Real time monitoring of microbiological content in drinking water

The development of technology and the pursuit of progress in water disinfection processes have given rise to techniques adaptable to microbiological pollution, the requirements of the legislative and additional physical and chemical influences. With proper use, adaptation and combination of existing water disinfection techniques, highly efficient mechanisms are obtained that, even in dynamic systems, meet the strictest criteria for delivering safe water for consumers. However, in exceptional cases of changes in water quality or malfunctions in devices that make up disinfection systems, system destabilization and microbiological water pollution may occur. In the aforementioned situation, it is most important to have quick, relevant information that will enable a timely reaction in order to restore the stable operation of the water disinfection system. The challenge in the mentioned situation is the length of the examination in the laboratory with the sample taking procedure. Under ideal conditions, results are obtained after 3 days, which is a problem, because in that interval there can be an increase in microbial activity, potentially biofilm development and deeper contamination of the distribution system. An additional challenge in waterworks is the limited human resource that could monitor the entire system, which is also applicable to Public Health Institutes that perform analyzes for the purpose of control. The answer to the challenge of contamination and reduced manpower may be the monitoring of microbiological pollution in real time. With minor modifications to the existing disinfection systems, information on the effectiveness of water disinfection can be obtained within 20 minutes and provide a timely response, thus ensuring safe water.