Occurrence and Public Health Significance of Invertebrates in Drinking Water Systems

Abstract

Invertebrates collected from the water distribution system of Worcester, Mass., were found to harbor a variety of bacteria—some of which may be pathogenic to humans—and to protect them from inactivation by chlorine and monochloramine. Currently, the best approach to invertebrate control is elimination of these organisms before they enter the distribution system or physical or chemical modification of their potential habitats within the system.