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Detection of Legionella , L. pneumophila and Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) along Potable Water Distribution Pipelines

Author

Listed:
  • Harriet Whiley

    (Health and the Environment, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5001, Australia)

  • Alexandra Keegan

    (South Australian Water Corporation, 250 Victoria square, Adelaide 5000, Australia
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Howard Fallowfield

    (Health and the Environment, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5001, Australia
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Richard Bentham

    (Health and the Environment, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide 5001, Australia)

Abstract

Inhalation of potable water presents a potential route of exposure to opportunistic pathogens and hence warrants significant public health concern. This study used qPCR to detect opportunistic pathogens Legionella spp., L. pneumophila and MAC at multiple points along two potable water distribution pipelines. One used chlorine disinfection and the other chloramine disinfection. Samples were collected four times over the year to provide seasonal variation and the chlorine or chloramine residual was measured during collection. Legionella spp., L. pneumophila and MAC were detected in both distribution systems throughout the year and were all detected at a maximum concentration of 10 3 copies/mL in the chlorine disinfected system and 10 6 , 10 3 and 10 4 copies/mL respectively in the chloramine disinfected system. The concentrations of these opportunistic pathogens were primarily controlled throughout the distribution network through the maintenance of disinfection residuals. At a dead-end and when the disinfection residual was not maintained significant ( p < 0.05) increases in concentration were observed when compared to the concentration measured closest to the processing plant in the same pipeline and sampling period. Total coliforms were not present in any water sample collected. This study demonstrates the ability of Legionella spp., L. pneumophila and MAC to survive the potable water disinfection process and highlights the need for greater measures to control these organisms along the distribution pipeline and at point of use.

Suggested Citation

  • Harriet Whiley & Alexandra Keegan & Howard Fallowfield & Richard Bentham, 2014. "Detection of Legionella , L. pneumophila and Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) along Potable Water Distribution Pipelines," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-13, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:11:y:2014:i:7:p:7393-7405:d:38312
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Regina Nuzzo, 2014. "Scientific method: Statistical errors," Nature, Nature, vol. 506(7487), pages 150-152, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Harriet Whiley & Jason Hinds & James Xi & Richard Bentham, 2019. "Real-Time Continuous Surveillance of Temperature and Flow Events Presents a Novel Monitoring Approach for Hospital and Healthcare Water Distribution Systems," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-8, April.
    2. Paul J Molino & Richard Bentham & Michael J Higgins & Jason Hinds & Harriet Whiley, 2019. "Public Health Risks Associated with Heavy Metal and Microbial Contamination of Drinking Water in Australia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-12, October.
    3. Harriet Whiley, 2016. "Legionella Risk Management and Control in Potable Water Systems: Argument for the Abolishment of Routine Testing," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-8, December.

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