Intermittent water supply (IWS) is found in many parts
of the world,
especially in low- and middle-income regions, and is characterized
by a loss of distribution system pressure, periods of stagnation,
the intrusion of contaminants, repressurization of the piped system
when service is resumed after a no-supply period, and the need for
consumer water storage. Although we have a robust understanding of
the impacts of IWS on microbial water quality, less research emphasis
has been placed on the impact of intermittency on chemical water quality,
such as the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Chemical
disinfection is commonly used to remove or inactivate waterborne pathogens
during drinking water treatment and distribution to protect and improve
microbial water quality. However, characteristics of IWS have known
or suspected contributions to factors that impact DBP formation during
drinking water distribution and household storage, such as the intrusion
of organic matter, variable post-chlorine water ages, and growth and/or
regrowth of microbial communities. This review discusses the impact
of IWS on the formation and fate of DBPs, drawing upon the literature
regarding continuous water supply systems and key characteristics
of IWS. We call for more frequent monitoring of DBPs in IWS and further
investigation of the mechanisms affecting DBP formation and speciation
under various IWS conditions.