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.
| Edition : | Vol. - No. |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 2.3 MB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 45 |
| Published : | 06/01/2007 |
