Biofilm control in drinking water distribution systems

This paper has presented a general summary of current state-of-the-art for achieving biological stability and biofilm control in distribution systems. While the removal of nutrients is an important treatment priority, this paper has demonstrated that the importance of a disinfectant residual should not be taken for granted. Free chlorine can be applied for achieving biofilm control. However, health risks surrounding chemical by-products produced from free chlorine have increased the need for other treatment options. While ozone and UV offer opportunities for achieving high microbial inactivation at the treatment plant, their role in residual disinfection may be limited. Recent full-scale trials involving chlorine dioxide have shown considerable promise and thus there is an urgent need to conduct further investigations with chlorine dioxide to confirm its suspected effectiveness for biofilm control.