AWWA ACE65335

This powerpoint presentation presents an overview of household plumbing issues. Premise plumbing problems are presented as expensive and complicated and politically sensitive with liability, legal issues and shared responsibility. Common elements of premise plumbing problems include: chemistry of water going into home is a major contributor; variations in homeowner use, maintenance and plumbing system composition/design is another; and, inherent complexity is multiplicative. Topics outlined include: geometric considerations; different and reactive materials; high water age and re-growth potential; enhanced exposure to pathogens; unsafe configuration; proximity to service lines; solar/domestic water heaters; and, Legionella pneumophila. Conclusion: premise plumbing cannot be treated as an extension to the distribution system; our traditional sampling of water in mains does not detect most problems occurring in buildings; and, water heater operation involves many trade-offs. A case study in Maui, Hawaii is presented where Maui residents complained of rashes after phosphate dosing. A hypothesis is presented stating that addition of the phosphate and ammonia to the water with natural organic matter caused rampant bacterial growth. Also, P. Aeruginosa and M. Avium was identified in some homes and has the following characteristics: potentially harmful to humans; can grow in water heaters; P. Aeruginosa known to cause "swimmer's itch"; and, M. Avium is on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Contaminant Candidate List (CCL). P. Aeruginosa was identified in the rash, but was misdiagnosed as anti-biotic resistant staph infection. Conclusion: the water was "going bad" after it went into the homes; the utility is probably not legally responsible for problem; the way the water was treated was a major reason the water was "going bad"; USEPA - no regulations on bacteria in homes; Department of Health - seem to be interested only in communicable disease; and, Consumers - caught in the middle.