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Biological stability in drinking water distribution systems

New insight in treatment and distribution

Biological stability of drinking water is important to provide water that is microbiologically safe and pleasant to drink to the consumers. This is particularly relevant in drinking water distribution systems where water is delivered without maintaining a disinfectant residual, like in the Netherlands.

In this course, we will discuss the different aspects involved in biological stability of drinking water, at source, treatment, and distribution levels. Methods applied to evaluate biological stability will be described and their application addressed with examples from practice.

Experts from both academia and from water utilities will describe latest knowledge on critical parameters impacting biological stability.

Biologically stable drinking water

In this course, participants will learn about the following topics:

  • What is biological stability of drinking water?
  • What are the basic elements controlling microbial growth in drinking water?
  • What are methods to assess and study biological stability?
  • What are the factors influencing biological stability at source and treatment levels?
  • What are the factors influencing biological stability at  distribution level?

Meant for

Drinking water professionals, including project managers, advisors, process technologists, researchers concerned with water quality issues.

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“I really enjoy the organisation and the diversity of the course and exchange between participants.”
Alexis Martin (Eau de Paris)
“The course gave me the opportunity to place my research into the context of the drinking water problems that nowadays affect our society. It was a great opportunity to meet and listen to well known researchers in the field of drinking water treatment and distribution.”
Valentina Attiani (Wageningen University & Research)
“The course was nice and well organised: the follow-up of content was well chosen.”
Rik de Vries (Waterlaboratorium Noord)
  • Information
    Trainer: Mevr. Dr.ir. E. Prest (PWNT)
    Course data: 13, 14 and 15 March 2023. This is an IWA supported course.
    Day format: Day course
    Location: BCN Amsterdam Arena
    The course location will be easily accessible by train and car
    Price: € 1,500.00 ex. vat
    Price is including course material and catering. IWA members will get 10% discount. PhD's will get extra fee reduction, please mention in your registration that you are a PhD. PhD's will get three graduate school credits after completing this course.
    Timetable information: This is a classical course which will takes place in the class. Three full days of course from 9:00-17:00.
    Language
    		 The program will be taught in English.
  • Program

    Program

    Day 1 -  13 March - Introduction and methods

    • Introduction round participants
      Dr. ir. Emmanuelle Prest, PWNT, North Holland
    • Course introduction / general introduction on Biological stability
      Dr. ir. Emmanuelle Prest, PWNT, North Holland
    • Overview of essential processes implied in biological stability
      Dr. ir. Emmanuelle Prest, PWNT, North Holland
    • Methods to monitor and evaluate biological stability 1
      Professor dr. Hans Vrouwenvelder, KAUST, Saudi Arabia
    • Methods to monitor and evaluate biological stability 2
      Professor dr. Paul van der Wielen, Wageningen university and KWR water research institute
    • Questions and discussion                       
    • Introduction to group exercises
      Dr. ir. Emmanuelle Prest, PWNT, North Holland
    • Group exercises and presentations by each group
    • Closing day 1 and summary


    Day 2 - 14 March – Impact of water treatment and distribution conditions

    • Start day 2                                                     
      Dr. ir. Emmanuelle Prest, PWNT, North Holland
    • Impact of water source and water treatment on biological stability 1
      Ir. Rinnert Schurer, Evides water company, The Netherlands
    • Impact of water source and water treatment on biological stability 2
      Dr. Bram Martijn, PWNT, North Holland
    • Impact of temperature, residence time and residual disinfectant on microbial growth
      Dr. ir. Mirjam Blokker, TU delft and KWR water research institute
    • Questions and discussion
    • Impact of hydraulics / sediment
      Dr. ir. Mirjam Blokker, TU delft and KWR water research institute
    • Closing day 2 and summary
    • Site visit to a treatment plant (optional/ to be confirmed in January/February 2023)

     

    Day 3 - 15 March – Microbial dynamics in drinking water distribution systems and premise plumbings

    • Start day 3                                                     
      Dr. ir. Emmanuelle Prest, PWNT, North Holland
    • Interaction between different phases (bulk water, sediment, biofilm)
      Professor dr. Gang Liu, Chinese academy of Sciences
    • Food chain in drinking water pipes 
      Arco Wagenvoort, AQWA
    • Aeromonas growth mechanism
      Dr. ir. Nikki van Bel, KWR water research institute
    • Questions and discussion
    • Opportunistic pathogens / link with biostability / safety
      Professor dr. Paul van der Wielen, Wageningen University and KWR water research
    • Building plumbings
      Professor dr. Frederik Hammes, EAWAG, Switzerland
    • Questions and discussion
    • Wrap up & course evaluation
  • Reviews
    This course is assessed with a 9.3
    “I really enjoy the organisation and the diversity of the course and exchange between participants.”
    Alexis Martin (Eau de Paris)
    “The course gave me the opportunity to place my research into the context of the drinking water problems that nowadays affect our society. It was a great opportunity to meet and listen to well known researchers in the field of drinking water treatment and distribution.”
    Valentina Attiani (Wageningen University & Research)
    “The course was nice and well organised: the follow-up of content was well chosen.”
    Rik de Vries (Waterlaboratorium Noord)