pipes (LeChevallier, 1999a).
Iron pipes facilitate the development of tubercles, which are primarily iron oxides
(Tuovinen et al., 1980), and these tubercles can adsorb organic material (Geldreich, 1996;
Geldreich and LeChevallier, 1999). In this manner, the level of corrosion and
tuberculation (i.e., buildup of corrosion pitting products) affect biofilm development.
Sloughing of biofilms into the water column can also occur as a result of elevated biofilm
levels on iron pipes (Norton and LeChevallier, 2000).
5 Opportunities for Additional Research
There are several areas where opportunities for additional research exist regarding
disinfectant residuals and their multi-purpose role of inactivating microorganisms in the
distribution system, serving as indicators of distribution system upset, and controlling
biofilms. A few of these areas include:
•	To what extent does microbiological contamination chronically or sporadically
enter distribution systems through leaking pipes and valves or as a result of
pressure transients?
•	Do inactivation rates of pathogens differ based on their route of entry? Are
pathogens entering via treatment breakthrough either hardier or more vulnerable
to disinfection?
•	More full-scale studies are needed that evaluate the effectiveness of disinfection
on biowarfare agents in water.
•	What level of chlorine demand is associated with different types of contamination
events? How do chlorine and chloramine differ in this capacity?
•	If a public water system intends to use reduction in disinfectant residual as an
early warning of distribution system upset, where should residual monitoring take
place in the system and how frequently? How can a system determine how large
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a reduction in residual needs to take place in order for it to be considered a
significant indication of contamination?
How accurately does bulk water sampling of heterotrophic bacteria, coliforms, or
other microbes reflect biofilm composition and the potential threat posed by
pathogens in biofilms?
More full-scale distribution system studies could be carried out that consider the
effectiveness of different disinfectants and different residual concentrations on
biofilm composition and growth.
If pathogens are present in biofilms, to what extent does a disinfectant residual
inactivate or injure impair them? How is infectivity affected by pathogen
exposure to residual disinfection?
How do distribution system disinfection regimens that switch disinfectants at
certain times of the year affect pathogens, coliforms, and heterotrophic bacteria in
biofilms and the bulk water of distribution systems?
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