Maintaining quality without a disinfectant residual

Preservation of the microbial quality of drinking water during distribution is a main objective in water supply. Although a disinfectant residual redu ces the concentration of suspended bacteria, it has only a limited effect o n microorganisms in biofilms and sediments or on microbial contaminants. Fu rthermore, a disinfectant residual affects taste and odor and results in th e presence of compounds with toxic properties. Maintenance of an effective residual throughout the distribution system is hampered by disinfectant dec ay caused by pipe materials and compounds present in the water. The Netherl ands depends on good engineering practices in the distribution system to pr event microbial and chemical contamination. Regrowth can be limited by dist ributing biostable drinking water and applying biostable materials in conta ct with drinking water.