Drinking Water Supply Research Articles

Factors influencing households' satisfaction with drinking water availability in Bujumbura Municipality, Burundi

ABSTRACT Consumer satisfaction and drinking water availability in evolving urban settings are major issues and their understanding is a key to improving water service quality and managing water utility. This study aims to examine factors influencing subscribers' satisfaction with drinking water availability in the Municipality of Bujumbura, Burundi. To achieve this, a survey was carried out from 3 to 21 May 2021 on a random sample of 391 subscribers. The outcome variable was the logarithm of the odds of being satisfied with drinking water availability and explanatory variables included sociodemographic factors (commune, gender, age, education level, marital status, and religion), water distribution factors and co-production-related factors. The chi-square test (Fisher's exact test if conditions are not met) and binary fixed-effects logistic regression models were applied to these data using R software, version 4.1.2. Findings showed that the time of drinking water supply and frequency of water-related outages significantly influenced satisfaction with drinking water availability after adjustment for age. This study could help decision-makers who are in charge of drinking water distribution identify other factors associated with water availability satisfaction in Bujumbura Municipality and other urban settings.

Indonesian Civil Service Management in the Health and Disaster Management Sector: Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Prospective

The COVID-19 pandemic as a non-natural disaster has made many countries aware of reform in healthcare systems and services and disaster management, including Indonesia. The high intensity of natural disasters in Indonesia and the presence of non-natural disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic have become the government's momentum to carry out better mitigation in the future. This study aims to identify and analyse the gap between the existing conditions and the ideal conditions for the needs of the State Civil Apparatus (ASN) in the health and disaster management sector in the future. Using a gap analysis approach with qualitative data collection, this study shows a significant gap between the availability of ASN compared to the number of ASN needed in the health and disaster management sectors in Indonesia. Moreover, to make the health and disaster management sector successful, this study formulates the need for ASNs in strategic positions: Specialist Doctor, General Practitioner, Dentist, Pharmacy and Food Supervisor, and Rescuer. In addition, this study suggests the need for developing ASN competencies in this sector, such as digital services, biotechnology, nanotechnology, integrated flood management, construction of drinking water supply systems and landfills, risk management, and review analysis and mitigation

Advancing drinking water safety: Facile fabrication of nanofiltration membrane for enhanced antibiotics removal and efficient water softening

Long-term water consumption with contaminated antibiotics and high levels of hardness threatens the health of humans and animals. In this study, a novel positively charged nanofiltration membrane was designed for the dual purpose of efficiently removing antibiotics and softening hard water. The membrane was fabricated by casting P84 polymer solution onto non-woven fabrics, followed by immersion in the polyethyleneimine (PEI) solution for phase inversion and cross-linking, and finalized interfacial polymerization with trimesoyl chloride. Notably, the rapid immersion of the P84 substrate into PEI drastically reduces preparation time by 95 % compared to the regular method while maximizing PEI storage, resulting in uniform pore sizes and a positively charged surface. The optimal membrane showed a high water permeance of 11.3 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 and exceptional antibiotic rejection, i.e., 99.6 % for enrofloxacin, 99.2 % for ciprofloxacin, and 96.3 % for sulfamethoxazole, as well as a highly effective removal in water hardness (over 96 % of Ca2+ and Mg2+) at 4 bar. Simulated water separation tests showed that the optimal membrane effectively controls hard water salinity within optimum drinking water ranges (Ca2+ ≤ 80 mg/L; Mg2+ ≤ 30 mg/L), providing efficient water softening and antibiotic capture ability. Additionally, the optimal membrane demonstrated a superior anti-bacterial and long-term stability performance. This study has significant potential for improving drinking water supply safety and addressing pressing public health and environmental concerns.

CYBER-PHYSICAL SYSTEM FOR REMOTE MONITORING AND CONTROL OF A DRINKING WATER NETWORK

The fundamental aim of this paper is to investigate and explore the design and simulation methods for a cyber-physical system (CPS) for the monitoring and control of drinking water capture, treatment and distribution processes. This research aims to provide a deep understanding of the theoretical concepts underlying CPS systems, as well as a detailed analysis of the technologies and methodologies used in the design and simulation of these complex systems. Through this investigation, we aim to identify effective solutions for the management of drinking water resources, given the critical importance of water in modern society. By analyzing case studies and current practices, we will assess the advantages and challenges associated with implementing a CPS system in the real-world context of water supply infrastructure. This work not only aims to provide a theoretical perspective on the concept of CPS applied in the field of drinking water supply, but also to contribute to the development and implementation of practical solutions in order to ensure universal access to quality water and to protect the environment. Through academic approach and rigorous research, we hope to make a contribution to the field of mechatronic engineering and environmental technologies.

The Priority of Water Consumption in the Spanish Tourism Industry: A Dilemma for Residents and Researchers

Spain is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world. Regional governments face the challenge of ensuring long-term water security for residents and tourists. In 2024, Catalonia declared a state of emergency to tackle the problem of a lack of water. Catalonia and Andalusia regions imposed water restrictions, prohibiting residents from washing the exterior of their houses and cars or filling their swimming pools to guarantee tourism activities in hotels and other tourism companies. The research objective of the present study is to tackle the priority of water consumption in the Spanish tourism industry so that the availability of water is guaranteed for residents, without constraints on the supply. This research uses qualitative and quantitative methods to obtain a comprehensive view of the water consumption in Spain’s territory and the main zones of water scarcity that are affecting residents and the tourism industry. In addition, this study uses the Web of Science (WoS) database to analyse the bibliometrics on the topic of water consumption in the tourism industry from 2000 to 2023, as well as quantify the number of articles published by researchers. Findings reveal that although the tourism industry is the economic engine of Spain, water consumption by tourists is above the level of consumption of residents, and this asymmetrical situation should be reversed in favour of the welfare of Spanish citizens. It is noteworthy that the water scarcity in Spain and its continuing restrictions in the Andalusian and Catalonian regions have caused huge problems with drinking water supply in the last few years. Indeed, local and regional Spanish governments cannot demand that a resident consume 133 L per day, while a tourist is allowed to consume between 400 and 1000 L per day. For this reason, water availability must be a priority for residents and, especially, for the tourism industry. Economic interests cannot override citizens’ needs and well-being. This research has helped us better understand the complex relationships between the use of water in the tourism industry and by residents in the context of climate change.

Community Empowerment Alternatives to Rural Drinking Water Infrastructure Problems: Case Study of Rural SPAM in Krangkeng District, Indramayu Regency

Abstract. The Drinking Water Supply System (SPAM) is a basic community need that must be provided by the government. Water availability is currently a problem in rural areas of Krangkeng District. The condition of the region often experiences drought during the dry season and only 59.27% of people have access to adequate drinking water. Every year the government provides assistance in the form of physical development and water supply via tank trucks. The lack of public awareness in the sustainable implementation of SPAM has resulted in this problem recurring every year. With this phenomenon, community empowerment efforts are needed to create increased community capacity and active community participation in managing the drinking water supply system in Krangkeng District so that it can be sustainable. This research aims to identify community empowerment alternatives described in the aspects of implementing rural SPAM in Krangkeng District using a qualitative descriptive approach. The research results show that there are aspects that are problematic in implementing SPAM in terms of planning for the provision of infrastructure and drinking water services that are not yet structured. Technically, there is limited water infrastructure that can be utilized, there is no management institution, minimal funding allocation related to SPAM, minimal regulatory aspects and there has been no effort to improve from a social perspective related to the sustainability of SPAM. Based on these aspects, the community empowerment alternatives that can be implemented are education and awareness about the importance of drinking water use, community involvement both as management institutions (pokmas) and as users, involvement in collaborative advocacy networks with external parties, and involvement in monitoring and evaluation. It is hoped that this research can help stakeholders in Krangkeng District in efforts to mitigate problems with the implementation of SPAM and the sustainability of water resources in the future.

Impacts of hydrodynamic disturbance on black blooms: An in-situ study in Lake Taihu

The occurrence of black blooms, a kind of black water phenomenon, mostly formed by the decomposition of cyanobacterial blooms poses a threat to both drinking water supplies and the survival of aquatic organisms. Meteorological and hydrological conditions play a crucial role in their formation, while the specific impact of hydrodynamic disturbances on the black blooms remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate in depth the impact of hydrodynamic disturbances on the formation and development of black blooms, as well as their effects on the microbiota in surface sediments during the process. During the occurrence of black blooms in Lake Taihu, in-situ water and surface sediment samples were collected. By combining studies of the changes in water quality and microbial communities, the potential driving mechanisms of hydrodynamic disturbances were analyzed. The results indicate that during the outbreak stage (MS), hydrodynamic disturbances drove the release of anaerobic byproducts in sediments (NH4+-N ≥ 0.5 mg/L, TN ≥ 2.03 mg/L, TP ≥ 0.15 mg/L), and varying levels of hydrodynamic disturbance led to significant differences in microbial communities (ANOSIM, R = 0.477, p < 0.05). This influenced the abundance of microorganisms with carbon and sulfur cycling functions in sediments, where stronger hydrodynamics promoted the coupling of carbon mineralization and fermentation processes, while weaker hydrodynamic disturbances facilitated the coupling of carbon mineralization and sulfate reduction processes. Additionally, hydrodynamic disturbances influenced the potential functions of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in sediments, altering the interactions between SRB and other microorganisms. This study, for the first time, investigated the impact of hydrodynamics on the formation of black blooms from the perspective of their interaction with microorganisms. These findings broaden our understanding of the significance of hydrodynamic disturbances during black bloom occurrences and contribute to our ability to predict the formation of black blooms through modeling.

External costs of water pollution in the drinking water supply sector

External costs of water pollution in the drinking water supply sector

Relationship between metabolic indices and milk yield in Saanen goats exposed to heat stress in semi-tropical climates

This study aimed to determine the effects of heat stress on 30 Saanen goats of different ages (young, middle-aged, and old). The average temperature and humidity values during the trial were 27.82 °C and 40.65%, respectively. Statistically significant differences in pulse rate (PR), respiratory rate (SS), and temperature humidity index (THI) were found between months (P < 0.05). Beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) values were found to be statistically significant in the young and middle-aged group (P < 0.05), with the highest in the middle-aged group obtained in June (0.65 mmol/L). Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and urea (BUN) were significantly different (P < 0.05) in all age groups, whereas creatinine values showed no significant differences between groups. Significant positive relationships were found between body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS), as well as pulse rate (PR) and daily average daily milk yield (DAMY) (P < 0.01). A positive correlation was also found between the respiratory rate (SS) and pulse rate (P < 0.01). As a result, although attempts have been made to prevent the decrease in productivity with applications for animals under heat stress, the optimal strategy may be to address the source of the problem. Issues that cause heat accumulation in the body should be identified and necessary arrangements should be made in the shelter to distribute heat to ensure that animals are less affected. Shaded areas should be provided in cases of stress caused by heat. An appropriate structural arrangement for temperature, humidification, and ventilation systems, as well as the provision of abundant fresh drinking water, would also be beneficial.

Estimating the risk of gastrointestinal illness associated with drinking tap water in Norway: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundThe delivery of safe drinking water has high public health relevance, as reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG6). Several precautionary actions have reduced the burden associated with infectious diseases in high-income countries; however, pollution in source waters, inadequate disinfection, and premise plumbing, along with an increased awareness that intrusion in the drinking water distribution system, represents risk factors for gastrointestinal illness linked to consume of drinking water. Sporadic cases of waterborne infections are expected to be underreported since a sick person is less likely to seek healthcare for a self-limiting gastrointestinal infection. Hence, knowledge on the true burden of waterborne diseases is scarce. The primary aim with the present study was to estimate the risk of gastrointestinal illness associated with drinking tap water in Norway.MethodsWe conducted a 12-month prospective cohort study where participants were recruited by telephone interview after invitation based on randomised selection. A start up e-survey were followed by 12 monthly SMS questionnaires to gather information on participants characteristics and drinking tap water (number of 0.2L glasses per day), incidence, duration and symptoms associated with gastrointestinal illness. Associations between the exposure of drinking tap water and the outcome of risk of acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI) were analysed with linear mixed effects models. Age, sex, education level and size of the drinking water supply were identified as potential confounders and included in the adjusted model.ResultsIn total, 9,946 persons participated in this cohort study, accounting for 11.5% of all invited participants. According to the data per person and month (99,446 monthly submissions), AGI was reported for 5,508 person-months (5.5 per 100 person-months). Severe AGI was reported in 819 person-months (0.8 per 100 person-months). Our study estimates that 2–4% of AGI in Norway is attributable to drinking tap water.ConclusionsThis is the largest cohort study in Norway estimating the burden of self-reported gastrointestinal infections linked to the amount of tap water drunk in Norway. The data indicate that waterborne AGI is not currently a burden in Norway, but the findings need to be used with caution. The importance of continued efforts and investments in the maintenance of drinking water supplies in Norway to address the low burden of sporadic waterborne cases and to prevent future outbreaks needs to be emphasised.

DEVELOPMENT OF A SYSTEM WITH SUSTAINABLE SUPPLEMENTAL HEATING: AN ALTERNATIVE TO COMBAT WATER SCARCITY

The scarcity of water resources has led researchers to investigate and develop mechanisms for the good use of saline and brackish waters to produce drinking water. In Brazil, the water crisis has always been a reality. The objective was to carry out desalination through a prototyped system with sustainable supplementary heating, to help supply drinking water to residents who face precarious living conditions. The research is aimed at the Bailique Archipelago and Sucuriju District, located in the extreme east of the State of Amapá and bathed by the Atlantic Ocean. It presents a quali-quantitative analysis, as it involves the construction of the prototype and temperature and physical-chemical tests of water samples. Regarding the results, desalination was carried out using a prototype, with subsequent analysis of the physical-chemical conditions of the interstitial waters to correlate with the potability parameters. The supplementary heating positioned on the sides of the system converged solar rays towards the greenhouse that contains salt water inside, and a device on the glass slope collected the condensed water. The 50cm x 50cm model desalinated 890mL and the 25cm x 25cm model desalinated 190mL of water in one day, reaching a maximum temperature of 91 ºC.

Ignored microbial-induced taste and odor in drinking water reservoirs: Novel insight into actinobacterial community structure, assembly, and odor-producing potential

The presence of actinobacteria in reservoirs can lead to taste and odor issues, posing potential risks to the safety of drinking water supply. However, the response of actinobacterial communities to environmental factors in drinking water reservoirs remains largely unexplored. To address this gap, this study investigated the community structure and metabolic characteristics of odor-producing actinobacteria in water reservoirs across northern and southern China. The findings revealed differences in the actinobacterial composition across the reservoirs, with Mycobacterium sp. and Candidatus Nanopelagicus being the most prevalent genera. Notably, water temperature, nutrient levels, and metal concentrations were associated with differences in actinobacterial communities, with stochastic processes playing a major role in shaping the community assembly. In addition, three strains of odor-producing actinobacteria were cultured in raw reservoir water, namely Streptomyces antibioticus LJH21, Streptomyces sp. ZEU13, and Streptomyces sp. PQK19, with peak ATP concentrations of 51 nmol/L, 66 nmol/L, and 70 nmol/L, respectively, indicating that odor-producing actinobacteria could remain metabolically active under poor nutrient pressure. Additionally, Streptomyces antibioticus LJH21 produced the highest concentration of geosmin at 24.4 ng/L. These findings enhance our understanding of regional variances and reproductive metabolic mechanisms of actinobacteria in drinking water reservoirs, providing a solid foundation for improving drinking water quality control, especially for taste and odor.

Identifying Conditions that Support the Provision of High-Quality and Affordable Urban Drinking Water in the US

Identifying Conditions that Support the Provision of High-Quality and Affordable Urban Drinking Water in the US

Harnessing green microbiology for sustainable water management, agriculture, and energy generation: Current advances and future prospects

AbstractThis article presents an in‐depth overview of recent developments and prospects in utilizing green microbiology for sustainable water management. It highlights its vital role across various aspects of water management while underscoring its significance for global development. This article delves deep into microbial processes integral to water management, such as degrading pollutants and using biosensors for quality monitoring of drinking water supplies. Furthermore, the article considers microorganisms' potential roles as biofertilizers and biostimulants in agriculture, their involvement in effluent treatment within microbial communities, and the emerging technologies of microbial fuel cells and nanotechnology. Implementation of microbial‐based approaches presents both challenges and opportunities, including regulatory concerns and public acceptance. Finally, this article reviews key findings and emphasizes research needs related to green microbiology to develop solutions towards cleaner, more sustainable water management solutions in the future.

Mining impacts peatland hydrology reducing discharge and water storage volumes

Peatlands cover about 3% of the Earth’s land surface, but are the largest terrestrial carbon store and are important for freshwater storage. In Australia, nationally protected peatlands (called upland swamps) exist in the catchment headwaters for Sydney’s drinking water supply. In this region, longwall mining of underground coal seams can result in subsurface fracturing, land subsidence, and, potentially, peatland drainage. This study presents the water balance modelling results for an upland peat swamp before and after it was undermined in 2020. Following a detailed field campaign, a conceptual lumped hydrology model was developed to estimate the local water balance, with a Nash Sutcliffe Efficiency of 0.85 for the modelled storage of the intact swamp. After undermining, the water balance of the swamp changed, with higher deep seepage rates and reduced surface water discharge rates. For the first time, these findings detail the hydrologic effects of longwall mining on peatland environments. Based on these findings, broader catchment management initiatives are recommended to prevent or limit further water extraction from upland swamps, including incidental water losses associated with subsidence.

Determining Water Quality Status and Assimilation Capacity of Pollutant Loads in West Lombok Regency

Babak watershed is one of the essential watersheds in Lombok Island providing water supply for irrigation, fish pool, drinking water supply, and micro-hydro power plant. Excessive human activities degrade the water quality of Babak watershed, and more pollutants are present in the water column. Thus, this study aims to determine Babak watershed's water quality status and assimilating capacity to plan effective and holistic mitigation measures properly. The study calculates the pollution index (PI) using a formula based on the Minister of Environment No.115/2003 Decree and assimilating capacity (AC) based on the Minister of Environment No.110/2003 Decree. The results found that Babak watershed is lightly polluted, defined by exceeding chemical parameters such as DO, total phosphate, nitrite, and dissolved iron (Fe). Similarly, these parameters (total phosphate, nitrite, and Dissolved iron (Fe) also reached the maximum assimilation capacity of Babak watershed to contain and self-purify these pollutants from the water column. Thus, planning mitigation and adaptation measures are required to prevent further contaminations in this watershed.

Water neutrality: Concept, challenges, policies, and recommendations

Agriculture, urbanisation, and industrial growth have significantly increased water demand, leading to water pollution, necessitating the protection of rivers, wetlands, and ecosystems. Hence, a strategy is needed that is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which includes ensuring safe and affordable drinking water (SDG 6.1), implementing integrated water resources management (SDG 6.5), and protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems (SDG 6.6). This review article introduces the concept of water neutrality (WN), a planning approach for new urban developments aimed at minimising impacts on water security. The peer-reviewed articles and governmental reports published between 2014 and 2024 provide an overview of the current water situation. It also explores the potential benefits of WN, evaluates existing policies and case studies, and offers actionable recommendations. The study reveals that implementing water-related policies often faces challenges, such as political commitment, insufficient funding, and weak monitoring systems, particularly in developing countries. In India, water policies primarily focus on irrigation, drinking water supply, and pollution control. However, these policies struggle due to weak enforcement and conflicting stakeholder interests. The study recommends significant policy reforms and the adoption of new approaches to achieve WN, which promote integrated water resource management, strengthen governance, pricing mechanisms, advanced pollution control technologies, climate-resilient infrastructure, and public awareness, all while aligning with SDG 6. Innovative solutions, such as smart irrigation systems and water recycling programs, offer promising paths to address water scarcity. Additionally, international collaborations can further support these goals. Integrating WN into SDG 6 has the potential to significantly enhance global water security and sustainability.

Calcium Carbonate Formation in Groundwater-Supplied Drinking Water Systems: Role of CO2 Degassing Rate and Scaling Indices Applicability

CaCO3 precipitation is a ubiquitous and vital process with far-reaching implications for various natural systems. In drinking water supply networks, it creates malfunctions in the system, especially by pipes clogging. This is a common problem in Tunisia, particularly for systems supplied with groundwater. This work attempts to highlight the effect of dissolved CO2 degassing kinetics and determine the most reliable scaling index to predict scaling. For this, a diagnosis of two drinking water circuits is followed by a laboratory study. Results of the field study show that the network scaling is controlled by the dissolved CO2 content, which is significantly affected by the water/atmospheric air contact. The scale formed is mainly CaCO3–calcite. A laboratory-scale simulation of the natural phenomenon using an experimental setup of the fast-controlled precipitation method (FCP) was performed. The result shows that a low CO2 content is a necessary condition for a supersaturated system regarding calcite but not sufficient for precipitation to take place. The precipitation can occur at very low supersaturations if time is allowed for stable nuclei to form, explaining the scaling of drinking water networks. The fundamental and applied study of the scaling indices shows that the Ryznar stability index (RSI) is the most adaptable index for predicting scale formation.

Adoption of Improved Buffalo Husbandry Practices in Peri-Urban Areas of Surat City, Gujarat

The present study was carried out in the peri urban areas of Surat city of Gujarat to find out the adoption of improved buffalo husbandry practices. A random sample of 50 buffalo farm owners were selected and interviewed for the interview schedule prepared about adoption of improved dairy husbandry practices in six major aspects of housing, feeding, breeding, health care, milking and calf rearing management was studied. Housing in separate located place (100%), providing proper floor space (98%) and proper height and ventilation (90%) were more adopted in housing practices. Provision of clean and fresh drinking water (100%), feeding extra ration to advance pregnant animals (64%) and feeding balance concentrate mixture on the basis of milk production (64%) were more adopted in feeding management. In adoption of breeding management, keeping watch on oestrus cycle and heat symptoms of animals (100%), artificial insemination of animals (100%) and practicing pregnancy diagnosis between 60-90 days after service (91%) were more adopted by buffalo owners. Observing animals daily for signs of sickness (100%), timely and regularly vaccination (100%) and treatment of reproductive disorders (75%) were more adopted by respondents in health care management practices. In milking and calf rearing practices, washing pails and hands before milking (100%) and regularity in milking time (100%), early solid feeding (100%) and milk feeding to calves up to three months of age (96%) were more adopted by the buffalo owners.

Adapting to PFAS contamination of private drinking water wells near a PFAS production facility in the US Atlantic Coastal Plain of North Carolina.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread groundwater contaminants and are present in over 7000 drinking water wells near a North Carolina (NC) PFAS plant (Chemours). To understand options available to affected residents, we used new and previously existing water quality data to investigate deeper aquifers as alternate drinking water supplies and compared the regulatory responses near Chemours and three other PFAS production facilities with nearby contaminated wells. Data from >100 wells show that GenX concentrations decrease with increasing depth through the four aquifers in the study area: surficial, Black Creek, Upper Cape Fear, and bedrock. This illustrates the extent of vertical PFAS penetration through the aquifer sequence following roughly 40 years of atmospheric emissions. Detailed data on 143 water quality parameters in nine deep wells (two Upper Cape Fear, seven bedrock) revealed only eight exceedances of drinking water standards (one each for arsenic, perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA], iron, chloride, and gross alpha, and three for manganese) and nine exceedances of health advisories (all for sodium). Regulatory responses to PFAS contamination of wells in four states included mention of deeper wells as an alternate water source only for nonresidential users in NC and residential users in Vermont. The bedrock aquifer is currently used by some residents and may be a viable alternative to shallower groundwater, though arsenic treatment may be beneficial at some deep wells and long-term sustainability of the aquifer should be evaluated. PRACTITIONER POINTS: GenX concentrations decreased with increasing depth in four aquifers near a PFAS plant. A few exceedances of drinking water standards and health advisories were found in deep bedrock wells. New bedrock wells could be part of the response to PFAS issues in shallower wells. In the long term, deep bedrock wells might be a less expensive option for some residents.