Proposed Plan for Water Main Sterilization

The Disinfection of Water Mains

“…Early Methods from 10 to 700 ppm., with repeated The earliest and simplest method contact times of 3 to 48 hours, have used to reduce contamination in new been employed. The results have not or in polluted water mains was repeated been wholly satisfactory (2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7). The flushing and dependence upon the me-author has observed that even an hour chanical action of the flowing water.…”

“…after the heavily chlorinated water was This method proved quite unsatisfac-flushed out, the water flowing through tory. The importance of flushing and "the mains showed the presence of coliparticularly of sterilizing newly laid form bacteria (4,8). water mains was first realized about 25 years ago (I).…”

“…Such material can and does contribute liberally to the bacterial flora when employed in the laying or repairing of water mains (1,2,4,5,6,9). Furthermore, even if the jute were sterilized prior to use and were applied under aseptic conditions (a patent impossibility under field conditions), the jute itself is capable of supporting the growth of coliform bacteria (1,2,4,9). Consequently, any bacteria circulating in a water system may find comfortable lodging, with food available, at anyone of the joints in a water main.…”