UK buildings with storage tanks can face increased risks from chlorine-resistant bacteria in water

A study examining more than 50 tap water samples found water had very few bacteria in buildings without cisterns but there was noticeable contamination in buildings where storage tanks were present or plumbing had been altered or otherwise disrupted.

The problem was likely to have been caused by the plumbing changes or improperly maintained cisterns, opening the risk of bacterial resistance to disinfectants.

The researchers have recommended precautions should be taken to prevent the introduction of bacteria into the system as a way of minimising contamination risk.

Dr Charles Knapp, a Senior Lecturer in Strathclyde's Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, led the study. He said:

Water supplies in the UK are highly regulated and bacterial contamination tends to be minimal, with the use of chlorination to control its levels.

"However, water companies do not have control over the structure and maintenance of plumbing systems in buildings and the contamination we found tended to be in properties where the plumbing disrupted or water was stored in some way.

"The surviving bacteria may have developed chlorine resistance; the best solution to this is to prevent bacteria from contaminating the system.

Safeguards

"What we have found in this study related to the actions of water users, who need to be aware of the risks and have them managed appropriately, with proper safeguards."

Other researchers involved in the project were Sadia Khan, PhD student and first author of the paper, and Dr Tara Beattie, both from the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering.

The research has been published in the journal Chemosphere.

The publication of the study comes as Strathclyde prepares to mark World Water Day on Tuesday 22 March. The annual event is focused this year on water and jobs.

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• Public Health
• Treatment
• Research
• Water Supply
• Infrastructure