Biofouling potential and material reactivity in a simulated water distribution network supplied with stormwater recycled via managed aquifer recharge.
The injection of stormwater into aquifers for storage and recovery during high water demand periods is a promising technology for augmenting conventional water reserves. Limited information exists regarding the potential impact of aquifer treated stormwater in distribution system infrastructure. This study describes a one year pilot distribution pipe network trial to determine the biofouling potential for cement, copper and polyvinyl chloride pipe materials exposed to stormwater stored in a limestone aquifer compared to an identical drinking water rig. Median alkalinity (123 mg/L) and colour (12 HU) in stormwater was significantly higher than in drinking water (82 mg/L and 1 HU) and pipe discolouration was more evident for stormwater samples. X-ray Diffraction and Fluorescence analyses confirmed this was driven by the presence of iron rich amorphous compounds in more thickly deposited sediments also consistent with significantly higher median levels of iron (∼0.56 mg/L) in stormwater compared to drinking water (∼0.17 mg/L). Water type did not influence biofilm development as determined by microbial density but faecal indicators were significantly higher for polyvinyl chloride and cement exposed to stormwater. Treatment to remove iron through aeration and filtration would reduce the potential for sediment accumulation. Operational and verification monitoring parameters to manage scaling, corrosion, colour, turbidity and microbial growth in recycled stormwater distribution networks are discussed.
CSIRO Land and Water, Private Bag 2, Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia. Electronic address: dennis.gonzalez@csiro.au.
Dennis
D
Gonzalez
CSIRO Land and Water, CSIRO, Private Bag 10, Clayton South, Vic, 3169, Australia.
Grace
G
Tjandraatmadja
CSIRO Land and Water, Private Bag 2, Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia.
Karen
K
Barry
CSIRO Land and Water, Private Bag 2, Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia.
Joanne
J
Vanderzalm
CSIRO Land and Water, CSIRO, Private Bag 5, Wembley, WA, 6913, Australia.
Anna H
AH
Kaksonen
CSIRO Land and Water, Private Bag 2, Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia.
Peter
P
Dillon
CSIRO Land and Water, CSIRO, Private Bag 5, Wembley, WA, 6913, Australia.
Geoff J
GJ
Puzon
CSIRO Land and Water, CSIRO, GPO Box 2583, Brisbane, Qld, 4001, Australia.
Jatinder
J
Sidhu
CSIRO Land and Water, CSIRO, Private Bag 5, Wembley, WA, 6913, Australia.
Jason
J
Wylie
CSIRO Land and Water, CSIRO, Private Bag 10, Clayton South, Vic, 3169, Australia.
Nigel
N
Goodman
CSIRO Land and Water, CSIRO, Private Bag 10, Clayton South, Vic, 3169, Australia.
Jason
J
Low
D057219:Biofouling; D060587:Groundwater / Q000737:chemistry; D059027:Recycling; D014867:Water; D014881:Water Supply
D014867:Water
Aquifer storage and recovery; Biofilm; Corrosion; Discoloured water; Robbins test device; Scaling