FIELD OBSERVATIONS OF IRON BIOFOULING IN WATER-SUPPLY BOREHOLES

Iron biofouling continues to be a significant cause of water supply bo rehole inefficiency and failure' in the UK, yet there are still many m isconceptions and a lack of understanding of the causes of iron biofou ling. This is, in part, due to the lack of systematic research into th is subject in the UK. This communication outlines key factors thought to cause the occurrence of iron biofouling in boreholes and suggests a ppropriate preventative measures based on field experiences. It is sug gested that the degree of biofouling and its consequences depend upon the interaction of engineering and environmental factors and that prev ention and control requires awareness of all such controlling influenc es.