1. © 2008 Awwa Research Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. MICROBIAL MYTHS Martin J. Allen, Ph.D © 2008 Awwa Research Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this presentation may be copied, reproduced or otherwise utilized without permission.

2. © 2008 Awwa Research Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Presentation Outline n Microbial Myths n Indicator Concept n Recommendations for Public Health Protection

3. © 2008 Awwa Research Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

4. Early Microbiologists - looking for pathogens.

5. © 2008 Awwa Research Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Modern microbiologists - looking for pathogens

6. © 2008 Awwa Research Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Purposes of Water Treatment n Remove or inactivate all human pathogens. i.e. protozoa, bacteria, viruses – not to produce sterile water n Remove suspended particles, reduce organics that can from DBPs, reduce taste & odor, reduce color, etc. n Provide safe esthetically-pleasing drinking water

7. © 2008 Awwa Research Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

8. Common Indicators for Source Water and Drinking Water n Total Coliforms n Fecal Coliforms n Escherichia coli

9. © 2008 Awwa Research Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. COLIFORM GENERA n Escherichia - human and animal feces n Enterobacter - environment, feces n Klebsiella - environment, feces n Citrobacter - environment n Serratia - environment

10. © 2008 Awwa Research Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Escherichia coli sp. Always “hangs around” with pathogens

11. © 2008 Awwa Research Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Bacteria in water main tubercles-New Haven, CT; M. Allen, 1977

12. Bacterial Numbers Have No Public Health Significance in Drinking Water

13. © 2008 Awwa Research Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. That’s All Folks!