Resolving Problematic Biofilms in Buildings and Compounds

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Biofilm problems persist in water distribution systems and, as a result, have been the focus of remediation strategy development. However, there have been limited reports of investigations of problematic biofilms in individual buildings and groups of buildings where biofilms may grow and affect a defined population. The authors have investigated three sites in subtropical areas—a school, a resort, and a condominium development. Each situation created different effects that were detected by the occupants and resulted in a water quality assessment. The common connection was problematic biofilm growth in the potable water distribution system resulting from site-specific incidents. In one case, the biofilm was formed as the system was not used for a long period. Another was a result of operational issues with the on-site water treatment process. The third case was caused by the water quality issues in the water delivered to the site. In each situation, solutions were sought to address the biofilm problem while keeping the buildings in service and reducing the potential for future recurrence. Applied control strategies included superchlorination and flushing, and were demonstrated to be effective. Operational strategies, including periodic pipe flushing and installation of a chlorine booster station, were recommended on a site-specific basis to prevent the return of problematic biofilms.