Waterline Summer 2016

The Journal of theWater Management Society THE WATER MANAGEMENT SOCIETY

waterline
www.wmsoc.org.uk ISSN 0954 7711 • Summer 2016

Organic Water Treatment

Current Guidelines & Myths

MALDI-TOF

Rapid Identification of Potentially
Pathogenic Water Bacteria

Chlorine Dioxide
Associated Oxidants

Combating Legionella & Pseudomonas

PLUS

Event Reports

Biofilm Toolbox Talk
Chair's Report

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waterline IN THIS ISSUE
The Journal of theWater Management Society
5 Letter to the Editor
Council of Management
and Officers 2017 8 Organic Water Treatment Inhibitors
- Part I
The Water Management Society is governed
by a Council of Management which has the 12 Waterscan
responsibility for the day-to-day supervision
of operational and financial control. It meets 16
bimonthly and the executive officers meet
more frequently. 20 Biofilm Toolbox Talk

There is continuing cooperation and liaison 22 Event Reports
between the Council and the Secretariat.
24 Addressing Antibiotic Resistance
Council Members 2017
Chair - Colin Shekleton 30 MALDI-TOF Rapid Identification of
IPC / Vice Chairman - Elise Maynard Potentially Pathogenic Water Bacteria
Technical Committee Chairman - Giles Green
Honorary Secretary - Sue Pipe 32 Contracts, Products & Publications
Honorary Treasurer - Dr Andy Dobbins
24
Dr John Alvey
Howard Barnes 36 Chlorine Dioxide Associated Oxidants
David Bebbington
Colin Brown 37 Chair's Report
Dean Francis
David Harper The WMSoc is grateful for the
Simon Hughes continuing support of this publication by
Mike Hunter the advertisers. To advertise in the next
Garry Kerin
Ian E Kershaw issue of waterline contact the
Dr Tom Laffey 28 WMSoc secretariat on 01827 289558
John Lindeman
Dr Alan Pomfret or email waterline@wmsoc.org.uk
Dr Bill Thomas The next issue will be published in
Graham Thompson October 2016. The deadline date for all
Geoff Walker advertising copy is 16th September.

All Full members of the Society can apply for 30 THE WATER MANAGEMENT SOCIETY
election to the Council. Elections are held at
the AGM annually, and final selection is made Water Management Society
(by ballot if necessary). Additional members
may be co-opted. It only remains to be pointed 6, Sir Robert Peel Mill, Hoye Walk, Fazeley,
out that the responsibilities and obligations of
Council members require a clear and definite Tamworth, Staffordshire. B78 3QD
commitment in terms of time and effort.
Telephone: 01827 289 558 Fax: 01827 250 408
waterline Editors:
Executive Editors: G B Hill and G Walker Email: admin@wmsoc.org.uk
General Editor: S D Pipe
www.wmsoc.org.uk
The information and advertising of products
and services throughout this publication is not @WMSoc1
necessarily endorsed by the editors or the Water
Management Society, who accept no responsibility 32 © Copyright of The Water Management Society 2016.
for the accuracy of information in contributing
articles. The use of the WMSoc logo or any related imagery is not

permitted for personal or commercial use. Please report

any improper use to the office.

The WMSoc Training Programme is not commercially
biased and is provided at a competitive cost.

3

SUMMER 2016 wmsoc event

THE WATER MANAGEMENT SOCIETY Rapid Rise of New
Microbiological Techniques

Your Questions Answered

WATER MANAGEMENT SOCIETY ONE DAY EVENT

Thursday 24 November 2016

ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS, LONDON WC2A 3PE

This one-day programme intends to provide clarity to the
end-user regarding the How’s, Why’s and When’s to
requesting and understanding new techniques
which are now commercially available.

PROGRAMME

09:30 – 10:00 Registration and Refreshments
10:00 – 10:15
Introduction to Day and Welcome to Chairmen TRADE
10:15 – 10:45 (Dr. Jimmy Walker am & Howard Barnes pm) STANDS
Colin Shekleton, Chairman WMSoc AVAILABLE
10:45 – 11:15 “Catching the Villain“
Vin Poran, HSE
11:15 – 11:45 What does the inspector look for? What are evidence based technologies?
11:45 – 12:15 What involvement does the regulator have? Will these technologies be included
in future guidance?
12:15 – 12:45
“The Sampling Pantomime - Cinderella & the Glass Slip-Up’s“ EBAIRRLDY
12:45 – 13:00 Howard Barnes, Nalco/LCA RATE
13:00 – 14:00 Why are you sampling? What do the results mean?
14:00 – 14:45 When should you sample? How can you trust your data?
Coffee break
“Presence/Absence - Oh yes it is / Oh no it isn’t!“
Bjorn Neilsson, ALcontrol/ISO Committee
Should lab reports be standardised? What are “limits of detection“?
What do the results mean? How do you “validate” & “verify”?

“The Matrix“
Elise Maynard, Immediate Past Chair, WMSoc
Navigating the “Neo“ technologies? Making sense of the “Dream World“?

Panel Q&A Session

Lunch

“New Technologies - research results“
Ginny Moore, PHE

14:00 – 14:45 “How Do You Solve a Problem like Legionella?”
15:30 – 16:00 Caroline Mitchell, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth
Trials and Tribulations of a Hospital Water System
Panel Q&A

16:00 Access to Museum

The WMSoc reserves the right to alter speakers and/or titles of papers if circumstances dictate.

T: 01827 289558 E: events@wmsoc.org.uk
www.wmsoc.org.uk/conferences.php

EARLY BIRD BOOKING - Book before 30th September and receive THE WATER MANAGEMENT SOCIETY
a 10% discount on delegate spaces and trade stands
5 CPD points awarded

4

flwematttesurortecoatgrhtmeiceldeitor wwaateterrlilninee| |THTEHEJOJOURUNRNALALOOF FTHTEHEWWATAETRERMMANANAGAGEMEMENENT TSOSOCCIEITEYTY

PD855468

I am writing to highlight some of the challenges the Some of the changes suggested are, for example, Will cleaning and disinfection companies undertake
new PD855468 document ‘Guide to the flushing and if the pH of the water elevates from 7.6 to 7.85 or additional training or give in field guidance to
disinfection of services supplying water for domestic 8.0 then the disinfection time should be extended their field based staff on how to undertake these
use within buildings and their curtilages which may to 1.67 and 2.5 hours respectively. This is if using calculations?
cause some confusion within the water services a 50ppm free chlorine disinfection at the start
cleaning and disinfection industry. point, that is only allowed to fall to 60% of the start However,
disinfection level at the end point. the increased
The document is potentially being seen within the corrosion risk
water treatment/hygiene industry as superseding There is a useful table at the Annex A Table A1 that of elevated
the previous guidance BS8558: 2011 with guidance details specific pH levels and required extension to chlorine levels
on how disinfections should be undertaken. disinfection times. is also flagged in
the document.
However, the document itself states it is not In alkaline waters the pH is likely to be elevated
regarded as a British Standard, and "It should not above 7.6, and if the water were to be base exchange In Annex A it
be quoted as if it were a specification or a code of softened is highly likely to achieve a pH nearer 8.0. cautions against
practice and claims of compliance cannot be made undertaking
to it". As such what is the purpose of the document? I would ask the question how accurately do most disinfections at
cleaning and disinfection technicians measure pH, elevated chlorine
Therefore, should water treatment companies who and using what method? Is the equipment they are levels over 50mg/L
undertake disinfection works follow the previous supplied with able to measure accurately to 0.1 pH due to the potential increased risk of copper
British Standard, or wait until the PD855468 has unit? Are they all issued with calibrated pH meters corrosion.
developed into a British Standard? that they know how to calibrate before use? If not,
potentially they should be moving forward. I would therefore again ask the question: Are the
As an LCA assessor I’ve been asked during LCA audits days of the one hour 50ppm disinfections over?
"what specification do we now refer to?". The Also does this mean the days of the one hour
issuing of PD855468 has therefore possibly confused 50ppm tank/downservices disinfections are over? If Regrettably the document gives no guidance on the
rather than clarified advice for the industry. following PD855468, possibly yes? use of alternative disinfectants in place of chlorine.

For companies intending to use the PD855468 An alternative approach is to increase the starting The new document is a technical step forward in
document as guidance it does raise some challenges chlorine level to allow the disinfection time to be terms of guidance, but it would be hoped that as the
for those undertaking cleaning and disinfection reduced back to one hour. document is developed into a full British Standard,
works with regard to testing and reporting. guidance on the use of other disinfectants could be
There is a calculation advised on page 13 of the included, as did the previous BS8558:2011, and as
The initial issues are the references made in the document as to how to calculate revise chlorine does the current HSG274 part 2.
document with regard to pH, chlorine levels and the levels and so amend the disinfection times.
extension of the disinfection time to allow for the Simon Hughes MWMSoc
reduced efficacy of chlorine at elevated pH levels. But relating that back to the elevated pHs and the Axiom Water Consultancy
extended disinfection time is not a simple process.

waterlineonline

The waterline team are committed to communicating the latest news and updates to all our
members.

In addition to the printed distribution, it is planned to make waterline available to members
and subscribers in digital format and we'd like to hear your thoughts.

contact us at
waterline@wmsoc.org.uk

5

SUMMER 2016 www.wmsoc.org.uk

UKAS ACCREDITED TESTING

Within HSG274 part 2 it states:

Info box 2.5: Analysis of water samples

Analysis of water samples for legionella should be performed in UKAS-accredited laboratories with the current ISO standard methods for the detection
and enumeration of legionella included within the scope of accreditation. These laboratories should also take part in a water microbiology proficiency
testing scheme (such as that run by PHE or an equivalent scheme accredited to ISO 17043). Alternative quantitative testing methods may be used as
long as they have been validated using ISO 17994 and meet the required sensitivity and specificity.

Under EU legislation, every country has a single National Accreditation Body In addition to these key requirements, the laboratory must also demonstrate
(NAB), whose role is to carry out the independent third-party assessment of the following:
organisations that offer conformity assessment services. The United Kingdom
Accreditation Service (UKAS) has been the UK’s NAB since its formation • Testing is impartial
in 1995. Its role is to check that organisations providing certification,
testing, inspection and calibration services are meeting a required standard • Robust contract review process (understanding the customer’s needs)
of performance. The assessment criteria used by UKAS are internationally
recognised as being the best indicators of accurate and consistent • Appropriate technical supervision, by staff with relevant technical
performance. Accreditation by UKAS demonstrates an organisation’s experience
competence, impartiality and capability, and helps to underpin the credibility
of performance, goods and services in both the UK and international arenas. • Ongoing critical examination of test methods through auditing and
identification of non-conformance
Identifying a UKAS accredited ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory
is simple, each UKAS accredited testing laboratory is • A full audit trail for the test
permitted to display the National Accreditation testing
symbol. During an assessment the laboratory staff must be able to demonstrate that
test methods are performed in accordance with laboratory procedures, which
There are over 1,500 UKAS accredited laboratories in the UK in a wide range in turn are assessed for compliance with standard methods and regulations
of sectors including Water and Chemicals. UKAS laboratory accreditation where appropriate. Support activities such as quality control must be in place
uses criteria and procedures specifically to determine technical competence. to validate the sample test results and a sound audit trail for samples must
Laboratory accreditation uses the internationally recognised standard ISO/IEC be in place. The record system will show how the sample has been progressed
17025 to assess factors relevant to a laboratory’s ability to produce precise, though all stages of the receipt and testing process. A robust record system
accurate tests and data including: is fundamental to supporting test results which fall outside of required limits
but also to support those that fall within.
• Technical competence of staff
Accreditation requires laboratories to participate in proficiency testing where
• Validity, fitness for purpose and appropriateness of test methods this is available. The purpose of proficiency testing is to assess performance
of laboratories for their conduct of specific tests and to give opportunity
• Suitability and maintenance of test equipment to compare data and performance with others. Proficiency testing provides
an opportunity to undertake such comparisons and to have an independent
• Measurements are traceable to national standards where appropriate appraisal of the laboratory’s data compared to reference values (or other
performance criteria) or to the performance of similar laboratories.
• Testing environment Such schemes offer opportunities to identify testing problems, improve
performance and to educate staff.
• Sampling, handling and transportation of test items
For further information about UKAS visit: www.ukas.com.
• Quality assurance of test data – to show suitable ongoing method
performance and control

• Proficiency testing – external quality assurance schemes to show
laboratory method performance compared against other laboratories

PipeLine by Sue Pipe, Editor Honorary Fellows

Fellowship of the Water Management Society has always been a carefully monitored status as are all membership grades. Once an individual has been a
member for 10 years they become eligible for Fellowship provided they have also made some significant contribution to the Society or the industry. The process
to appoint new Fellows is taken very seriously by Council and the status is not granted casually. Currently there are 40 Fellows.
In addition, there is a membership grade of Honorary Fellow, this was designed to reward an individual who would not otherwise qualify as a Fellow, or who had
made a very significant contribution to the Society.
This is not a particularly easy text to write as I was the first Honorary Fellow to be appointed during the Chairmanship of Giles Green, but then I would not have
qualified under any of the membership criteria for normal membership. I can remember being incredibly honoured in 2002 by the accolade, but was unfairly
berated by the Chairman for looking unduly pleased when he presented the certificate!!
Other Honorary Fellows are: Gordon Cook who was Chairman for several years and guided the Society through a particularly stormy period, not least during
the time that legionnaires’ disease came to the fore; Derek Barlow who gained much gratitude from Council for shouldering the job of Treasurer for very many
years; then came Gerald Hill who has beavered away diligently ever since he ‘retired’, scouring trade press and national dailies for interesting items to populate
Waterscan and Contracts, Products and Publications, without his support, Waterline would have been a much less interesting journal; Geoff Walker who has been
a ‘member’ for many years, but never a full member as he was gathered under the Betz/Dearborn/GE banner, Geoff is working with Gerald [a very hard act to
follow] to take over the ‘newsy’ items of Waterline; and finally, to date Mike Iddon who had been on Council for many years, occupying the Chair several times,
acting as a very reliable advocate of the Society and in latter years, one of the three Directors.
Neither of these membership grades can be applied for, individuals can indicate to contacts that they consider themselves worthy, but should not be
disappointed if nothing comes of this!

6

event report waterline | THE JOURNAL OF THE WATER MANAGEMENT SOCIETY

event report e

Know your Landscape – Health and Safety Matters
NASHiCS Tuesday 10th May, Cardiff

National Association for Safety and Health in Care Services

The day was opened by Andy Hollingshead, National Vice-Chair of NASHiCS. provide “Duty of candour” during investigations – being honest to all involved.
David Francis, Assistant Chief Inspector, Care and Social Services Inspectorate, Organisations need a plan and need clear communications.
Wales (CSSIW) gave a thought provoking presentation regarding the balance of
quality of life vs regulation. He advocated developing a “learning and listening” The second breakout session was delivered by Richard Deakin from Nant, who
culture. His take-home messages were: reviewed the processes involved in Legionella management, but also the balance
between scalding and Legionella risk, which has a high importance within the care
• Don’t be stupid industry. There have been a number of recent high profile news stories regarding
scalding and others reporting deaths from Legionella. Richard advised careful
• Challenge the norm risk assessment regarding placement and regular maintenance of thermostatic
mixing valves. It was also noted that there need to be procedures in place for the
• Show respect protection of maintenance staff, who may be at risk when performing Legionella
control measures.
• Regular and peer review of processes
Sue Sheath, Director of Regulation for Barchester Healthcare reviewed whether
• Take responsibility quality auditing delivers quality care and safe services? Quality can be defined
as meeting or exceeding expectations at a price that the consumer is willing to
• Design out danger pay. This may be different to what people would expect for a “quality of life”
definition. The Chartered Quality Institute has a number of key principles which
• Communicate include leadership, management, people and continuous improvement.

• Provide training at all levels Quality in care involves safety, efficiency, responsiveness, patient experience and
good leadership. The cost of poor quality care has massive ramifications. She
• Recording – simple, smart and share described key quality measures, such as fit for purpose vs value for money. Audit
provides additional checks and trusted second opinions, checks for compliance
David Lozano, Station Manager for Care, Business Fire and Safety Dept., South and detects and prevents failure. Organisations should benchmark against
Wales Fire and Rescue Service, described very similar issues with fire risk competitors and identify best practice. Quality requires a framework including
assessments that are seen with Legionella risk assessments i.e.: internal, interested party and external audits. However, resource needs to be
considered and choices between risk-based or comprehensive auditing needs to
• Not suitable or sufficient be decided. There is also a need to provide good return on investment.

• Not reviewed regularly Key drivers – clinical audit is well established in healthcare. The National Institute
of Clinical Excellence (NICE), have recently helped with the provision of a
• Not identifying at risk persons framework. Best practice is to be person-led, structured and evidence-based. Any
actions taken should drive organisational change but this requires resource and
He also recommended peer review of policy and procedure documents as a appropriate organisational culture. Sue described a case study of an established
different pair of eyes may see deficiencies, or conversely, may provide new ideas home whereby an internal inspection identified concerns which were not followed
for their own premises. He advised to review according to the 3Ps - Premise up in a timely fashion and which were then acted upon by the CQC. This resulted
change, Policy change and People change (the latter includes competence of those in significant financial cost and negative press because those early warning signs
people.) The main areas to be covered should include: had been ignored. A root cause analysis provided 40 recommendations which
then drove wide-scale organisational change. Quality is a collective and pervasive
• Planning endeavour and constant learning is essential.

• Organisation Emmie Galilee, Head of Health and Social Care Services Unit from the HSE closed
the day with a review of latest HSE initiatives. She reported that the HSE will
• Control not get involved in the social care sector if the issue is clinically related. The
memoranda of understanding are in place to ensure that the most appropriate
• Monitoring regulator takes the lead. She described the new HSE health and safety strategy
which is proportionate and risk based and advised that COSHH is planned for
and review. There are no plans to do any additional inspections by HSE but the
intervention strategy will be revised later this year.
• Review
This was a highly interesting day which was supported by Nant Ltd as the
Inadequate maintenance is a common failing. key sponsor. The National Association for Safety and Health in Care Services
(NASHiCS) focuses on many aspects of health and safety affecting the care sector.
There were two breakout sessions: It was formed in October 2004 from the long established National Social Care
Health and Safety Forum. Membership is open to all in the social care sector
Sean Elson and Gareth McManus of Pinsent Masons described the legal and has developed links with other institutions, government bodies, enforcement
drivers. Recent legislation includes the Coroners and Justice Act 2009, Legal agencies and care sector associations with an aim to influence safety and health
Aid Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (unlimited fines), HSE in caring services.
(fees) regulations 2012 and Sentencing Guidelines February 2016. The latter
is predicated around size and turnover, culpability and level of harm of the Elise Maynard, Chair, WMSoc
offender. They asked how one defines what is low culpability? A number of
cases have already been tried under the new guidelines. The last 12-18 months
have seen a number of Corporate Manslaughter cases taken to court within the
healthcare sector. He also advised that payment of the Fee For Intervention (FFI)
acknowledges responsibility and may have repercussions for the future, so they
may be worth challenging.

Regulators include the Police, Coroner, HSE, LA and CSSWI (in Wales). They
reviewed the term “So far as is reasonably practicable” and noted that consent,
connivance and neglect are all personal responsibilities. The recent sentencing
guidelines describe a harm category from a matrix i.e. seriousness of harm risked
vs likelihood of harm. From this the culpability and fines can be selected – they
showed a chart which indicated potential fines of £2.5m on a business which has
a turnover of £50m.

During the questions it was noted that the CQC, HSE and local authorities have
a memorandum of understanding to reflect CQC’s new enforcement powers
– however, they are still finding their way. There is a statutory obligation to

7

SUMMER 2016 feature article

Organic Water Treatment Inhibitors: Expansion of

Current Guidelines, Myths, Disinformation, and the

Next Generation of Novel

Chemistries—Part I By Colin Frayne,
CWT, Aquassurance, Inc.

INTRODUCTION Background And this information is often limited, either because
Depending upon where you lived in the world at the of “need-to-know” restrictions or the difficulties in
Recently a series of articles were published in time, modern industrial water treatment chemistry disseminating protocols resulting from the almost
The Analyst (published by the Association of probably started in earnest in the late 1960s and infinite permutation of water types and large number
Water Technologies) entitled “Developing Cooling through the early 1970s, with the use of novel of inhibitor chemistry exceptions to the rules.
Water Treatments” - parts 1 to 41. The author, organic inhibitors borrowed from other larger
Robert R. Cavano, must be commended for his market sectors, such as oilfield production, textiles, Indeed, from the formulators’ perspective it seems
herculean efforts in deciphering data on various detergent manufacturing, pulp and paper, and minerals that, despite the vast array of technical articles and
cooling water inhibitor chemistries from a wide mining, where the profits to be made warranted the literature we consume, and the harder we try to
spectrum of sources (including, Boffardi2, considerable expenditure in organic chemistry R&D. apply a truly scientific and logical approach to the
Ferguson3, Amjad4, Vanderpool5, etc.) whose development and application of novel inhibitor blends,
articles have helped guide us through the maze of The first new chemistries employed were polyacrylic the more we realize that the subject of inhibitor
available water treatment inhibitor chemistries acids and salts of various molecular weights, followed chemistries in the field is usually too complex for
and their specific usefulness over the years. We by polymaleic acid and ATMP and HEDP phosphonates. a “one-size-fits-all, quick-fix, fail-safe,” but simple-
observe that these articles were also built on an We used them as scale and deposit control agents, rules approach. This is because there are a multitude
earlier Cavano paper that discussed phosphonates not only for heating and cooling systems, but for gas of interdependent factors to consider, including
as calcium carbonate control agents.6 In these scrubbing and wash waters; in spirit distillation units water type, operational duty and potentially useful
articles, Cavano also collated the various and multiple-effect evaporators for sugar, tomato chemistries for any water treatment application.
observations and guidelines available, for the paste and orange juice; in cookers and pasteurizers, Also, unfortunately, reliable data relating to inhibitors
benefit of all formulators and water treatment dye-houses, recovered waters and refill waters, oil- is often interwoven with disinformation, myth or
practitioners. He recognized that divergent platform water makers, reused mine waters, desalters, wishful thinking. As a result, even in this “information
opinions abound and, as a result, expressly electroplating houses, groundwater remediation, and age,” problems still remain with us in how to impart
solicited readers’ reactions and other ideas. This a myriad of other applications. Some 40 years later, beneficial guidelines to a wider audience, yet
article is a response, in two parts, to the request these “basic” chemistries, in all their derivative and demystify the functionality, formulatory, product
for commentary from Mr. Cavano. blended forms (including more recently developed selection and application processes.
co- and terpolymers, PBTC and other phosphonates,
Part 1: The first part of this article on organic etc.) are still mainstay components in all industrial Beneficial as Cavano’s articles are, we consider that
water treatment inhibitors and formulatory water treatment inhibitor formulations. Various other his explanations and guidelines still need additional
chemistries discusses the background to novel chemistries have been periodically offered as support, as there are more “standard” chemistries
modern industrial water treatment chemistry. superior alternatives, but only a small number have being used out in the market place than were
It also reviews marketplace problems, myths really stayed the course and have found a technically reviewed, plus some minor chemistries and useful
and disinformation, and the magnitude of the and economically useful niche. The one-size-fits-all novel inhibitors currently being promoted and worth
problems in developing a cohesive approach chemistry program design still eludes us, although reporting (including various polyaminophosphonates,
to formulations. some recent work covering the next generation of isopropenyl phosphonic acid monomer (IPPA) and
novel chemistries indicates that we are narrowing the polyisopropenyl phosphonic acid (PIPPA). To further
Part 2: The second part will discuss some field and getting closer to eventually requiring only a complicate matters, manufacturers offering ranges
technical and green chemistry considerations in few key-component inhibitors, to perhaps cover 80% of individual chemistries may now also take the best
formulating with organic inhibitor chemistries, or more of all industrial scale, corrosion and foulant oftheir inhibitors and offer them as blended chemistry
plus requirements for inhibitor actives, some control in water treatment applications. concentrates, as it is less expensive to do this than
novel and green chemistries, and the next develop new chemistries from scratch. (We have
generation of inhibitors. There is a disconnect, however, because the most seen similar marketing strategies implemented for
important people in a water treatment company (i.e., microbiocides.)
We state from the onset that, in general, we the sales professionals, technicians and technologists
agree with and support almost all of Cavano’s who work at the customers’ desk or work bench and
remarks. We do not attempt to take anything use the various inhibitors on a daily basis), are usually
away from his efforts or the excellent work not in a position to be particularly knowledgeable
of others in the same field. Rather, this article about the complexities, synergies and limitations of
attempts to build on their collective work and the various inhibitor chemistries involved—even with
further expand the basic observations, awareness their own companies formulated products. Sure, they
and guidelines for industrial/commercial water will know that the product under discussion contains
treatment formulatory chemistry. Also, knowing an HEDP or PBTC phosphonate, together with a
that, in reality, there is only a very small audience copolymer, some caustic and TTA, and that it functions
for true formulatory work, this article offers well with the water in question and the operating
useful information for a wider audience of water conditions found. They will also know the feed rate
treatment product decision makers and those required and whether control parameters will be
who actually use the chemistries in the field. It derived from phosphonate, molybdenum, or polymer
provides for an expansion of current mainstream content.
formulation component inhibitor observations. It
also discusses the next generation of chemistries, But beyond some basic internet research or technical
in the context of marketplace realities and where training program, they usually have to rely on their
we are headed, based on current global economic in-house technical department to learn more about
and environmental trends. specific and interdependent chemistries involved, and
the competitive advantages of the products they use.
8

feature article waterline | THE JOURNAL OF THE WATER MANAGEMENT SOCIETY

Marketplace Problems, Myths and Disinformation 4 Lack Of Market Reality
Some of the problems we still observe relating to inhibitor chemistries include: Some research work on inhibitors demonstrates product differences that are simply
too subtle to seriously consider, or recommend efficacy concentrations that are
1 Lack Of Freedom of Inhibitor Choice uneconomic to employ. As an example, a review of the 40-page product information
Hundreds of smaller water treatment companies use toll-blenders, many of whom brochure elicits the following data:
promote or dictate their own chemistry, formulatory, or preferred chemical vendor
preferences or prejudices; some without benefit of fieldverifiable water treatment • Six graphs, showing the results of tests for the stabilization of CaCO3,
experience. In these circumstances, the smaller water treatment company without indicate active-agent test concentrations of up to 50 mg/L, with an average
sufficient in-house formulatory experience, or perhaps funds to employ a midrange test concentration of approximately 20 mg/L
formulations consultant, will not be able to control its own destiny for inhibitor
chemistries. • A graph showing the results of the corrosion inhibiting effect on carbon
steel reflects active PBTC concentration of up to 300 mg/L
2 Bias or Shortsightedness
Some water treatment consultants selling bidding and oversight services will • Guideline data for the active PBTC concentration to be maintained in an
mandate what chemistries may be used or only approve specific service companies. open recirculating system is 1 to 30 mg/L
This approach is usually based on bias or out-of-date experience gained during an
earlier time with a “major vendor.” An example is shown below in Figure 1, whereby a A second example is from PowerPoint presentation that compares corrosion
consultants standard bid specification dictates both the chemistry to be used and the inhibition achieved with two excellent inhibitors. It shows the products were tested
expected performance criteria. Whether the specified chemistry can always at between 50 and 60 mg/L active polymers (plus 5 mg/L zinc). These examples
deliver the required results under operating conditions found and with various water reflect uneconomically high inhibitor levels. It should be understood that in an open
types, is highly debatable! If you specify the chemistry from the onset, you do not recirculating cooling water system, depending upon the level of stress and other
always get what you want! factors, the total of ALL organic phosphonates and polymers derived from an
inhibitor formulation is unlikely to exceed 12 to 20 mg/L.
Figure 1: Example of instruction to bidders, extracted from a Standard Bid
Contract Additionally, we note that promotional articles often tend to ignore market realities
whereby most formulations do not contain only a single ingredient, or a mix of
Instruction to Bidders: Water Treatment Program Specifications ingredients produced by a single manufacturer. Formulations are always composed of
mixed chemistries and mixed vendor blends.
3.2.1 Corrosion/Depot Inhibitor
The corrosion inhibitor shall be molybdenum/zinc/phosphonate/azole 5 Myths Created by Unrealistic Testing
based. Molybdenum is required as a tracing component, provided that Comparative studies on various inhibitor chemistries are often carried out under
it is acceptable in discharge by local, State, and Federal Environmental laboratory conditions that bear little relation to what happens in the field. Results
Authorities. All open may then be unwisely extrapolated, creating either a positive or negative “spin” on
systems contain copper or its alloys and as such shall be treated with the chemistry in question. Thus, a myth is created! (Cavano has also commented on
a suitable, copper-specific inhibitor, and maintain a minimum positive this problem in his articles.)
residual of inhibitor of 1 mg/l (this concentration applicable for open
system only) at all times. As an example, the same product information brochure discussed in (4.) reports on a
test for phosphonate stability to sodium hypochlorite or chlorine. PBTC showed no
3.5 Performance Criteria loss in activity in the given conditions; however, both HEDP and AMP (ATMP) were
almost completely decomposed after 3 hours. We note the concentration of sodium
3.5.1 Corrosion Inhibition: Coupons hypochlorite used was 50% (approx 14% Cl2), which is in contrast to typical field
The minimum satisfactory corrosion performance criteria for each of the concentration of perhaps only 0.5 to 1.5 mg/L Cl2. So the question arises of what
system coupons are as follows: useful purpose this test might serve, apart from perhaps providing disinformation or
a marketing edge?
Table 3.3
It is well known that aminoalkylenephosphonates, such as ATMP, do not stand up
Metal Performance Criteria particularly well to very high levels of chlorine because of the nitrogen group (it is
Low carbon steel (MS) Not to exceed one (1) also known that HEDP has limited resistance against bromine), but common sense
mpy (mils per year) suggests that oxidationresistance tests performed in the laboratory should be
Open Stainless Steel Not to exceed one reasonably representative of what might happen in the field. In any case, even if
System Copper tenth (0.1) mpy there is some limited breakdown of phosphonate, is it relevant? Consider the
General Not to exceed one observation by Vanderpool in 1998: “Under typical cooling water conditions…
tenth (0.1) mpy there is little difference in the threshold performance by AMP, HEDP, and PBTC. The
No excessive pitting choice between the three depends on secondary properties of the phosphonate, in
corrosion particular halogenation stability and price.” We would add calcium tolerance as
an additional, secondary property to consider, and note that ATMP is the lowest
3 Exaggerated Claims priced phosphonate and has better calcium tolerance than HEDP.
Claims made for some novel inhibitors in promotional materials might be considered
exaggerated when compared to the supporting data. As an example, a technical Is it a perpetuated myth without practical foundation, therefore, that ATMP and
brochure discussing its (excellent) acrylic copolymer product notes that, at a perhaps other aminophosphonates cannot be successfully employed in halogenated
concentration of 10 mg/L (ppm) and, in combination with 3 mg/L of PBTC, it could waters? In response to this question we would defer to a new (2007) “collateral
allow operation at levels as high as 5.5 to 6.0 cycles of concentration, equivalent damage” technical paper from Demadis and Ketsetzi,8 concerning degradation of
to waters with an LSI as high as 3.25 to 3.50. The same brochure indicates this phosphonates in the presence of oxidizing biocides. Their article reports on a
approximates to a calcite saturation index of 262 to 275. However, the group’s phosphonate degradation study using 20 mg/L active AMP (ATMP) in water
website press release notes that because this product “controls calcium carbonate containing 400 mg/L of calcium (as CaCO3) and 200 mg/L of Mg (as CaCO3), at
to a LSI of 3 or more, an industrial water treatment plant can operate at increased 25 ºC and 43 ºC, using Nalco “Stabrex” bromine biocide at 15 mg/L as mg/L Cl2.
concentration.” Misleadingly, there is no mention of the required addition of PBTC The authors note that in industrial cooling systems, a chlorine residual of 0.5 to 1.0
to perform at an LSI of over 3.0 in high-cycle water. In fact, the product performance mg/L is maintained; however, overdose upsets are a “common phenomena” and this
starts to fall off significantly at 4.0 COC. Additionally, it is generally considered that is the reason why an exaggerated biocide dose was selected in their studies. They
100 to 125 times, or possibly 150 times, calcite saturation is the practical upper reported that, “AMP reacts immediately with the biocide, producing ~1.5 ppm of
working-limit for most phosphorus-based and polymeric scale inhibitors,6 so the orthophosphate, but slowly reaches a plateau after 1000 minutes. Even after 50
reported performance seems remarkable in the extreme. hours of reaction time only 20% of AMP had decomposed.” (See Figure 4, Collateral
Damages, extracted from the article.) We note that 50 hours is a longer time period

9

SUMMER 2016 organic water treatment inhibitors

than the half-life of most cooling water systems.phosphonate (ppm)The Magnitude of the Problems in Developing products often lie in modifying previous formulations:
a Cohesive Approach to Formulations adding a bit here, taking something out there,
They concluded, “AMP is susceptible to partial For the most part, water treatment companies substituting a homopolymer for a terpolymer,
oxidative decomposition by the bromine-based each have a standard range of formulated inhibitor changing out a phosphonate, etc. Under current
biocide tested. AMP is not degraded completely, but chemistry blends for their program specifiers to market conditions however, the economics of
only to approximately 20% level (at 25 ºC) and up to draw from. Occasionally there is a need to develop formulatory work is particularly important and, where
approximately 25% level (at 43 ºC). Therefore, use of a modified formulation for a particular project, and possible, we need to simplify the process and select
AMP in combination with the specific biocide can be it is a measure of the organization’s ability to have component chemistries very carefully. There is little
recommended on the basis of the present results.” flexibility for quickly introducing new blends. However, point in over-engineering a simple HVAC condenser
a constant increase in available formulations is to be water program by using an expensive terpolymer
Figure 4: Degradation of AMP as a function of avoided as the numbers increase, as do inventories and and PBTC because we are using an oxidizing biocide.
time at 25ºC and 43ºC product redundancies. Economic realities demand that we meet the needs
of the water treatment application with the lowest
Right “Collateral Damages” in Industrial Water Systems Thus, formulators are generally required to provide cost—but technically appropriate—balance of
inhibitor blends with adequate scope for a wide focus cohesive inhibitor chemistries.
time (min) of suitability, and these formulations do not then
change simply because a new chemistry becomes ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We do not accept the argument that halogen available. (But they will be modified when chemistry Colin Frayne, CWT is president of Aquassurance, Inc.
overdoses of 15 to 20 times normal are common becomes generic and lower-cost sources become He has an extensive background in water management
phenomena (although we can think of some countries available). Thus, it is generally not possible to develop encompassing technology, sales, and management
where it might be). However, we do accept that commercial formulations based primarily on the both domestically and internationally. Mr. Frayne has
ATMP (and other aminophosphonates) will probably subtle differences in inhibitor efficacy reported by contributed extensively to AWT and is the recipient
suffer some level of degradation in highly stressed some vendors. Basic functionality is what counts, of the 2004 Ray Baum Memorial Award, as “Water
water systems containing even low concentrations coupled with the use of synergistic blends that cater Technologist of the Year.” He can be reached by
of halogen. Therefore, it would have been interesting for any specific inhibitor deficiencies, or enhances a phone at (561) 267-4381 or by email at:
to learn the degree of ATMP degradation if the same beneficial effect. aquassurance@msn.com.
test had been carried out at normal halogen levels.
However, in view of our own field experience and Before looking at specific organic inhibitor chemistries, REFERENCES
the fairly positive results and conclusions in Demadis we, as formulators and users, need to remind ourselves 1. Cavano, Robert, R. Developing Cooling Water
and Ketsetzi’s article, we suggest that much of of the fundamentals, and we can draw on previously Treatments, parts 1 to 4.
what passes for fact concerning the unsuitability stated descriptions of interrelated, waterside The Analyst, published by the Association of Water
of ATMP in halogenated water systems is “hype” or problems,9 i.e.: Technologies, 2008 (www.awt.org)
disinformation. This hype is definitely a reflection of “a
little knowledge being a dangerous thing” fueled by • Corrosion (including biocorrosion): An 2. Boffardi, B.P., and Schweitzer, G.W. Cooling Water
unrealistic laboratory tests. We will leave the question electrochemical process whereby the oxidation System Performance
open as to whether hype might ever be used to sell of metal(s), or alloys, to their (lower energy Predicted by Computer Simulator. NACE Paper #80195,
more expensive phosphonates or polymers. Not state) oxides or cations takes place, resulting Material Performance, (www.nace.org) December 1980
everyone in the field is servicing highly-stressed and in loss of mechanical or structural strength and
contaminated cooling systems in oil refineries, steel metal wastage. Corrosion tends not to happen in 3. Ferguson Robert, J. Computerized Ion Association
plants, or pulp mills or having problems with halogen isolation and can occur under deposits. Model Profiles Complete Range of Cooling System
levels at 15 to 20 times the norm. In simpler systems Parameters. IWC Paper #91-47. 52nd (www.eswp.com)
where economies are required, ATMP can provide the • Fouling: Involves the physical adherence International Water Conference, Pittsburgh 1991
required inhibition. to surfaces and mutual entanglement of
insoluble salts, corrosion products, and other 4. Amjad, Zahid. Zuhl, Robert, W. Factors Influencing
We also note that similar suitability debates contaminants. It produces dirty and inefficient the Precipitation of Calcium-Inhibitor Salts in
continue to take place over the application of cooling systems, impeding the flow of cooling Industrial Water Systems. The Analyst, published by the
common-or-garden polyacrylates, where their use water. Guideline data for the active PBTC Association of Water Technologies, Winter 2005
is often vetoed in favor of expensive terpolymers. concentration to be maintained in an open
Quality polyacrylates from ALCO, Lubrizol, etc. can recirculating system is 1 to 30 mg/L 5. Vanderpool, Dan. (Laurel Functional Chemicals)
“extend” other inhibitors and provide excellent Hidden Assumptions in Saturation Calculations. The
results under conditions where critically-high “skin” • Deposition: Involves the formation and Analyst, Association of Water Technologies Summer
temperatures are not an issue. precipitation of heat-transfer-resisting crystalline 2002.
scales and the throwing down of sediments,
6 Art Versus Science leading to fouling. 6. Cavano, Robert, R. Phosphonates as Calcium
Despite all the chemistry and our best intentions, Carbonate Control Agents. The Analyst, published by
water treatment still remains more of an art than a Additionally, for any specific formulation or the Association of Water Technologies, Spring 2002
science. We understand the limitations of Langelier inhibitor application, we need to consider and
and Ryznar yet continue to use them because of their cater to the type(s) of water to be treated—each 7. Demadis, Konstaninos, D. and Ketsetzi, Antonia.
simplicity and speed in the field. We also understand with its own particular complexities, contaminant Degradation of Phosphonate-Based Scale Inhibitor
the tremendous “what if?” and other benefits of limitations (such as alkalinity hardness salts), and Additives in the Presence of Oxidizing Biocides:
WaterCycle® software, yet the costs and complexities cycles of concentration (COC). If COC is raised “Collateral Damages” in Industrial Water Systems.
of use can often overwhelm us. there are savings to be made in water and inhibitor Separation Science and Technology, 42:7, 1939-1649,
consumption. However, the risk of scaling and fouling Taylor & Francis, May 2007
10 increases which can produce significant cost increases http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01496390701290532
due to cleaning, loss of efficiency, and additional
maintenance. So for each system, a risk/benefit 8. Frayne, Colin. Cooling Water Treatment Principles
balance has to be calculated. Also, we need to allow and Practice. ISBN 0-8206-0370-8 Chemical Publishing
for system designs, operating conditions, stress factors Co., Inc., NY, NY 1999
and limitations, be it for HVAC equipment, a power
boiler, industrial cooling water plants, or a process CPDAQRUTEICSLTEIO- NPASGFEOR25THIS
application.
Finally, in the real world—away from the R&D lab, LOOK OUT FOR PART II OF THIS REPORT
the formulator’s desk, and the peer-reviewed technical IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF WATERLINE.
articles—we also need to consider the program users,
buyers and influencers, and the economics and value
added of our inhibitor blends! The origins of our newer

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11

SUMMER 2016 waterscan

Waterscan

NEWS FROM THE WHOLE FIELD OF WATER
AND ITS EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT

The information and advertising of products and services in this section and throughout this publication is not necessarily endorsed
by the editors or the Water Management Society, who accept no responsibility for the accuracy of information in contributing articles.

Lost islands Blowholes a natural phenomenon Fukushima- 5 years on
Scientists at the University of Queensland have found A blowhole, a natural phenomenon, is so called It is now 5 years since a catastrophic earthquake
that rising sea levels and coastal erosion have caused because it looks like a whale spouting air and vapour hit the Japanese mainland. This led to a deadly
the disappearance of at least five reef islands in the from its breathing hole. The geological blowholes are tsunami which overwhelmed the Fukushima Daiichi
remote Solomon Islands. The discovery, published in usually formed by the collapse of a cave roof on the nuclear power station leading to a full meltdown of
the online journal Environmental Research Letters, is coast, leaving a small channel to the sea and a narrow one reactor and partial meltdowns of two others.
believed to be the first evidence of climate change channel upwards. The tsunami had caused the failure of the power
wiping out Pacific Islands. When the tide is right and the sea is rough, powerful generators that were controlling the reactor cooling
The research involved a study of aerial and satellite waves crash into the cave, water rushes into it systems.
images from 1947 to 2015, supported by local and bursts above in a spectacular spout that looks
knowledge and carbon dating of trees. Shoreline somewhat like a geyser. Image: www.youtube.com - JMA Documentary
changes across 33 low-lying islands were examined. Examples can be seen at several places along the
Cornish coast. A blowhole beneath Penally Point, near Two weeks of emergency cooling using recycled water
Sahara had a great river Boscastle, is called the Devil’s Bellows, thumping and stabilised the reactors and in the five years since the
Somewhere between 11,700 and 5,000 years ago snorting about two hours before and after low tide. disaster, water is still being used as a coolant to stop
the Sahara had a river, that in full flow would be In wild seas, the blowhole makes a boom or even a the fuel re-heating. One thousand large tanks were
one of the largest rivers on earth today. In a recent terrific bang. installed after the event to store the contaminated
issue of Nature Communications, paleoclimatologist Another blowhole on the Cornish coast is called water, a total storage capacity of 850,000 tonnes. Five
and geochemist Charlotte Skonieczny of the French the Post Office, reputedly because there is enough years on the tanks are almost full to capacity.
Research Institute for Exploration of the Sea and suction to post a letter in it. For sheer size the A further 150,000 tonnes of new capacity is now
her colleagues revealed the evidence for the ancient more impressive blowhole in Britain is possibly at being planned to ensure adequate containment of
waterway. The team discovered the so-called Bosherston Mere, Pembrokeshire, which can shoot a water up to 2018. The Japanese government won’t
Tamanrassett River whilst scrutinizing microwave waterspout up to 20 metres into the air. allow the fuel rods to be buried in-situ, capped under
data collected by a Japanese satellite that had been A remarkable spout of water was filmed shooting up a huge amount of concrete and abandoned, insisting
mapping geologic features in the region. The hidden about 9 metres into the air near the top of a cliff face instead that they are removed and disposed of when
bedrock valley winds for over 500 kilometres from in Cornwall. Mark Thomas captured the footage near the technology has been developed.
the Atlas Mountains in northern Africa to the Atlantic the old Wheal Coates tin mine whilst flying his drone,
Ocean. which was fitted with a camera. His video can be seen Icelandic swimming pool surprise
at http://bit.ly/ITa02NP Icelanders have added a new item to the usual list of
Gin from Scottish seaweed The pressure in a blowhole can be extremely high so activities that are banned in public swimming pools.
Scientists at Heriot-Watt University have worked getting too close to one can be dangerous, especially Users of a pool in Reykjavik were surprised to find
with the Edinburgh Gin Distillery to create what in wet or windy conditions. new posters in the men’s changing room that warned
they claim is the world’s first More reasons to go to Cornwall on holiday. Ed them not to use the communal hairdryers to dry their
seaside gin. They claim on their scrotums. The laminated posters feature a naked
website that it has been distilled ‘Carpageddon’ in Australian river gentleman, with one leg raised, brazenly blow-drying
with “foraged seaweed, scurvy There have been calls by farmers, environmentalists his private parts, with a large X drawn across him.
grass and ground ivy and and scientists to deal with a “plague” of European
will deliver a “taste of the carp in the 2,300 mile Murray-Darling river system in
Scottish seaside”. eastern Australia. The large and ugly carp consume
Readers tempted to try a native fish and churn up mud, threatening other
tot should be aware that marine life.
a Scottish Environment To deal with the threat, Australia is going to release a
Protection Agency study strain of herpes into the river system to kill millions
last year found that 21 of of carp, although there are fears that it could be
Scotland’s beaches were inundated with rotting fish. Chris Pyne, Science
polluted with sewage and Minister, said that the “carpageddon” scheme would
animal faeces. begin in 2018.
One hopes that the cure does not turn out to be worse
12 than the disease. Ed

waterscan waterline | THE JOURNAL OF THE WATER MANAGEMENT SOCIETY

Silly EU kettle power proposal Rain making more rain Unholy waters
Those of our erudite readers who have learnt of the Scientists have shown by filming actual rain in the For a lunar month, every 12 years, Ujjain a town in
EU authorities proposal to ban high power kettles are, laboratory, that rainfall could stir up particles from the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, hosts the
no doubt, astonished by the bumbling bureaucrats the soil. Kumbh Mela by the revered river Shipra, whose waters
ignorant of elementary Now, Alexander Laskin from the Pacific Northwest flow north to the Ganges and eventually eastward to
physics. They seem to be National Laboratory in Richland, Washington and his the Bay of Bengal. When the full moon reappeared,
unaware that, for a given research team have seen the process in the real world. on the 21st May this year, tens of millions of bathers
volume of water, the On ploughed fields, at least, the rain flings up millions worshipped on the banks of the river.
energy required to raise it of microscopic organic particles. This rainfall-induced Few of them realised that the water is no longer the
to boiling point is fixed. haze may help to seed clouds and generate more rain. Shipra’s because urbanisation, rising demand and two
Furthermore, as a low The researchers used high-resolution microscopic years of severe drought have shrivelled the sacred
power kettle takes longer techniques to analyse airborne dust collected river. Its natural state, at that time of year would be
to heat the water to throughout 2014 above Oklahoma’s southern Great merely a sad sequence of puddles fouled by industrial
boiling point, there is Plains. In all cases they found 0.5 micrometre and human waste.
more heat lost from the diameter spherical particles containing carbon, oxygen
outside surfaces of the kettle during the process. So and nitrogen in airborne dust. The wind direction was Image: en.wikipedia.org creative commons
the new regulation, if enacted, different on each occasion, bringing in air with varying
will result in more energy consumption, not less. properties, so the common occurrence of the particles However, the government of Madhya Pradesh, in order
Of course, the only way to reduce energy implies that they come from the soil. Also, there had to preserve the pilgrimage, has built a huge pipeline
consumption is to just put in the amount of water been rainfall the day before each sample was taken, diverting into the Shipra waters from the Narmada
needed, subject to the minimum level requirement. supporting the idea that the rain flung these organic river, lifting it nearly 50 kilometres to pour into the
One daft ban we might be spared. Ed particles into the air. It has been observed that in Shipra’s headwaters. To ensure clean water for the
southern Australia, the probability of rainfall over festival, the Shipra’s smaller tributaries have been
Vietnam’s drying delta agricultural land increases following a rainstorm. blocked or diverted, and ozone was injected into the
Much of mainland South-East Asia, including The study by Alexander Laskin and his team was reconstituted water to disinfect it in Ujjain itself.
Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand is suffering published in Physical Review Letters.doi.org/bfrm Farmers down in the Narmada Valley were dismayed
from a severe drought, with Vietnam being hit as hard as their land became dry. The government insisted
as any. Converting CO2 and H2O into Fuel that the water would return once the festival was over.
About half the country’s rice is from the Mekong Sounds farfetched? Taking the carbon dioxide and Meanwhile, over the hills industrial users near Ujjan
basin and production is down by 11%. Drought in water end products of the combustion engine and are lobbying vigorously for a chance to exploit the
the Central Highlands has affected a third of coffee turning them back into usable liquid hydrocarbon new water sources.
plantations there and is also endangering the region’s fuel…. in one step? Researchers at the University of
supply of drinking water. Texas say ‘yes we can’. They have developed a process The Thames Barrier
The immediate cause is El Niño, a recurring weather which they claim creates hydrocarbon fuels that The risk to London from flooding was revealed by
phenomenon which causes heavy rainfalls in the can be used directly in current combustion engines, the North Sea flood of 1953, in which 307 lives were
Americas but heat and drought in much of Asia. without any need to change or re-engineer the fuel lost in Lincolnshire, Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex. There
People living near the Mekong say that there is distribution systems. was an official report on the flood which led to the
another problem, hydroelectric dams built in China A photochemical reaction splits the CO2 and H2O construction of the Thames Barrier, opened by the
near the head of the river are restricting its flow. molecules into high energy intermediates within a Queen on 8th May 1984.
However, many of Vietnam’s water woes are self- photo-thermochemical flow reactor, operating at The barrier, which spans 520 metres across the River
inflicted. For example, in the delta a rapidly growing 180 to 200ºC, 6 bar, and with the use of a titanium Thames between Silvertown on the north bank and
population has built more than 1 million wells since dioxide based catalyst. The high temperature and New Charlton on the south, took 10 years to build at
the 1960s. These have made saline contamination pressure then drives a reaction which links the split a cost of £534 million.
worse and are also causing subsidence. The delta, carbon and hydrogen intermediates together, forming The structure protects 125 square kilometres of
which mostly lies more than two metres above sea hydrocarbon chains suitable for use as fuel without Central London from flooding and, when raised, its 10
level, could be nearly a metre lower by 2050. further processing. The process also produces oxygen steel gates stand as high as a five-storey building. By
The situation is exacerbated by the ruling Communist as a by-product, which is cycled back to the reactor. February, this year, the barrier had been closed 176
Party’s obsession with maximising rice production, The University aims to carry on scaling up the process times to protect London from flooding.
from fear of food shortages. This policy has caused to deliver this fuel on an industrial scale.
the poisoning of puddles with pesticides and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences: doi. Lavatorial love triangle
discouraged the farming of more profitable crops that org/bdfs In Lucknow, northern India, a 25-year old woman
require far less water for irrigation. called off her wedding at the last minute because her
fiancé failed to honour a prenuptial agreement to
Japanese Drainspotting install a toilet in his home. She then married another
The following appeared in the 1st March issue of man whose home does have a toilet. The lavatorial
Japan Times. love triangle highlights a toilet shortage. A survey last
"Hideto Yamada of the GKP consortium told a year found that more than 60% of India’s 1.2 billion
press conference in Tokyo “Drainspotting is a new people do not have access to a lavatory.
kind of tourism and is attracting enthusiasts from
all over the world. Most Japanese manhole covers
have unique and brightly coloured designs, which
differ from area to area.
There are more than six thousand different
designs, often featuring flowers and animals as
symbols of particular communities, or yuru kyara
(local mascots). And now, to raise the profile of
the sewage industry still further, we are giving
away a series of collectible picture cards, featuring
some of the very best manhole covers."
An ideal holiday destination for Jeremy Corbyn. Ed

Image: Magalie L'Abbé via Flickr Commons

13

SUMMER 2016 waterscan

Some algae like it hot Toxic humidifier deaths Charged saltwater prolongs fruit
As all our erudite readers know, normally coral In May, this year, Reckitt Benckiser (the British storage time
thrives in warm water at a suitable temperature pharmaceutical company) apologised for the deaths An electrically charged saltwater spray prolongs
but dies quickly if the temperature rises just of scores of people in South Korea caused by toxic the storage life of fruit and
a single degree above the average summer humidifiers, between 2001 and 2011. vegetables by killing
maximum for their region. Activists representing families of those who died said bacteria. Tests at the
However, not all corals suffer at the same that they will file a case in Seoul against Rackesh University of the
temperature. Whilst most perish in water above Kapoor, chief executive of the Slough-based group and West of England,
31ºC, those in the Persian Gulf can survive at seven other members of his board, claiming that they where the spray was
35ºC. Last year, Jörg Wiedenmann, a marine failed to test the safety of humidifier disinfectant that invented, suggest
biologist and his colleagues at the University of is sold in South Korea. The South Korean government that it increased the
Southampton found that the algae inside the said that it would carry out its own investigations into shelf life by at least
Persian Gulf corals, symbiodinium thermophilum, the deaths and sickness caused by humidifiers. a day without affecting
were different from those found commonly in In 2011 four pregnant women died from an either taste or appearance.
other parts of the world. unexplained lung disease. This resulted in an Tomatoes and cucumbers responded
Dr Wiedenmann and his team claim in Proceedings investigation which found a link to the humidifiers, particularly well to the spray which is produced by
of the National Academy of Sciences that the which are used in dry winter months. Other passing salt water through an electrochemical cell.
intense heat of the Persian Gulf has resulted in the companies and products are implicated in the deaths, Although retailers and distributors were more likely to
Darwinian survival of some algae adopting it as a but most of the victims used Oxy Ssak Ssak, a liquid use the spray, it could be used in the home.
habitat with the rest dying off over a few years. humidifier disinfectant sold by Reckitt Benckiser,
The traits that make the population of although only in South Korea. Irrigation in Africa
S.thermophilum in the area so remarkably heat The South Korean government has stated that there Callum Clench, Executive Director, International Water
tolerant remain yet to be identified. Nevertheless, were 221 victims, of whom 95 died, but activists claim Resources Association, has said that although good
Dr Wiedenmann points out that maintaining a that humidifiers killed 239 people and sickened 1,289 governance is a key to sustaining growth in Africa
large biodiversity of algae in the world’s oceans others. agriculture, so too is water resilience and security.
might allow heat-resistant species to try other Any readers who have been involved in disinfecting Africa’s water is shared across 13 river basins that are
reefs as habitats as they struggle for survival. humidifiers are invited to report on their experiences. mostly accessed by five of more countries. He points
out that although collective action at local, national
Image: Reshad Balef Scottish Water and regional level has contributed to the agricultural
chloraminate plans criticised success so far, with the number of water-scarce
UAE may build ‘rain-making mountain’ Scottish Water, a publicly owned company, has been countries set to rise over the next 10 years, more
The United Arab Emirates has commissioned a criticised over plans to add ammonia to the drinking needs to be done.
$400,000 study that will investigate the feasibility of water of 10,000 homes in the Highlands. The dispute Clench advocates investment in small scale water
constructing a mountain in an attempt to bring more centres on a row between the water board and technologies such as low-till or zero-till agriculture,
rain to what is one of the world’s driest nations. Highland residents who claim that their supply tastes supplemental irrigation, groundwater recharge and
The UAE National Centre of Meteorology and so bad that even their dogs and cows refuse to drink it. rainwater harvesting that could between them, yield a
Seismology, together with the Colorado-based The firm responded to the complaints by announcing direct net benefit of up to $200 billion to Africa’s 100
University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, is in plans to “chloraminate” the supply of ammonia to million farmers.
the “detailed modelling study” phase of the project. drinking water, a technology which Scottish Water
Roelof Bruintjes, a scientist involved in the project insist is safe and practised widely in the UK. EU blamed for swimming
said: “What we are looking at is basically evaluating Critics claim that adding ammonia and chlorine race cancellation
the effects on weather through the type of mountain, does not improve the water but merely masks the A popular swimming race dating back to 1915 was
how high it should be and how the slopes should be”. underlying problems and contaminants. The dispute called off after new EU rules branded the water too
An artificially constructed mountain could not only stems from a change to the supply to Spey Valley. polluted, despite being cleaner than ever before.
induce rain but also improve the results of cloud Residents claim that the quality of their water The Stait Island swim, which takes place every year
seeding. dropped after Scottish Water opened a treatment off Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset was ruled to be in
plant in Aviemore in 2012, taking supplies from an contravention of the EU’s decision to significantly
Flood advice service sunk aquifer. Chloramine is toxic but the authorities say increase the pass mark for safe bathing waters.
Climate Ready, a support advice service to help that people have no trouble digesting it at the low The 1.5 mile Stait Island swim traditionally takes place
businesses cope with flooding was shut down at the levels found in drinking water and that it is safe. The each August, but organisers announced that it will not
end of March this year, apparently as the result of company confirmed that it intended to press ahead take place this summer because of concerns about
government funding cuts. There is no intention, at this with chloramination by the summer of 2017. insurance after the ‘poor' water rating.
time, to introduce a replacement scheme.
Climate Ready helped many small businesses in L’eau pointe des Halles toit
Lancashire and Cumbria that were devastated by On Monday, 11 April this year, the £182 million roof of the £800 million new Forum des Halles in Paris was
floods in December 2015. Business owners attended found to be leaking. After almost five years of construction. The canopy – a 7,000 tonne, 2.5 hectare yellowish
training sessions on how to protect their premises roof, has 18,000 glass shingles.
and how to minimise the number of days they had to The choice of the plant inspired roof, designed by architects Patrick Berger and Jacques Anziutti had already
close because of flood damage. been heavily criticised. One British architectural critic described the final product as a “custard coloured flop”.
An Environment Agency spokeswoman said that the It is not clear whether any modifications will be made, given that the construction is already about £104
scheme, which had helped hundreds of businesses and million over budget.
public bodies, cost £6 million over the past four years.
Image: www.retaildetail.be
14

waterscan waterline | THE JOURNAL OF THE WATER MANAGEMENT SOCIETY

Iceberg Alley
So many icebergs drift past the coastline of Labrador and Newfoundland
that it is called Iceberg Alley and more than 2,000 can be seen some years.
This year the icebergs arrived unusually early, with first sightings in mid-
January instead of late March. The icebergs were drifting so close to the
shore, possibly as the result of strong northerly winds. Usually the icebergs
are much further out to sea and can be seen only from boats and ships.
The icebergs are shed from the glaciers of the Canadian Arctic and
Greenland, before sweeping south on the cold Labrador Current. Some
icebergs are as high as 150 ft, whilst flat ones can be more than three miles
long. By the time they reach Newfoundland the icebergs have lost about
90 per cent of their weight.

Drone to spy on rogue trawlers in Pacific Faeces fountain fiasco Nigeria lacks basic sanitation
An ocean-going, wave-powered drone will track illegal Angela Wright told a press conference outside the Tens of thousands of Nigerian children die every year
fishing vessels by listening to their engine noise City Circuit Court in Baltimore: “I was literally covered because of the lack of basic sanitation. Not only do
and beaming back photographs that will be used to in faeces and who wants that? I was at home in my people in rural areas have no indoor plumbing, but
prosecute those involved. bathroom, sitting on the toilet, when the men from they do not even dig latrines. Many go in fields, or even
The drone, called the ‘Wave Glider’ is already operating the Spinello Company came with their high pressure worse in creeks and rivers polluting the water that all
in the waters around the Pitcairn Islands in a trial hoses to clean out the sewer in my neighbourhood. depend on. Even in cities people defecate outdoors,
supported by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Next thing I knew the toilet had exploded and I was so bushes and walkways reek with the stench of urine
(FCO) because it is far cheaper than spending £4 covered in faeces. I had to go outside, covered in and faecal matter, their filth is spread microscopically
million a year on a manned patrol vessel. sewage, and tell the Spinello men to turn off their by flies and dust, so it is almost impossible to avoiding
The 3m robot, which costs £160,000 and has a top machine. My bathroom was ruined and I am still ingesting human waste, even for those with access to a
speed of 3mph can be sent to investigate anything suffering psychologically.” proper toilet. The result is typhoid fever, dysentery, and
suspicious, its movements being directed by fisheries This happened in November 2014, but also happened other diseases. Nigeria has resources to bring plumbing
analysts at Harwell Science Park, Oxfordshire. previously in August 2014, but fortunately she was to the people and to educate them on the need for
not sitting on the toilet at the time. Her lawyers have hygiene but so far has failed to do so.
Jellyfish apply physics filed a lawsuit against the City claiming $250,000 in
Jellyfish are continually on the move as they search compensation. Fishing drone
for food such as An angler who used a drone to hook a 20kg tuna
shrimp and sea larvae. Killer hailstones became famous in May this year, after millions
More efficient than On 14 April 1986, a huge thunderstorm erupted over watched him haul in his catch on the internet. A video
any other swimmer, posted by Byron Leal and Jaiden Maclean shows the
they use less energy the Gopalganj region drone flying out to sea at low level, locating a school
for their size than do of Bangladesh. Giant of tuna and sending pictures back to a smartphone on
dolphins or cruising hailstones fell, one the beach. The drone then drops a baited hook, which
sharks. weighing 1.02 kg, the is attached to Mr Leal’s rod. When a tuna is snared it
Bradford J Gemmell, heaviest on record and is seen being reeled into the beach near Tweed Heads
a marine biologist with some being said to in northern New South Wales. The pair had some
at the University of be the size of pumpkins. concerns, initially, that they might be breaking the law,
South Florida and Homes were pulverized, but said that the authorities approved the method so
other researchers, studied moon jellies, the species thousands were injured long as they were not fishing for profit.
Aurelia aurita. They found that jellyfish achieve this by and 92 people died. Gives a whole new meaning to the term “fly fishing”. Ed
creating zones of high and low pressure around their However, this was
body that alternately suck and push them forward. not the deadliest hailstorm in recorded history. A Ducks dietary delights
When the creature contracted its bell (the dome that hailstorm in the Moradabad and Beheri districts of The Canal and River Trust, which is responsible for
forms much of the jellyfish body) it produced a lower India killed 246 people on 30 April 1888. Northern looking after 3,000 miles
pressure outside the bell and a higher pressure within. India and Bangladesh have the largest hailstones on of waterways in England,
As objects move from high to low pressure, the moon average and the highest number of hailstorms each has been campaigning to
jelly was pulled forward. The research, carried out in year. From late March to early May, cold dry air spills stop people feeding ducks
cooperation with engineer John Dabiri of Stanford down from the Himalayas and collides with tropical with bread.
University and colleagues, was published in the moist air streaming north from the Bay of Bengal. Early in March this year,
November 2015 issue of Nature Communications. the Trust reported that
Sinkhole swallowed 25 tonnes of fish the number of people
Vietnam’s poisoned fish In March this year a sinkhole in China swallowed 25 feeding ducks bread had
Huge numbers of dead fish were washed ashore, on tonnes of fish. A night watchman at a fish breeding fallen by 20%, whilst
the coast of Vietnam in April of this year that may farm in Guanaxi province heard strange noises but those giving them
have been poisoned in a region that has many heavy did not report the phenomenon. By morning a pond healthier snacks had doubled.
industrial plants. The authorities warned local people was almost completely drained, with most of the The Trust reported that it had carried out tests to
not to eat fish and other marine life, including rare fish swallowed by the sinkhole, which was 5m wide determine ducks' favourite preferences. The winner was
species that live far offshore and in deep parts of the and over 6m deep. The cost to the farmer is expected kale with a ranking of 10/10, followed by: pea shoots,
sea. Hundreds of kilograms of dead fish were buried to be as much as £50,000 in lost revenue. Villagers 9/10; rocket, 7/10; iceberg lettuce 6/10; watercress
every day. Vietnam has a large seafood industry. blamed a nearby stone quarry, which they said had 0/10.
caused many sinkholes since it began operating four Strange that watercress should be rated 0/10. Ed
years ago.
15

SUMMER 2016 waterscan

Cricket branded “Criminal waste of water” Boaty McBoatface
In April this year, a court in Mumbai denounced as When the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council, (NERC), asked, through the Internet, for people to
“criminal” the amount of water used to prepare pitches name its newest research ship it didn’t quite get the response it had hoped for with the winning name RRS
for the Indian Premier League whilst India's commercial Boaty McBoatface.
capital and surrounding state suffer a devastating Alas, RRS Boaty McBoatface is no more, the NERC announced in April, deciding to name the vessel after 90
drought. years old TV presenter and naturalist Sir David Attenborough.
The High Court in Mumbai called for matches which As a compromise NERC announced that Boaty McBoatface will live on as the name of the RRS Sir David
started on Saturday, 8th April to be moved from the Attenborough’s remotely operated sub-sea vehicle.
Maharashtra state to save water. With a population of As Internet polls go, ideas were more creative than expected. “It’s Bloody Cold Here,” “What Iceberg,” “Usain
110 million facing shortages, the court was told that Boat,” “Boatimus Prime,” and “Big Metal Floaty Thingy-thing,” were among the many suggested names for the
more than 6.5 million litres of water would be used to £200M research vessel.
irrigate pitches for IPL games at three venues in the Supporters of Boaty McBoatface have said that the government is “subverting democracy” and plan to appeal.
state.
Harvests have failed after two poor monsoon seasons,
leaving tens of million destitute. Thousands of farmers
have killed themselves and in some areas people have
gone without drinking for three or four days.

Air pollution reduction’s unexpected Sewage discharge to sea reduction as installing better pumps or more sewage storage
consequence Under government proposals to protect swimmers, capacity. The company could be prosecuted if it failed
A study by Stockholm University has found that water companies will be forced to reduce the to comply.
measures taken to reduce air pollution in Britain and number of times that they discharge raw sewage into
the rest of Europe are accelerating the melting of Artic the sea. Limits will be placed on spills from 1,500 Another fine Ness
ice. coastal overflows that discharge thousands of litres An exciting find in Loch Ness in April is not all it
Sulphur dioxide, emitted by power stations, vehicle of untreated sewage on to beaches or into nearby seemed to be. A marine robot, named Munin, identified
exhausts and industrial processes, has a cooling effect waterways when heavy rainfall overwhelms the the 10 metre body of a monster on the bottom of
by creating millions of tiny particles which scatter drainage system. the Loch. Further scanning showed it to be in perfect
sunlight and cause clouds to form, shielding the earth The overflows are supposed to discharge on a condition, but Nessie hunters were disappointed to
from solar radiation. maximum of three occasions during the official find out that it was in fact a prop from the 1970’s film
The study found that European Union regulations “bathing season” from mid-May to the end of The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes that sank during
have sharply reduced sulphur emissions and the fall in September, when the Environment Agency carry out filming.
particles has increased the warming of the Arctic by weekly tests of water quality. Despite there being no concrete evidence of the
0.5°C since 1980. Under the options proposed by the Environment existence of the monster, Nessie is worth an estimated
In February this year, the area covered by sea ice in the Agency, water companies could face prosecution if £60 million to the Scottish economy. The chief
Artic was at its lowest level for February since satellite sewage overflow is discharged more than seven times executive of VisitScotland, Malcolm Roughead said “…
records began in 1979, being 450,000 square miles or more than four times during the bathing season. no matter how state-of-the-art the equipment is, and
below the long-term average. If an overflow exceeds the limit the water company no matter what it reveals, there will always be a sense
would be required to carry out an investigation of mystery and the unknown around what really lies
ERRATUM TO SPRING 2016 ISSUE: to determine the cause. The Environment Agency beneath Loch Ness.”
In the item "English urinals in China" page 13 of could then order the company to take action, such
the Spring 2016 issue of waterline, the Editor's
comment at the end should have read: “An export
opportunity...” and not "expert opportunity".

Dolphins say ‘yes’ to Mersey water
quality
Some 30 years ago the River Mersey was so
heavily polluted that it was voted the ‘dirtiest
river in Europe’. As recently as 1989 some
26 outfalls regularly sent raw sewage to the
Mersey.
Since that time the Liverpool Authorities
and United Utilities have been working on
a long term improvement project for the
river, the latest and most expensive element
being the £200m expansion of the Liverpool
Wastewater Treatment Works, opened this
spring, by the Princess Royal. The size of
the new construction is equivalent to two
football pitches.
The cleaning of the River Mersey has played
a significant role in the regeneration of
Liverpool’s economy, and if proof were
needed of the improved water quality
salmon and trout have returned to the
river, and now dolphins have been sighted,
delighting tourists but maybe not the salmon
and trout.

16

waterscan waterline | THE JOURNAL OF THE WATER MANAGEMENT SOCIETY

‘Clever Bouy’ identifies sharks Bleaching Barrier Reef
Facial recognition technology has been adapted by Scientist say that record high temperatures are causing a catastrophic “bleaching”
Australian engineers to warn swimmers when large of coral on the Great Barrier Reef. Australia raised the threat level to “maximum”
sharks approach Bondi beach in Australia. on Sunday 29th March this year amid fears for the world heritage site's ecosystem,
Trials of the system, which began on Sunday 29th biodiversity, tourism and fishing.
February this year, identifies sharks more than 1.8m UNESCO, the UN conservation agency, agreed in 2015 not to place the Great Barrier
long within a 275m radius, sending a warning signal to Reef on the list of world heritage sites said to be “in danger”, after strong lobbying from
lifeguards via a mobile phone app. Australia. However it revealed its concerns about the poor outlook for the reef and said
The ‘Clever Bouy’ system is a sonar device on the that it would review its condition in 2016.
seabed that uses sound and echo beams to generate When water is too warm, corals expel the algae living in their tissue, causing the coral
images of the surrounding waters. Using specific structures to turn completely white. Corals can survive a bleaching event, but are under
information, including how a shark swims, its size and more stress and are in greater danger of dying. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
its unique shape, the sonar system is able to identify Authority said, in March this year, that reports of bleaching were increasing after sea
the predators. surface temperatures reached 2.5°C above average over the summer.
Experts claim that any marine mammal shorter than
1.8m is much less likely to make fatal attacks. Dolphins
and other sea mammals use different techniques for
swimming and would not normally trigger an alert.
Craig Anderson, one of the system’s engineers, said
that its identification success rate was at least 90
per cent. The Bondi beach trial would be a test of the
system's ability to communicate with lifeguards, he
said.
The authorities are also using aerial patrols and shark
nets on popular beaches to reduce risk.

Trees could help flood prevention
Trees planted in the water catchment area of rivers
could help to protect against flooding in places
downstream.
However, how effective they would be is not certain.
Different catchment areas behave in different ways
and few studies have been made. Also, landowners
have to be persuaded to plant the trees and then it
takes 25 years for the trees to grow large enough to
have an effect.
Another approach is to plant more trees in towns and
cities. A study in Manchester found that trees planted
alongside roads can have a great impact, mostly
because rainfall can run from pavement into planting
holes around the trees, helping to steer water away
from drains.

17

SUMMER 2016 ww.wmsoc.org.uk

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE ON SHIPS

INSPECTION TECHNIQUES FOR ASSESSING THE RISKS
POSED BY STANDING WATER ON VESSELS

Martin Walker, Port Health Officer, Suffolk Coastal Port Health Authority, Felixstowe, England

I chose to write this article due to the Inspection Processes
prominence of the Zika Virus outbreak.
Elsewhere in this issue, you will find details Inspectors will be aware that the model Ship Sanitation Key message:
of the Zika Virus Maritime guidance1, but Certificate specifically lists standing water as a key area of Risk assessment processes for inspectors
I wanted to look a little more into some inspection. However the WHO Technical Handbook3 does not when looking at the risks posed to
of the issues faced on board vessels that list it as a specific area. Requirements and recommendations human health as a result of standing
inspectors may find. As readers are no for vector control are found within all areas as a general issue water on vessels becoming mosquito
doubt aware, the World Health Organization to be dealt with, but standing water is specifically mentioned in habitats.
(WHO) declared Zika Virus as the 4th Public Area 13, sections 13.2.1 and 13.2.2.
Health Emergency of International Concern
(PHEIC)2 (after H1N1, Wild Polio and Ebola). In terms of ship inspection, this is yet another factor that
The vector for the virus is the Yellow Fever
Mosquito (Aedes aegyptii) and it breeds inspectors need to consider but apply a risk based approach.
where stationary water collects. As such,
ships can become a habitat and means Whilst it is useful to consider issues that are current or en-vogue (such as Zika Virus), inspection time is always
of transport for this and other mosquito
species. However, standing water is a more precious and invariably limited. We should always remember that an inspection to issue a new Ship Sanitation
generic issue as other invasive mosquito
species may also be harboured in such sites. Certificate (SSC) needs to encompass all areas of the vessel. Other inspections (routine or unannounced) could

focus upon specific risk areas.

At training courses, WHO have always promoted a “risk based” approach to inspection. Whilst the consequences

of mosquito borne illnesses can present a serious hazard (e.g. Malaria, Dengue,

West Nile Virus), the risks of spread of diseases will vary considerably according to a variety of vessel

characteristics. The process of risk assessment can be seen in these infographics below from the SHIPSAN ACT

Joint Action. Whilst they are focussed upon inspection findings, the concept can equally be applied to deciding

upon risk ranking prior to inspection.

When time is limited, concentrating more resource towards Urgent Action

and High Priority (Risk Rankings 1 & 2) is appropriate. Higher availability of

resources can open up action towards Risk Rankings 3–5 in that order. The

likelihood of harm from mosquitos may be high, but the actual level of risk

can vary substantially. Here, we need to consider particular risk factors to

give an appropriate risk ranking.

Risk Factors for Standing Water
Inspectors could consider the following factors when carrying out risk
assessments, either for determining which vessels to inspect for routine/
unannounced inspections or for determining priorities/time allocation when
on board for SSC
Renewal. This is not an exhaustive list but could be used as an initial basis.

1 Vessel voyage and characteristics
Where has the vessel visited and when?
Have any affected areas been visited?

Duration of the voyage.
2 Cargo carried
Are high risk cargoes carried?

What containers/holds are used?
3 Construction of the vessel
Is the design of the vessel known (past inspections/
knowledge, photographs, plans)?

Are significant habitat sites likely?
4 Health of the crew/passengers
Any illness on-board?
Any symptoms attributable to
serious mosquito borne illnesses?
5 Confidence in the management
Are you confident that the ship is
well managed?
Can you see evidence of this (e.g. Effective

Integrated Pest Management Plans)?

Is there evidence from past inspections?
6 Assessment of guidance available
For example, the ZIKA Virus Maritime
Guidance and WHO Fact Sheets

18

feature article waterline | THE JOURNAL OF THE WATER MANAGEMENT SOCIETY

In addition to the interim guidance from SHIPSAN ACT, other useful resources are available. For a more detailed account of habitats on board, I would particularly like
to direct inspectors to join PAGNet4 where there is currently a very interesting discussion about standing water on ships (including some detailed observations from
Dr. S. Senthil Nathan of Kandla Port, India). PAGNet is an informal network hosted by WHO to, (amongst other aims), share experience and expertise about a range of
topics relevant to those working in public health control at Points of Entry. As facilitator for the Ports and Shipping Group, I am particularly keen for more inspectors
to join, to ask technical questions in a friendly environment and to share their experiences. The discussions often highlight significant differences that may be found in
vessel practices around the world.
For example, inspection findings from Kandla Port included the use of drums to store water on board as a result of rationing of water by the ship and the damaged
drainage area around compressor points of refrigerated (“Reefer”) containers.

Conclusions References
The hazards posed by standing water on board vessels are 1. “Interim Guidance on maritime transport and Zika Virus Disease”, SHIPSAN ACT Joint Action,
significant within a global health framework. However, the http://www.shipsan.eu/Home/Zikavirus.aspx
measures needed to mitigate that risk should be relatively
straightforward. Vigilance and timely action in dealing with 2 http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2016/ emergency-committee-zika-
hazards found will help to protect all. There is also plenty of microcephaly/en/
practical guidance and support for inspectors. Finally, I am
reminded of discussions about the deadliest animals in the 3 “Handbook for Inspection of Ships and Issuance of Ship Sanitation Certificates”, World Health
world. Bill Gates5 notes that despite it’s miniscule size, the Organization, http://www.who.int/ihr/publications/handbook_ships_inspection/en/
mosquito tops the list for the number of deaths that it causes
each year. 4 “PAGNet”, https://extranet.who.int/pagnet/home

5 “The Deadliest Animal in the World”, gatesnotes, The blog of Bill Gates https://www.
gatesnotes.com/Health/Most-Lethal-Animal-Mosquito-Week"

@EduEstates
#EducationEstates

Join us at the UK’s Leading 18-19 Oct
Education Buildings Event
2016
Whether you are looking at adding new buildings, considering refurbishing
existing buildings or ongoing maintenance work, Education Estates is here to Manchester Central
help source information, solutions and ideas.
www.educationestates.com
Education Estates is the only event of its kind to focus on the design, build,
management and maintenance of the UK’s education buildings. Event Sponsors: Charity Partner:

Register your place today at www.educationestates.com

19

member member resources

resources Part of the WMSoc series of
informative quick reference guides
TOOLBOX

TALKS

What is Biofilm? - low oxygen levels under the biofilm biofilm
Biofilms form when microorganisms stick to surfaces
in some form of watery environment and begin to - some bacteria can effect chemicals added to
excrete a slimy, glue-like substance. Usually biofilm protect a system from corrosion (eg. nitrite)
contains many species of bacteria, as well as fungi,
algae and protozoa. Biofilm will also trap other debris • difficulty in controlling water microbiology as
that is in the water such as scale and corrosion biofilms provide a degree of protection against
products. Biofilms are not unusual, for example the disinfectants
plaque that forms on your teeth is a type of biofilm.
Two terms you may hear when biofims are discussed Some biofilms are useful and actually encouraged.
are: For example, effluent plants that treat human sewage
and some industrial wastes use biological filters to
• planktonic which are free floating microorganisms remove harmful substances and allow water to be
discharged to rivers and streams without affecting
• sessile which are the microorganisms that are the environment.
stuck to surfaces (ie. in the biofilm)
Prevention
A biofilm acts as a protective barrier and provides Typically 99% of microorganisms in a system will be
a sheltered environment for growth and most on surfaces and therefore any treatment to control
microorganisms in a water system are within the microorganisms must consider biofilms.
biofilm. Biofilms can cover a surface in a matter of The best solution is not to allow a biofilm to form, to
days. In flowing water some biofilm can break off achieve this requires:
and reattach to other areas and thus increase the
cover of biofilm. • good system design and engineering such as
avoiding areas of low or no flow

Why is this important? • good construction practices such as maintaining
Biofilms are behind many of the issues with water that systems are clean and dry
systems, these include:
• good pre-commission cleaning and flushing
• bacteria harmful to people can grow in biofilm (follow guidance in BSRIA BG29)
including;
• good operation avoiding periods of low or no flow
- legionella bacteria which can cause
Legionnaires’ disease • good maintenance including biocide treatment,
cleaning, sampling and testing
- pseudomonas bacteria which can cause
infection in some people • good water treatment from Day One

• reduced system efficiency as biofilms are good Once biofilm has formed in a system it is not practical
insulators to remove it completely as biofilm will “hide out”
inside components and crevices although good
• deposits which cause blockages in pipework, operation and treatment may keep levels under
control lines and fouling of packing. The control.
pseudomonas bacteria have been linked
to particular problems in closed water systems The formation of biofilm:

• increased energy usage as biofilm can reduce flow
rates and pumps have to work harder to maintain
flow rates

• increased corrosion due to;

- by-products produced by some bacteria

- chemicals added to control corrosion cannot
reach the metal surface

20

member member resources

resources Frequently asked questions answered
by the WMSoc Technical Committee
Q&A

GOLF COURSE IRRIGATION SYSTEMS MAINS WATER TEMPERATURE

Q I had a request from an agronomist to test for Lp on golf course irrigation Q The temperature of the incoming mains water to my site is
systems and am seeking some help, guidance and or clarification on the often at or above 25ºC during summer months. What can
same, as clearly this matter could be a minefield of practicalities. The system I I do about this?
have assessed thus far clearly presents a very high and significant risk, in summer
operating above 20ºC,water is supplied to a 5kgal tank from a lake, is exposed to A Elevated mains water temperatures is one issue and is
airborne contamination, tank has never been cleaned, during operation produces beyond the control of a building owner or operator; the
primary aerosol generation. Finally people more susceptible may contact said spray. temperature of stored water is another, related, but not wholly
It would not be practical or financially viable to clean/chlorinate the system every dependent, issue and one which is within his control. Reducing
time a positive Lp result was confirmed, as the supply from the lake probably would storage capacities, insulating tanks and pipework are important
be contaminated post cleaning process. Help! elements in this, as is ventilating tankrooms, routing pipes
correctly and guarding against hot water service reflux and
Any suggestions or help you can offer would be appreciated, for the record I have similar faults.
advised client to operate the system only between hours of 11pm/4.00am and when
any members of staff are maintaining or checking equipment and spray, a full RPE This strategy, in conjunction with ensuring that all materials used
are suitable and that no part of the system allows stagnation
PPE should be worn. or accumulates deposits, would normally be sufficient without
an annual disinfection of part or all of the system or continuous
A It is unlikely that an irrigation system fed from a lake and stored in an open dosing. It is not, however, possible to advise on a specific site
holding tank would be legionella free and the distribution system may well without very much more detailed knowledge, so the Water
be subject to considerable solar heat gain. It is also possible that the materials Management Society must refer you to your risk assessment
and, if it is not evident from that, advises you to consult a
of construction would provide some support in the form of nutrient. It follows that suitably competent person. The Legionella Control Association
(www.legionellacontrol.org.uk) has a register of companies
sampling and analysis for legionella would probably produce at least some positive who have subscribed to a code of practice and who are able to
advise.
results, perhaps many and perhaps at moderate or high concentrations, so these
WET SCRUBBERS
would need to be considered in the context of the risk.
Q Do you have any guidance on the control of Legionella in
The stratagem of limiting irrigation to the quiet hours should reduce exposure wet fume scrubbers used for the removal of odours?
very substantially, mitigating the risk but it would not guarantee safety. If the main
area of proliferation is the distribution system, it may be possible to reduce the A Wet scrubbers are exactly the kind of plant that requires
dissemination of any legionella in aerosol form by starting the water flow slowly, a slightly specialised risk assessment, as the general
so the contents are flushed out without spraying and then increase the rate. Only guidance does not apply.
sampling and analysis at the tank and a selection of discharge points would show
whether that would be worthwhile. In carrying out the assessment, the assessor should consider
not only the configuration (which is somewhat like a cooling
The use of RPE PPE would be appropriate for any tasks which unavoidably expose tower with a water spray or curtain through which an air stream
personnel to aerosols, but should be the last resort: it is preferable to develop a passes) but also the mode of operation. This is likely to include
the nature of the substance being scrubbed from the air, the
safer working practice. temperature, the numbers and susceptibility of the people
breathing the aerosol. The rate of water change and any control
factors, such as chemical treatment, cleaning, disinfection etc.,
should also be considered.

The risk assessment should lead to a conclusion that the plant
is not a significant risk or that it is. In the latter case, precautions
will need to be devised, implemented and proven. It is not
possible to predict the outcome, but it is considered likely that
the risk would be assessed as low to moderate, causing some
concern and that this could be resolved by monitoring for
legionella. Precautions may include, but would not necessarily
be limited to: maintaining the temperature below 20ºC; a
schedule of draining and cleaning; addition of one or more
biocides.

WMSoc member benefit Please email any technical queries or
questions to admin@wmsoc.org.uk

21

eevent report

Joint BIFM South Region & IHEEM Southern Region CPD Event

The Trouble with Hard Water

Wednesday 27th April 2016 - Building 1000, Lakeside North Harbour, Portsmouth

Approximately 70% of buildings in the UK are sited in hard water areas. This increased energy costs, lost production and early renewal of damaged equipment
means that there are high levels of calcium bicarbonate present in the water used and appliances.
for drinking, washing heating and cooling. When the water is heated, calcium
carbonate attaches to the nearest surface causing scale build-up. When dissolved The guest speaker was Jeff Clark, Applications Engineer & Project Manager from
minerals, such as calcium bicarbonate, revert to their solid carbonate state, lime Environmental Treatment Concepts Ltd. Jeff spoke about the issues caused by hard
scale is formed in water systems and this impedes heat transfer, narrows pipes water and some of the solutions to overcome the problems of scaling to help save
and blocks sprays. Not only does this dramatically reduce system efficiency but it money and manage the risks of lime scale.
provides a breeding ground for bacteria, such as Legionella.
WMSoc would like to thank Ian Fielder from BIFM, the Southern Region Branch of
Research has shown that just 3mm of lime scale can reduce energy efficiency IHEEM and Jeff Clark and Environmental Treatment Concepts Ltd for hosting the
by a staggering 21%, and in a moderately hard water area this can form on event, providing refreshments and for sharing their knowledge and experience.
heat exchangers in just six months. Billions of pounds are wasted each year in
Elise Maynard, Chair, WMSoc

H&V Water Management in healthcare

Thursday 5th May 2016 - Crowne Plaza Marlow, Buckinghamshire

Robust systems are essential Mr. Ashcroft added that the composition of water safety groups should be
given proper consideration, with all disciplines dealing with water represented
Our first Water Management in Healthcare Estates conference provided a great – including nursing and cleaning staff, as well as the expected infection control
deal of food for thought for the industry. estates management and water “responsible person”.
“People may have skills you don’t know about and [the group] may be composed
The spread of waterborne pathogens in healthcare estates can be kept at bay by of both daily workers and people from outside,” he said.
a combination of robust systems, interdisciplinary teamwork and attention to
detail. But given that many different people have a role to play in managing the He emphasised the importance of engineering guidance within the regulatory
risks, it is vital to take a holistic approach, prioritising good communication and framework, including the new HTM and the Health and Social Care Act –
ensuring competence of all parties. reminding the audience that the latter requires all equipment and premises
That was the message from our inaugural event specifically for the healthcare used to be: clean; secure; suitable for the purpose for which they are being used;
sector, Water Management in Healthcare Estates. properly used; properly maintained; and appropriately located for their purpose.
The event was developed as a natural spin-off from our successful Combatting He also stressed that poor practice around water systems could actually threaten
Legionella & Water Management conference, which has seen heating and a hospital’s Care Quality Commission registration.
plumbing experts work closely with the healthcare sector.
This close relationship saw the conference chosen as the place for an exclusive Dr. Jimmy Walker, scientific lead for water and decontamination at Public Health
preview of the latest version of HTM 04-01 – scheduled to be published as England, described its recent guidance on how to respond to the detection of
H&V News went to press – which has been thoroughly revised to provide legionella. He noted that there had been no improvement in keeping legionella
a comprehensive guide to management of water systems in the healthcare outbreaks at bay since 2003, and asked “why are we not getting it right?”
environment.
The conference was opened by principal specialist inspector for the He reiterated that appropriate expertise and monitoring needed to be in place and
HSE John Newbold, who set the context for managing the risks of legionella, outlined a series of issues for heating and water engineers to address, including:
Pseudomonas and other waterborne pathogens. keeping clothing and tools for hot and cold systems separate from those used for
drainage; ensuring all contractors have undertaken water hygiene courses; bagging
‘Safe water for all’ all fittings; and capping all pipes. Temperature and turnover of water is also
Philip Ashcroft, principal building and facilities services engineer at the essential, he stressed – the guidance calls for flow temperature of hot water out
Department of Health, introduced the new HTM in his presentation Safe water in of the calorifier to be a minimum of 60°C; then a minimum of 55°C on flow and
healthcare premises: putting policy into practice. returns to all outlets and at the start of the hot water return; and a minimum of
50°C at the final connection to the calorifier. In addition, turnover of water needs
Mr. Ashcroft said the update of HTM 04-01 is intended “to move users of the to be maximised to avoid stagnation.
document towards a holistic management of water systems via water safety
groups, water safety plans and other initiatives”, drawing together and updating Such factors were highlighted again in the end user panel, where estates managers
the previous guidance and adding recommendations to “deliver safe water for all”. discussed how they were working to bring in mandatory hygiene courses for
contractors, repositioning sinks to avoid splash contamination and cutting out
He drew attention to the importance of water safety groups and water safety thermal mixing valves – an acknowledged source of bacterial contamination –
plans, noting that the former had been a fundamental part of the industry from estates, unless in areas for vulnerable patients.
delivering mains water to the healthcare sector at a 99.97% average conformity.
He reminded the audience that it was their legal responsibility to maintain the More on this story at hvnplus.co.uk
water at this level of quality at the point of use.
Andrew Gaved, Editor-in-Chief H&V News and RAC

22

wmsoc cpd ANISNWOEURRSSTPORTINHGE ARTICLE tutor prof le
ISSUE

HAZARDS ASSOCIATED introducing people
WITH WATER QUALITY who are an active
IN CLOSED PIPE SYSTEMS part of the WMSoc

Q1: What processes could cause David Bebbington
corrosion?
What is required to control this? David is a retired water treatment chemist but is still very active within the Water
Management Society (WMSoc). He acts as lead tutor on many of the WMSoc training
Q2: All sources of water contain bacteria. courses, and has been involved in this role for many years.
Explain why it is important to control
bacteria. He is a former Chairman of the WMSoc, an active member of the Technical Committee
How is this achieved? and is current Chairman of the Training and Accreditation (T & A) Committee.
What happens if this
is not done? 1cppodint The WMSoc produces many Guides and Codes and David has had involvement in writing
a large number of these, including most of the ‘Other Systems’ Guidance documents
1 Cleaning and flushing out of piping (which are freely available to members by download from the website); the WMSoc
systems may cause corrosion due to position statement on competence; the latest update of the Code of Practice for Cooling
the introduction of oxygenated water at Water Treatment (working with Alan Edwards and Philip Chown); the WMSoc New Guide
hdiogwhnvethloecsittyeaelspthipeeOs.2Uasnindgwaantearpbprreoavkesd to Risk Assessment, which was used as reference in the production of British Standard
chemical such as an inhibitor should 8580:2010 Water Quality – Risk assessments for Legionella control – Code of Practice, and
control the rate of corrosion, also as the introduced the idea of including ‘Common Faults Found’ section in the script (though
system ios vseeratliemdethuenlOes2sletvheelssysshtoeumldneeds there are many more in the WMSoc guide than in the BS8580). This updated WMSoc
deplete guide also includes Risk Assessment of Dental Chairs, and perhaps these will be included
topping up. in BS 8580 when it is updated in the coming months.

2 Mild steel and copper are prone to Recently (some might say not before time) David has driven the CPD Scheme for
microbal corrosion caused when bacterial members and produced the ‘road map’ (published in waterline) as help in the scheme.
species colonise the internal surface of A log for participants to keep control of their CPD points is being introduced onto the
the pipework metal. Anaerobic conditions website (it will get publicity in waterline when it is available).
caused by multiplying bacteria species can
create sulphate reducing bacteria. These He has also produced the Training for Career Progression flowcharts to encourage all
metabolise and create in turn sulphuric workers in the industry to improve their knowledge, understanding and abilities (and
acid under bacterial clumps, this causes perhaps their income) using the resources of WMSoc Training.
pitting and perforation of the pipework, and
also may lead to break down of welds and course in brief W019
joints. TITLE: Legionella Training for Duty
A pre-commission clean or biocide wash Holders & Responsible Persons
can be performed to reduce this risk. This incorporating L8
disrupts any biofilm in the system that may
have proliferated during the construction AIMED AT: Those requiring introductory
phase. This should be carried out by a knowledge on the main aspects of legionella
qualified pre-com contractor. If correct
control measures are not implemented and Legionnaires’ disease.
then this may lead to the reduced lifecycle
of the system and increased maintenance OVERVIEW: detailed legionella training to
costs. owners and operators of systems in order
to meet the demands of health and safety
Answers submitted by Bryan Hill, MWMSoc. regulations and the risk assessor.

WHAT OUR DELEGATES SAY:
"f"Vfa"PiiTnlecllhirefeloyndeirttidgmiyenoasatoyg,otdaeiwvtxpcaaecsoks.en"ielnitlneiekntnnen,ttrv,oieevwnsrestlyretinrydwugggoce–ort.o"ivtodhenwr.y"hile,

23

SUMMER 2016 feature article

Addressing Antibiotic
Resistance

Sophia Kloda BEd (HONS) MWMSoc

Aqua Protec Ltd

Less than a century after Alexander Fleming’s Nobel Prize worthy discovery of Penicillin, we find the News headlines citing “antibiotic apocalypse” and “post-antibiotic
era” due to the “reckless” use of antibiotics. With a race between medical sciences to develop new effective antibiotics against the emergence of these resistant “super
bugs”, is it reasonable to suggest that the Water Hygiene Industry has a role to play in helping with this problem?

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a substantial fundamental to impede the development of AMR. minimum in accordance with the organisations
concern for the future of medical treatment. Bacterial Environmental cleanliness is a key contributory factor water safety plan, a risk assessment should be
infections that have been easily treated in the past as an appropriate infection and control precaution in made when levels of patient colonisation or
by a short course of antibiotics are developing into addition to the standard infection control precautions infection rise in order to determine if point of use
life threatening infections. It was estimated in 2009 that are to be used by all staff when handling patients. filters should be installed or if taps need to be
by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Contamination of the hospital water system by P. changed.
Control that in the EU 25,000 patients died from aeruginosa can ‘cause infections in multiple patients
multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. MDR bacteria are in a unit or hospital, often without obvious links, over There is also evidence to suggest that ‘terminal
defined as those that are resistant to at least three a prolonged period, sometimes extending over several disinfection of vacated areas with hypochlorite should
different antibiotics. These MDR strains are most years and with gaps of months between cases’ (Wilson be used in the control of outbreaks of infection due to
commonly found to be prevalent in ICU and nursing APR et al, 2015), therefore control measures for MDR Gram-negative bacteria’.
home patients, consequently causing increased reducing the risk of proliferation of P. aeruginosa in the
lengths of hospitalisation due to increased morbidity. water system must be considered. Of increasing concern as a threat to human and
The cost is not only financial with regards to the care animal health, is the growing evidence to support that
service providers, but for the patient there is a high A study in 2013 by Kotsanas D1 et al, looked to find MDR bacteria are beginning to proliferate outside
mortality rate associated with catching an infection the source of Gram-negative bacteria that harboured healthcare settings. Studies conducted in Greek
caused by one of these MDR strains (Mathers AJ et al, a gene associated with carbapenmase production water bodies have identified resistant isolates of P.
2011). (metallo-ß-lactamase) in an intensive care unit (ICU) aeruginosa. These isolates have potentially originated
that was possibly associated with contaminated from treated waste water, identified to have a high
Darwin’s theory of natural selection plays a role in hand wash basins. Using samples from the ICU hand prevalence of MDR bacteria, continuously being
the development of MDR bacteria. Natural selection wash basins and taps, analytical testing identified discharged into natural water basins (Olga P et al,
allows those bacteria with ‘protection’ from the that the CPE were ‘isolated persistently from the 2016 & Osinska A et al, 2016). Whilst this study has
antibiotic to reproduce, causing a resistant strain. grating and drain of eight central sinks. Molecular been conducted in Greek water bodies (ironic given
This is due to the occurrence of mutations during typing confirmed that clinical and environmental the word Pseudomonas derives from the Greek –
the replication of the bacteria’s DNA. Pseudomonas isolates were related’. Bacteria are important vectors Pseudo, meaning ‘false’ and Monas meaning ‘single
aeruginosa exhibits such behaviour; with a large of antibiotic resistance and can be disseminated unit’) this proliferation has been noted in most
genome encoding between 5500 and 6500 genes from hospital effluent to aquatic environments, European countries, that suggests a risk of occurrence
dependent on the strain; compare this to Escherichia (Vaz-Moreira et al 2015). Kotsanas et al (2013) noted in the UK (Wilson APR et al 2015).
coli with just 2594, P. aeruginosa ‘possesses the several unsuccessful attempts to decontaminate
considerable genetic capacity compared with other the sinks using both detergents and steam; therefore
organisms’ (P A Lambert, 2002) making it adaptable, consideration should be given to reducing the
and able to respond to changes in its environment and proliferation within the healthcare setting, for
consequently difficult to control with antibiotics or example, by reducing shower flow rates to minimise
disinfectants. flooding.

Notable bacteria such as E. Coli, Klebsiella spp. and Wilson APR et al (2015) identified strong evidence to
Enterobacter spp. live, under normal circumstances, support the following recommendations regarding
harmlessly in the gut of all animals, including cleaning and the environment to prevent and control
humans. However, they are a major cause of MDR gram-negative bacteria:
healthcare associated infections including intra-
abdominal, urinary tract and blood stream (PHE, • Environmental screening should be considered
2013). Additionally, some species from this where there is unexplained transmission of MDR
family of bacteria have the ability to produce an Gram-negative organisms or a possible common
enzyme called Carbapenmase which is capable source for an outbreak.
of destroying Carbapenem antibiotics, which are
usually reserved for serious infections caused by • Respiratory and other contaminated equipment
MDR bacteria. Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter should be decontaminated (or respiratory
species also demonstrate this same ability to produce secretions discarded) away from the immediate
Carbapenmase. bed area in designated cleaning sinks and not in
hand-wash sinks.
The detection, management and control of
Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae • For P. aeruginosa, including MDR strains, at a
(CPE) in hospitals and long-term care settings is

24

feature article waterline | THE JOURNAL OF THE WATER MANAGEMENT SOCIETY

We have relished in nearly a century of drugs that Acronyms:
are able to treat serious bacterial infections with AMR - Antimicrobial Resistance
relative ease. Taking control of MDR bacteria within MDR - Multi Drug Resistance
the aquatic environment, coupled with the mindful CPE - Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae
management of the use of antibiotics, is integral
for a sustainable future to prevent an “antibiotic References
apocalypse”. This is where the Water Hygiene Mathers AJ et al (2011) ‘Molecular dissection of an outbreak of carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae
Industry has a huge role to play. Prevention of reveals Intergenus KPC capanpenemase transmission through a promiscuous plasmid.’
bacterial proliferation within the water system is P A Lambert (2002) ‘Mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa’ Journal of the Royal
the Holy Grail and certainly prevention of these Society of Medicine Supplement No. 41 Volume 95
MDR organisms from entering the municipal water PHE (2013) ‘ Acute trust toolkit for the early detection, management and control of carbapenemase –
supply is a “Must”. In reality, compromises have to be producing Enterobacteriaceae’ (https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/
made to provide water of the correct quality for the file/329227/Acute_trust_toolkit_for_the_early_detection.pdf)
various applications within an Hospital environment A P R Wilson et al (2015) ‘Prevention and control of multi-drug resistant Gram negative bacteria:
and so that is where the “Control” aspect applies. recommendations from a Joint Working Party’ Journal of Hospital Infection (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.
High quality risk assessments by suitably trained jhin.2015.08.007)
and qualified personnel, excellent communications Vaz-Moreira et al (2015) ‘Microb Drug Resist’ 2015 Oct 15 [Epub ahead of print]
between the client and the provider and engagement Kotsanas D1 et al (2013) ‘Down the drain’ 2013 Mar 18
with the water safety groups are pre-requisite in Olga P et al (2016) ‘Antibiotic resistance profiles of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from various Greek
order to fully understand the complexities of water aquatic environments’ FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2016 Feb 24 [Epub ahead of print]
management. The absolute goal is the prevention Osinska A et al (2016) ‘Prevalence of plasmid-mediated multidrug resistance determinants in
of as many water-borne infections as possible and fluoroquinolone-resistant bacteria isolated from sewage and surface water’ Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2016
then the risk from MDR strains will automatically be Feb 19 [Epub ahead of print]
mitigated. The industry already has many tools at its
disposal to enable prevention of infection from many
water sources and the advancement of microbiological
analysis techniques will only help discover these in a
more timely manner.

A special WMSoc membership
announcement

The WMSoc is used to receiving applications for membership from far and wide, from a wide mixture of
background, education and experience; but the Membership Committee recently received a special request to
consider membership from a long-standing member, Arthur Norbury for his future son-in-law! Arthur hoped to
award the membership certificate, as a surprise, to his son-in-law on his wedding day. The Society takes pride in
ensuring the membership process is both thorough and robust, and after looking at Steve Griffiths training and
experience we were happy to award membership to Steve. We at the WMSoc wish Steve and his new wife the very
best and we are pleased we were able to play a “very small part” in their special day.

Congratulations from all at the WMSoc

GORAGINAANCICPWDAPTOEINRTTBRYEAATNMSEWNETRININHGIBTIHTOESRSE QUESTIONS ON THE
ARTICLE

Q1: What are the acronyms for the three commonest organo-phosphorus acid chemistries commonly used in
most cooling water treatment formulations?

Q2: What is generally considered to be the practical upper limit for calcite saturation when using
phosphonate/polymer-based cooling water formulations (i.e. the calcite saturation index CSI)?

a. 50-75 x concentration of calcite or calcite equivalent in
the recirculating cooling water, relative to that in the raw
water or makeup water EMAIL YOUR ANSWERS IN 1cppodint

b. 100-150 x concentration of calcite or calcite equivalent TO ADMIN@WMSOC.ORG.UK
in the recirculating cooling water, relative to that in the raw TO GAIN YOUR CPD POINT
water or makeup water

c. 180-250 x concentration of calcite or calcite equivalent The answers will be published in the Autumn 2016 edition. Extra CPD points will
in the recirculating cooling water, relative to that in the raw be awarded to members who provide extra research and/or evidence and to
water or makeup water
those members whose answers are accepted for publication in Waterline.

25

SUMMER 2016 event report

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26

event report waterline | THE JOURNAL OF THE WATER MANAGEMENT SOCIETY

event report e

CED Working Day - “Microbial Corrosion Issues in Heating
and Cooling Systems”

Tuesday, 26th. April 2016 - National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham

This one day meeting was the latest in a series of working days of the Institute of biocide degeneration, glycol degeneration and undetected water-loss. If the water
Corrosion’s Corrosion Engineering Division, which this year was organized jointly treatment is correct, “strainers” should not be needed. “Milestone” Standards
with the International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation Society. Fifty-five include: BSRIA AG2/93, BSRIA BG29/2012, BS 8552/2012 and BSRIA BG50/2013.
delegates were welcomed by the Chair of CED, Nick Smart, Amec Foster-Wheeler. Mr Edwards then announced the imminent formation of CSCA (Closed System
Control Association) whose objective is to maintain standards in closed circuit
The first presentation, entitled, “MICrobes – what’s lurking in your system?” heating/cooling systems.
was given by Elise Maynard, Chair, Water Management Society. Microbes may
be broadly classified as “aerobic”, which utilise oxygen and “anaerobic” which Robert Moorcroft, School of Materials, University of Manchester, presented a
utilize inorganic compounds such as nitrates (denitrification), sulphate (sulphate lecture on behalf of Prof. Robert Akid on, “Non-Biocidal Antifouling Coatings”. A
reducing) and carbon dioxide (acetogenesis). Corrosion caused or prompted sol-gel (solution of carbon or metal-oxygen groups which cross-link to form a
by microorganisms, usually chemoautotrophs, can apply to both metals and stable gel), in conjunction with ‘protective bacteria’, has been developed as a bio-
non-metallic materials. In biofilms, layers of anaerobic bacteria can exist in coating. The essential ingredients are: (i) organic compound such as Si(OC2H5)4; (ii)
the inner parts of the corrosion deposit, while the outer parts are inhabited water which hydrolyses the ethyl group to form a polymer and (iii) acid (H+) to
by aerobic bacteria. The five stages of biofilm development are: (1) Initial promote hydrolysis. Although bio-coatings may cure at room temperature, curing
attachment; (2) Irreversible attachment; (3) Maturation; (4) Maturation II and can take place at 90°C without impairing the viability of endo-spores added to
(5) Detachment. Sources of biofilm include: contamination during construction the coating. The result is a biocide-free approach which is a combination of an
and repair, unsuitable materials of construction, uncontrolled temperature/ anti-corrosion sol-gel coating and non-pathogenic protective bacteria. Successful
chemicals, stagnation of water, poor design, jointing compounds, dead legs field trials have been carried out in collaboration with King Fahd University of
and incompatibility of components. The first signs of MIC include: high water Petroleum & Minerals at Half Moon Bay, KSA, Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML),
conductivity, low pH, failures and signs of pipes showing rusting etc. UK and Sheffield Hallam University at Whitby Harbour, UK.

The next lecture, “The role of SRB in MIC” was given by Jill Cooper (Suez Ltd). Les Bekesi of Lendlease addressed, “Design, Installation and Protection of
MIC may be defined as, “A metal deterioration as a result of the metabolic Closed-Loop Systems”. When designing a system, what materials are being used
activity of various microbes.” SRB are some of the oldest bacteria in the Earth together with their compatibility and with the water treatment. The effect of
and may cause a typical corrosion rate of steel of 0.9 mm/yr (35 mpy). In sulphur banned products like lead solder on potable water are obvious, but flux is known
oxidizing bacteria (SOB), H2S is oxidized to inorganic sulphur, thiosulphate to form to promote bacterial growth. Similarly, EPDM flexi-hoses, approved by WRAS,
sulphates (eventually as sulphuric acid, H2SO4). Mains water may have sulphites banned by the NHS for potable water, but used all over for non-potable systems,
added to closed-circuit systems as an oxygen scavenger and hence sulphates may will promote bacterial growth. Unfortunately, it is not possible to introduce water
form as a result of the reaction: into systems until the last minute as walls and ceilings need to be closed. Testing
and proving must be completed prior to the end of the project. Finally, it must
½ O2 + Na2SO3 –› Na2SO4 be ensured that the contractors used to clean the system are competent and the
results of their actions need to be checked.

The disadvantages of biofilm formation are: (i) they form a better thermal In the afternoon session, there were meetings of the CED working groups:
insulator than calcium carbonate; (ii) MIC under biofilm leads to corrosion and Nuclear; Coatings; Oil-field Chemicals and Corrosion; Water Treatment; Cathodic
pitting and (iii) biofilms lead to increased friction and resistance to free-flow, Protection and Corrosion in Concrete. After a plenary “Brains Trust” session, Nick
hence reducing heat transfer. Smart closed the proceedings at 4:50 pm, thanked the speakers, exhibitor (CCSL
Cathodic Protection), Motor Cycle Museum staff and delegates for another
Next, Chris Parsloe, Parsloe Consultants and Pam Simpson, WWTL, gave a successful meeting. The papers presented here will mostly be placed on the ICorr
paper on, “Pre-commissioning Cleaning Process and What can go Wrong”. Pre- website in the members area, should delegates wish to see further details.
conditioning cleaning is defined as “The process of bringing the system into a
satisfactory state”. For this to be true, the system needs to be free from debris, Dr David Nuttall, Independent Corrosion Solutions Ltd.
dirt and particulate matter, e.g. weld rods, coke cans(!) etc. If flow velocity is too
low, any solids present will settle in the pipe; if too high, turbulent flow leading
to erosion corrosion in the presence of oxygen, may occur. Factors affecting
the rate of corrosion were then given and include: amount of dissolved oxygen;
temperature; galvanic potential differences; pH; CO2 level; suspended solids;
chloride; sulphate; bacteria; flow velocity; surface condition and stress. The effect
of temperature on bacteria was then discussed – below 20oC, bacteria are slow to
grow (or dormant), at 30 – 35oC, bacteria grow at their fastest rate whereas above
50oC, bacteria die or produce protection spores.

Next up, Alan Edwards of Alan Edwards and Partners spoke on, “The Role of CSCA
in Improving Management of Water Quality”. Their objectives are, “To maintain
clean conditions which will assist in maintaining efficiency and prolong the life
of the system”. Problems which might arise include: insufficient plant data, poor-
quality pre-commissioning cleaning, confusion on handover, poor or lack of prior
record keeping – losing track, “invasion” from dead legs, inhibitor degeneration,

27

SUMMER 2016 feature article

REEL ISSUES: HOSE UNION TAPS AND BACKFLOW

by Gareth Harris, manager of the Water Industry Approved Plumbers’ Scheme (WIAPS)

Almost every home in the UK has an outside tap. To stop this happening, there are Regulations Fluid Category 4: Fluid which represents a
The vast majority of these outside taps are hose and Byelaws which contain requirements for significant health hazard due to the concentration
union taps, meaning there is the ability to connect the installation of hose union taps which apply of toxic substances, including any fluid which
a hose pipe to the tap. Connecting the hose pipe whether a hose is connected or not. The level of contains chemical, carcinogenic substances or
can be done in two ways. protection is determined by the potential use pesticides (including insecticides and herbicides)
Fig. 1: Example of hose union tap and contamination risk, which will be subject to or environmental organisms of potential health
confirmation by the water supplier. significance.
Fig. 1 shows a tap that can have a hose pushed
over the end and be secured to the tap with a The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations Many industrial and commercial processes use
jubilee clip, where fig. 2 has a push fit connector and Scottish Water Byelaws chemicals that are a FC 4 risk. FC 4 protection
fitted to receive a connection on the end of the The water regulations aim to prevent could be provided by using an RPZ valve, or a
hose pipe. contamination, waste, undue consumption and cistern with an ‘AF’ air gap arrangement with
Fig. 2: Push fit connection for hose union tap misuse of water supplied from a water suppliers booster pump.
main. One common cause of contamination is
Hose union taps are used for all sorts of things backflow, when conditions allow water to flow Fluid Category 5: Fluid representing a serious
at home, from watering the plants to filling the in the opposite direction to the normal one. The health hazard because of the concentration of
pond. biggest backflow risk with hose union taps is pathogenic organisms, radioactive or very toxic
In commercial premises hose union taps have generally by backsiphonage. Backsiphonage can substances including any fluid which contains
many different uses, from cleaning the MD’s car occur when different parts of the pipework have faecal material (or other human waste), butchery
to diluting chemicals. different water pressures, causing water to flow to (or other animal waste), or pathogens from any
Many farms have hose union taps that again the area of lower pressure. An example of this is other source.
serve many purposes, from filling animal drinking when a hosepipe is left laying in a swimming pool
troughs to washing out buildings and cleaning and due to low water pressure perhaps caused by When dealing with a FC 5 risk, water should be
machinery. There can often be fertilisers and/ large demand for water elsewhere in the system, fed from a storage cistern with an adequate air
or animal waste in and around areas where hose chlorinated water from the pool is drawn back gap. FC 5 risks occur in many industrial processes,
union taps are used on farms, which pose a towards the tap rather than away from it. If in hospitals, abattoirs, food processing factories,
serious threat to human health if by accident they there is no backflow protection, contaminated stables and farms.
got into the water supply and were swallowed. pool water can get back into the drinking water
system. Users of hose union taps must be aware Hose Union Taps At Home
28 of the risk of contamination. New installations of hose union taps at home
should be protected against backflow by at least
Take this scenario. After a long day of gardening, a double check valve. A double check valve gives
the last job of the day is to top up the pond. You Fluid Category 3 protection, which is deemed to
drop the end of the hose in the pond, turn on the be satisfactory, providing when the hose is in use
tap slightly, so the pond can slowly be topped up it is hand-held and the outlet is fitted with a self-
while you pop inside for a shower. Being a power closing mechanism. The double check valve should
shower demanding a high flow of water, if the be located within the building, after a servicing
supply fed directly from the mains is insufficient, valve to isolate it, so as not to be susceptible to
water is sucked back through the hose pipe from frost damage.
the pond and used to shower! Now the reality of
needing backflow prevention devices becomes Fig. 3: Typical domestic installation of a new
clear! hose union tap

Backflow Prevention Devices For Use With Hose Where existing hose union taps which do not
Union Taps already have backflow protection are located
Adequate backflow prevention devices must outside a house, backflow protection must be
be provided to prevent contamination of the provided to a Fluid Category 3 risk. A double
water main by backflow. The Regulations specify check valve should be installed on the supply pipe
which devices are adequate for different levels of to the hose union tap just inside the building.
backflow risks. These risks, called Fluid Categories Alternatively, adding a hose union backflow
(FCs), are defined according to the type and
concentration of contaminants.

Backflow Prevention Devices For Use With Hose
Union Taps
Fluid Category 3: Fluid which represents a slight
health hazard because of the concentration
of substances of low toxicity, including any
fluid which contains antifreeze or common
disinfectants.

An example of the use of Fluid Category 3 devices
is a double check valve supplying a new hose
union tap installed in a house.

feature article waterline | THE JOURNAL OF THE WATER MANAGEMENT SOCIETY

preventer (type HA device) or replacing the Fig. 5: Hose union tap used to fill a bathfor Hose union taps for commercial and other
existing tap with one containing a double check animals to drink from, with no backflow applications
valve (type HUK1 hose union tap) is accepted. prevention device in place The Water Regulations require notification to
be given to the local water undertaker of the
Fig. 4: Example of a hand held trigger operated An interposed cistern with a type AG air gap can construction of a building or structure that is
mechanism for use with hose union taps in a be used as FC 5 protection providing the end to have a water system connected to a mains
domestic situation along with FC 3 backflow of the hose can be raised no more than 15mm supply, the extension of or alteration of a water
prevention device below the bottom of the cistern. Alternatively, a system on any premises other than a house, or
storage cistern with a type ‘AA’, ‘AB’ or ‘AD’ air gap the material change of use of any premises. This
Hose union taps for commercial and other arrangement can be used in conjunction with a means that the proposed installation of a hose
applications booster pump. union tap at any premises other than a house
Backflow prevention requirements for hose Fig. 6: Type AA air gap with unrestricted must be notified in advance to the water supplier.
union taps installed for supplying water for discharge
non-domestic purposes such as commercial, Details are available in a WRAS leaflet entitled
horticultural, agricultural or industrial purposes Fig. 7: Type AB air Gap with weir overflow “Information on Notification of Proposed
are more stringent. Hoses should be provided Plumbing Work”, freely available on the WRAS
with backflow protection to the appropriate fluid The risks with certain types of installation are website at: www.wras.co.uk/consumers/resources/
risk downstream, which can range from FC 3 to well acknowledged. Therefore, you must also publications/.
5, depending on the application. Advice should contact the water supplier if you are planning to
always be sought from your local water supplier carry out certain works in industrial/commercial In Summary
if there is any doubt on the Fluid Category risk or household premises. This notification process Hose union taps pose the potential for
applicable to an installation. is vital to enable water company inspectors to contamination. Water suppliers may inspect new
A risk assessment of a hose union tap outside a properly assess the risk of a particular installation and existing premises for their compliance with
commercial building, used simply for watering and prevent contamination by backflow, among the Regulations. For new installations, serving
plants and washing company cars, could be seen other things. notice to the water supplier may lead to an
as being ‘domestic’ use and therefore only require inspection, with a risk assessment being carried
fluid FC 3 protection. If other vehicles are to out to determine the highest potential FC risk
be washed then advice should be sought as the within the area of a hose union tap, enabling
risk may be increased based on the use of the the installer to get it right first time. Adequate
vehicles. backflow prevention devices must be installed
for that risk. If you don’t want to use a hosepipe
Hose union taps inside industrial and commercial with an outside tap, instead of installing a hose
premises where chemicals are used will vary union tap, install one which cannot have a hose
between a FC 4 and 5 risk. Hoses may be used connected – a bib tap. Remember, ignorance is no
for adding water to processes, or simply used for excuse. The onus is on the installer primarily, but
cleaning down containers/machinery. A list of the end user is also liable for prosecution.
chemicals and the FC risk associated with them
can be found on the WRAS website: Further Information
http://www.wras.co.uk/Chemicals_Default.asp. WRAS produce many publications that include
requirements for hose union taps. See the
If you have any doubt at all, contact the website: www.wras.co.uk/consumers/resources/
manufacturers of the chemicals to be used, and publications/. The Water Regulations Guide
the local water supplier. section 6 gives details on FC risks and backflow
prevention devices. If you are installing a new
Fluid Category 5 on farms hose union tap and are unsure of the backflow
Farms and stables are often high users of hose prevention device required, then contact your
union Taps. Hosepipes are often used for filling local water supplier.
buckets/troughs/baths with water for animals to
drink, for cleaning animals, and for washing-down Coming up in the next Issue
faecal matter from yards and buildings. All these of waterline
processes pose a FC 5 risk, and should have the
appropriate backflow prevention devices in place. Report on eight presentations
Allowing a hose to fall below the spillover level of from the well attended WMSoc
a drinking vessel for animals is one particular risk
on farms. two-day event on the 28th &
29th June 2016 at National
Motorcycle Museum.

Article will include accounts of
misconceptions about WRAS
approval, why were some
items included in HTM0401
and others not? And HSG282
guidance on spa pools and

Hungary’s Legionella in premise
plumbing statistics.

29

SUMMER 2016 feature article

MALDI-TOF:

rapid identification of
potentially pathogenic water
bacteria

Estimates of the number of microorganisms within our bodies and The scoring system provides the user with information to assess the level of
in our surrounding environment can be mind-boggling. Contrary confidence associated with each result.
to popular belief, bugs are not always bad. In fact, many are
beneficial in various ways. However, the wrong bugs in the wrong Figure 1. Bench-top MALDI-TOF instrument: microflex Bruker Daltonics,
place at the wrong time can have devastating consequences. Germany.
Water for human consumption, bathing and recreational activities
does not need to be sterile but it does need to be safe.

Establishing whether or not water is safe requires robust
techniques for isolating and identifying potentially pathogenic
bacteria. Rapid availability of water testing results enables prompt
action to be taken to minimise risk as early as possible.

Traditional identification methods for bacteria
Our understanding of pathogenicity and our methods of bacterial identification have
gradually developed since the time that pioneers such as van Leeuwenhoek were
demonstrating the existence of ‘animalcules’. Some basic techniques, however, have
proved useful to this day.

Light microscopy became an even more powerful tool with the introduction of
staining. Gram’s stain reveals the differing cell wall structures of Gram-positive
and Gram-negative organisms, providing additional information to that gleaned by
observing cell morphology alone. Although useful, microscopy cannot fully identify
a bacterium so determination of growth characteristics became valuable. Factors
such as the macroscopic appearance of bacterial colonies on agar plates and growth
requirements including nutrients, temperature and atmosphere can all be used to
differentiate bacteria to a greater or lesser extent.

Until recently, bacterial identification procedures were largely based on biochemical
tests to determine phenotypic characteristics. For example, the presence or absence
of certain enzymes can be used to assign an identification at genus or species level.
The detection of such enzymes relies on incubation steps during which known
metabolic processes result in observable colour changes.

Automation of biochemical identification systems further advanced the technology
and the inclusion of software removed the necessity for manual interpretation.
Despite the undoubted benefits that biochemical tests offer, all such systems have
inherent limitations. The primary limitations are the number of reactions which can
be simultaneously performed, the extent of the associated databases and the time
taken to generate a result.

MALDI-TOF for identification of bacteria
A radical solution to overcome the limitations of biochemical identification systems
for bacteria became commercially available towards the end of the last decade.
Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) is a form of
mass spectrometry that has transformed bacterial identification practices worldwide.
Mass spectrometry itself is far from new but the adaptation of the technology to
generate protein ‘fingerprints’ of bacteria has provided a rapid and robust method
with high discriminatory power.

In simplistic terms, MALDI-TOF separates high abundance proteins from the
microorganism on the basis of their mass to generate a spectrum of peaks.
This spectrum can then be compared with a large library of spectra from well-
characterised strains in order to establish the best match.

30

feature article waterline | THE JOURNAL OF THE WATER MANAGEMENT SOCIETY

The words from which the MALDI-TOF acronym Figure 3. Schematic representation of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.
is derived describe the process by which the
spectra are generated. Initially the test organism The first phase assessed the available libraries and extraction methods then compared
is thinly smeared onto a target plate then overlaid results with those using traditional methods. The second phase assessed the effects
with α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (HCCA). of different growth media, water types and pre-processing methods (filtration/
HCCA acts as a matrix, in which microorganisms centrifugation). The third and final phase examined the combined effects of all
are embedded, offering the cells protection from variables acting together by using routine customer samples which had involved
subsequent laser activity but also donating protons multiple steps and multiple handlers.
to generate positively charged intact proteins.
Hence the term ‘matrix-assisted’. When the laser From the findings of their validation study, ALcontrol Laboratories concluded that
is fired onto the co-crystallised organism/matrix the MALDI-TOF method for confirmation of potential water pathogens was fit for
mixture the proteins from the test organism are purpose, providing rapid and reliable results. The correct identification was obtained
simultaneously desorbed from the target plate and for over 97% of customer samples and the modular approach allowed for logical
ionised by the protons from the strongly acidic stepwise data analysis. The method has therefore been approved and accredited.
HCCA. Hence the term ‘laser desorption/ionisation’.
The resultant cloud of ionised proteins is then Definitive results being available two days earlier facilitates earlier action on
accelerated towards a negatively charged electrode contaminated systems reducing the risk to public health and enabling corrective
by the application of high voltage. Subsequent measures to be implemented in a more timely fashion.
flight through a drift region towards a detector can
then be timed in order to establish the mass of the Similar validation work on the use of MALDI-TOF for bacterial identification in
proteins. Those with greater mass will take longer drinking water has been carried out by Waterlaboratorium Noord (WLN) (Glimmen,
to reach the detector. Hence the term ‘time-of- The Netherlands). They were the first water laboratory in The Netherlands to gain
flight’. accreditation for the routine use of MALDI-TOF.

Traditional identification of potential pathogens in water The WLN validation was performed according to NEN-EN-ISO 16140 and assessed
Following primary culture of water samples, colonies which are suspected of being confirmation of suspected colonies of Escherichia coli, other coliforms, enterococci
potential pathogens require confirmatory tests to exclude or verify the presence and Legionella species. WLN tested 67 reference strains and 316 strains from routine
of specific organisms. Traditionally, such confirmatory steps have necessitated a samples. The specificity for all of these organisms was found to be 100% if Legionella
subculture stage prior to biochemical or immunological tests. This adds up to two isolates were only identified to the genus level. This fell to 95% for Legionella isolates
days to the time taken to generate a definitive result. if they were identified to species level. The discrepancies arose because some of
the less common species of Legionella were not incorporated in the Bruker library
The process for Legionella testing (complying with ISO 11731) involves preliminary employed at that time. Users have the option of creating their own libraries and
steps of membrane filtration and heat/acid treatment followed by culture on the Dutch water laboratories have pursued that option with support from Bruker
selective agar. The primary agar plates are incubated for 10 days during which time Daltonik. Additionally, since the time of the WLN study in 2012/2013, the standard
they are inspected three times for suspect colonies. Legionella pneumophila grows library has been regularly updated to reflect the needs of a wide range of customers.
on selective agar as grey/white round colonies with a characteristic ground-glass Consequently, the performance data for Legionella species is now more in line with
appearance. Presumptive colonies of Legionella species are subcultured in order to that of the other bacteria tested so MALDI-TOF now offers a comprehensive solution
provide growth for confirmatory tests. The final result may therefore take 12 days for rapid identification of common water pathogens.
from the time the primary culture was set up.
Summary
Molecular detection of potential pathogens offers an alternative approach, but they The water industry has reaped many benefits from its adoption of MALDI-TOF
are laborious and costly. PCR methods are highly sensitive and rapid yet they do not technology. Not only has the provision of a rapid confirmatory tool taken two days
discriminate between viable and non-viable organisms. off the time to identify potential water pathogens, but a single process can be
employed for all bacteria.
Figure 2. MALDI Biotyper workflow
-Erika Tranfield, Bruker
MALDI-TOF for confirmation of Legionella species from water
Although primary culture for Legionella species still requires 10 days of incubation, 31
MALDI-TOF offers same-day confirmation once suspect colonies have been observed.
Analysis requires only a small portion of one colony and can be performed directly
from the primary plate. Confirmation therefore takes a matter of minutes rather than
two days.

ALcontrol Laboratories (Rotherham, UK) undertook a validation study in order to gain
accreditation for their use of the MALDI-TOF method (Bruker Daltonik, Germany).
They adopted a modular approach in order to test one single variable at a time.

SUMMER 2016 contracts | products | publications

CONTRACTS, IBiofilters for malting plants
PRODUCTS ACWA has installed new bio-filters, at the
& PUBLICATIONS Pencaitland Malting Plant near Edinburgh, that are
now operating at maximum capacity, threating an
The information and advertising of products and services in this section and throughout this publication is not necessarily endorsed effluent flow of 550 cubic metres per day. The plant,
by the editors or the Water Management Society, who accept no responsibility for the accuracy of information in contributing articles. with an annual malt production capacity of 47,000
tonnes uses large quantities of water in the steeping
and germination processes.
The new bio-filtration system, which reduces
the pollutant load in discharged wastewater,
incorporates two identical bio-filters, with media
and effluent distribution systems that ensure the
effluent is evenly distributed through the bio-filters.
This promotes biological growth and therefore
effective treatment. The project also included
recirculation pumps, as well as electrical and minor
civil works and was completed in eight months.

IEnvironmentally-friendlier drinking ISmart water meter problems IRetiring SNIPEF CEO Robert Burgon
water Serious maintenance problems have been discovered stresses importance of professionalism
A cooling innovation by Aqua Cooling will result with smart water meters, as most water companies for the future of the plumbing industry
in homes across the South of England receiving have begun installing them, involving the “boundary A leading figure in the plumbing industry warns it
environmentally-friendlier drinking water. box” or stop valve for the water supply to the is too easy for unqualified
Aqua’s new air cooled chiller systems are to be property. people to work as plumbers
installed at eight water-supply processing plants The seal to the check valve in the boundary box may in the UK.
across Hampshire and West Sussex after the company have perished since its installation many years ago Robert Burgon is a
was awarded a £500,000 refurbishment contract by and will now allow water to re-enter the public water founding member of
Southern Water. mains system, possibly carrying with it contaminants, WaterSafe, the UK register
Following a directive from the Drinking Water resulting in a risk to public health. for approved plumbers,
Inspectorate (DWI) banning the use of chlorine in the Previously, the only way to rectify the situation and chief executive of
processing of drinking water, many water suppliers would be to replace the whole boundary box with a SNIPEF, the Scottish and
have had to change their purification process. full excavation in the public footpath, involving cost Northern Ireland Plumbing
Aqua’s water chiller systems deal with the problem between £250 and £1250. Employers’ Federation.
by maintaining a supply of sodium hypochlorite at an The NRv2® from Groundbreaker Systems is designed He makes the warning as
ideal constant temperature of 10 degrees Celsius. to be used as a non-return valve. If installed in series, he retires from 40 years in the plumbing industry
Aqua Cooling sales engineer Zak Rutledge says: "The it also serves as a double-check valve for ‘whole site’ and considers the improvements in the sector and
Aqua system works by chilling a mix of water and anti- protection against back flow, with minimal head loss. the work still to be done.
freeze to approximately zero degrees. By then passing At less than £10 per location, this system is claimed He said: “Too many people still see plumbing as a
this mix through a titanium heat exchanger the water to be the cheapest solution available. nuisance purchase and aim to pay the lowest price
can be cooled without any adverse chemical effects. NRv2® can also be used as a ‘sacrificial’ interface – even where that means that work will be done by
Our process ensures water cleanliness of the highest between metal bodied meters or fillings and plastic someone who isn’t properly qualified.
quality while avoiding the cost and inconvenience of manifolds. “Levels of professionalism and customer care shown
having to discard contaminated water that has been For further information visit: www.groundbreaker.co.uk towards customers by some businesses also still
chemically distilled by overheating." leave considerable scope for improvement.
For further information visit: www.aquacooling.co.uk “Approved plumbers registered with WaterSafe all
have specific qualifications in working safely with
32 drinking water and all have a customer redress
scheme in place.”
WaterSafe was set up by all the water companies
in the UK in 2013 to help protect the quality of
drinking water and reduce the risk of contamination
in homes and offices by rogue plumbers.
Mr Burgon praises the establishment of the
WaterSafe scheme as one of the key successes
of the industry during his career, in addition to
the establishment of the compulsory GasSafe
Register for plumbers working with gas and the
establishment of the World Plumbing Council and
World Plumbing Day – as a way of promoting the
message that good plumbing is vital to global
health.
He added: “I can honestly say I have enjoyed every
moment of my time working in this great industry,
but it is more than a little frustrating that we have
not seen more progress in the level of respect that
many people in the UK have for the role of the
plumbing industry.”

contracts | products | publications waterline | THE JOURNAL OF THE WATER MANAGEMENT SOCIETY

I£27 million water infrastructure project IArmy of approved plumbers are helping
A new multi-million pound water infrastructure customers save water, energy and
project will cerate an alternative supply route to
280,000 people across Somerset and will be able to money
deal with the predicted rise in the region’s population. A survey of approved plumbers in the UK reveals
The scheme will also use gravity to move the water they are helping homes and businesses save
from Barrow to Chedder, so the pumping system will millions of litres of water each year and money off
not need to be upgraded. water and energy bills.
WaterSafe, the national accreditation scheme for
IIWA Conference to run alongside plumbers in the UK, carried out a survey of its
WWEM 2016 plumbers to find out how much they talk about
The organisers of WWEM 2016 are delighted to saving water with their customers and how often
announce that an International Water Association they recommend products to cut down on waste.
specialist Conference will run alongside this year’s An impressive 98 per cent think it’s part of a good
WWEM event in Telford, UK, during the first week plumber’s job to provide advice on water efficiency
of November. The IWA Conference is the third in a and 92 per cent regularly talk to customers about
series entitled: ‘New Developments in IT & Water,’ products which can help save water.
and will provide complimentary themes with the One respondent said: “It shows a plumber cares
WWEM 2016 presentations, providing delegates at about the industry rather than just making money.
both Conferences with an opportunity to exploit the It's professional to know about water efficiency.”
benefits of co-located events. Many plumbers said customers were often
“Both Conferences will run in neighbouring halls, unaware that they were using more water than
so that visitors will be able to attend an even wider they needed to and also didn’t realise that by using
selection of presentations,” says WWEM organiser less hot water they could also save on energy bills.
Marcus Pattison. “In addition, registered delegates Julie Spinks, director of WaterSafe, said: “WaterSafe
for both conferences will be able to visit the WWEM plumbers are all fully qualified and trusted to work
exhibition and attend some of the 80 Workshops safely with drinking water in homes and businesses
available.” but they are also offering customers additional
The WWEM events were created to provide anyone free advice which can help them save water, save
with a professional interest in water and wastewater energy and save money.
with the latest information on testing and monitoring “It’s inspiring to hear that plumbers are motivated
regulations, standards, methods and technologies. In to give the best possible service to customers
addition to the Conference and Workshops, WWEM on all aspects of their water supply and also
2016 will also feature an exhibition populated by the care about protecting water sources and the
world’s leading organisations within environmental environment in which they live and work.”
testing and monitoring, and water quality and flow. The appliances plumbers are mostly likely to advise
“By co-locating with the IWA Conference, we will customers on are toilets, taps and showers.
provide delegates with an opportunity to see the The survey did indicate however that two thirds
entire industry under one roof,” Marcus adds. (68%) of plumbers are unaware some water
The IWA New Developments in IT & Water Conference companies offer free water-saving products to
was created to provide a forum for water sector their customers.
stakeholders to share the latest knowledge in a The introduction of a Water Label in 2014 is also
wide range of IT system based themes from the helping plumbers identify water efficient products
use of data in process control, to communications more easily, with a ‘traffic light’ rating showing
protocols, to IT security. The event normally attracts how much water they use. Three quarters of the
200 international delegates from some of the world’s plumbers surveyed are aware of the label and
leading universities and organisations. would promote it to customers.
“Information Technology and its integration with As the survey showed that only a quarter of
the global water industry has been a key factor in approved plumbers are active on social media,
the development of the modern Water Industry and the quickest way to find a qualified and trusted
still offers exciting opportunities for the future,” says business is to type in your postcode on the
Oliver Grievson, LinkedIn Group Manager of WaterSafe website at www.watersafe.org.uk
‘Water Industry Process Automation & Control’ which
is helping to organise the IWA Conference. “The nature WaterSafe is the official partner of Water Saving
of IT infrastructure is changing, with developments Week, which ran from March 21st to 25th this year.
such as ‘Big Data’ and the ‘Internet of Things,’ Find out more at www.waterwise.org.uk.
opportunities are being created in the drive for better
environmental performance whilst lowering costs, IConnah’s Quay opts for almost
becoming more sustainable and mitigating risk.” zero maintenance DO monitors
For further information visit: www.wwem.uk.com Staff at Connah’s Quay Power Station
have installed the latest luminescent
optical dissolved oxygen (LDO) monitoring
technology to minimise operational
requirements whilst protecting the plant’s
high value assets. An Orbisphere K1100
sensor from HACH now monitors DO
continuously in the boiler water feed,
requiring almost no maintenance or
calibration.

33

SUMMER 2016 contracts | products | publications

ILimescale control for hypermarket I33GW of new hydropower
Following the installation of a KalGUARD/CTV water Approximately 33GW of new hydropower capacity was commissioned globally in 2015 (including 2.5GW of
treatment system from Sentinel, a hypermarket in pumped storage), according to a briefing by the International Hydropower Association (IHA), entitled: 2016 Key
Wisbech, Cambridgeshire is expected to save £52,000 Trends in Hydropower.
over the next eight years. The world’s total installed hydropower capacity reached 1,210GW by the end of 2015, with pumped storage
Sentinel’s technology is protecting the store’s making up 145GW of this.
equipment from limescale formation, even in the China is a leading producer of new hydropower and in 2015 its total capacity reached 320GW, according to the
onerous condition of very hard water and high surface China Electricity Council. The country installed 19GW of hydropower in 2015, this was far more than the next
temperatures. The manager of the bakery says that most active countries, Turkey, Brazil and India, which installed 2GW each.
the ovens are the cleanest that he has ever seen, with The IHA briefing also reports increased plant projects nearing completed in Ethiopia, Guinea and Zambia.
no problems with limescale since the water treatment
system was installed. IWater Management Healthcare Estates ILicence application process
KalGUARD is an electrolytic scale inhibitor for conference Those companies and individuals interested in
commercial hot and cold water systems. The device H&V News organised a new conference, Water providing retail water services to businesses in
requires little maintenance as the units zinc anode Management in Healthcare Estates, which took place England were from May this year, able to apply for a
lasts up to 12 years, with servicing required twice a in May this year at the Crowne Plaza, Marlow in licence to do so. Retail services include billing, reading
year. Buckinghamshire. water meters, customer services and advice.
A single 54mm, KalGUARD unit was fitted on the The conference dealt with changing legislation and Currently, only businesses based wholly in England
site's incoming main at ground floor level, that discussed the wider challenges of water management and using more than five megalitres of water per year
feeds the plant room cold water storage tank at roof and infection control to protect patient’s health. can choose their water retailer. However, from April
level. In turn this is boosted to outlets and feeds a Speakers included the principal engineer for facilities 2017, the remaining estimated 1.2 million businesses,
ACV calcifier, which supplies the store's hot water from the Department of Health, Philip Ashcroft and charities and public sector organisations will be able
requirements. the relevant principal inspector from the Health and to stay with their existing supplier or opt for a new
Sentinel’s Calcium Treatment Unit is located at roof Safety Executive, John Newbold, as well as eight other one.
level in the plant room. The treated water feeds the specialists in the field. The new market will be the largest retail water sector
bakery equipment that includes a deck oven, two rack H&V news has pointed out how the importance of in the world at an estimated value of £200 million.
ovens, two provers, one confectionary oven and a instilling best practice in water treatment within Those interested in participating as suppliers will need
dishwasher. hospital and healthcare environments has been to hold a Water Supply Licence or a Water and Sewage
For further information visit: www.sentinelprotects.com emphasised by a number of incidents in the early part Supply Licence.
of the year.
IChemical cleaning pump In March, a maternity unit in Somerset closed after ICleaning up the River Don
A food plant in North Yorkshire had oil coolers a strain of legionella bacteria was found in the water A project in Sheffield, costing £78 million has been
and heat exchangers for pasteurising food that were system. Paulton Birth Centre was shut while NHS completed, and will make the River Don one of the
operating well below their design performance levels. Property Services, which owns the site, carried out cleanest rivers in Britain. The scheme has involved
This was found to be caused by scale and corrosion essential upgrading. A spokesperson said that water the transformation of Yorkshire’s Blackburn Meadows
debris on the water side of several plate heat tanks would be drained and removed after a positive waste water treatment works that is located opposite
exchangers. for legionella in a non-patient area of the unit. Meadowhall shopping centre, which serves about
The problem was resolved by the use of a Kamco This followed an inquest in February into the death 832,000 people in Sheffield and Rotherham. River
Scalebreakers C210 chemical cleaning and descaling of a man from Bath, which found his death from quality has been improved by spending more than
pump, which can be used to clean many types of Legionnaires’ disease at Royal United Hostpital was £40 million on high-tech waster water treatment
heating and cooling equipment without disassembling caused by an infection acquired from the hospital’s processes, this has resulted in the reduction of
them. water supply. ammonia levels in the water being released into
After circulating Scalebreaker FX descaling liquid In January, a Brighton and Sussex hospital trust was the River Don that meet the EU Fresh Water Fish
through an oil cooler for a few hours, the inlet fined £50,000 following an outbreak of Legionnaire’s Directive. Water quality in the river is now believed
pressure had dropped from 29psi to 14psi. Also, the disease in 2011. to be healthier than at any time since the Industrial
flow rate had increased substantially, which showed Revolution.
that the heat exchanger had been very effectively IFOG Fighting The improvements to the sewage plant, originally
cleaned. An organisation for contracts dealing with fats, built in 1884 include the construction of a £23 million
The C210 safely encloses chemicals at all times within oils and grease (FOG) in commercial and industrial anaerobic digestion plant. This process heats sludge
a 125 litre tank, hoses or equipment being descaled, kitchens has been set up in association with British to convert it into a biogas, which is used to generate
minimising fumes, splashes and consequent risk to Water. The Grease Contractors Association (GCA) was much of the site's electricity needs.
operations. formed in February 2016, bringing together specifiers,
Operating the integral flow reverser ensures vigorous installers and maintainers of grease management
and turbulent movement of descaling solutions to systems.
sweep away reaction by-products. The C210 weighs Fats, oil and grease in sewerage networks and
only 25kg (without hoses) so it can be easily carried treatment works can, as all our readers know, cause
by one man. blockages that result in disruption and all expensive
For further information visit: www.kamco.co.uk to deal with.
It is hoped that the new body will help to
IThe Water Hygiene Centre welcomes improve industry standards and produce a better
Bryan Hill understanding of the factors involved in FOG build-up.
We are pleased to announce the arrival
of Bryan Hill and how excited we
are to welcome Bryan to the Water
Hygiene Centre. Bryan has a wealth of
professional knowledge and experience
in water systems and brings with
him over 10 years’ experience in
Legionellosis and water hygiene risk management.

34

contracts | products | publications waterline | THE JOURNAL OF THE WATER MANAGEMENT SOCIETY

IQPointTM Shower Filter Assembly IPictet Water fund ILight dawns for a Cryptosporidium
Pall Medical is pleased to announce the launch of The rising importance of water supply will make it a Problem
QPoint Shower Filter Assembly, the latest addition dominant factor in the future. The global population atg UV Technology, the UK’s leader in ultraviolet
to their Point-of-Use Water Filter product range. continues to rise and it shows no sign of slowing disinfection systems, has been awarded a contract by
The QPoint Shower Filter Assembly combines an down. Trant Engineering, for Portsmouth Water.
ergonomic reuseable, chromed Shower Handle The Pictet Water fund, managed by Arnaud Bisschop The contract covers supply and installation of UV
Docking Station with an exchangeable Filter Capsule. aims specifically to invest in the increasing demand in units for Cryptosporidium inactivation at two water
The Filter Capsule is designed and validated for water-related activity. The idea of a fund investing in treatment works: Eastergate and Westergate. Both are
retention of waterborne microorganisms such as water is not new, in fact a version of the fund has run 20Ml/d borehole works and each site will be provided
Legionella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, non- since 2000. with fully automatic duty and standby atg UV UVLW
tuberculous Mycobacteria, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus Increasing urbanisation across the world creates a 16800 20 UV reactors. The reactors, which are third
fumigatus and Cryptosporidium parvum for up to 62 greater demand for water and there is thus a rising party validated to US EPA UVDGM, feature atg UV’s
days.
QPoint offers an immediate, protective barrier need for water treatment. Also, many of the fastest multi-lamp, high output, ultra-efficient 800 Watt
of double layer 0.2 micron sterilizing grade filtration growing economies have serious problems with Amalgam UV lamps. This is a new technology offering
without water volume restriction. Many features pollution. significant cost savings compared to traditional UV
enable improved product performance including an The fund invests in three types of company: lamps. The contract, which is due for completion
additional, high technology pre-filtration membrane traditional water companies that account for about by mid-2017, will be Portsmouth Water’s first UV
to maintain good flow. Retrograde contamination 40 per cent of the fund; water technology firms, installation.
control is enhanced through the combination of involved in supplying goods and services to the water The required 4-log inactivation of Cryptosporidium
technologies within the Filter Capsule.
QPoint has industry, including pipes, pumps and metering, about will be achieved by a validated UV dose of 40 mJ/
been validated under both laboratory and multi- 50 per cent of the fund; companies that provide cm2, and this will be maintained over the full range of
centre field site conditions. The Filter Capsule reduces environmental services which help to reduce pollution works flow by monitoring UV intensity in each reactor
waste as well as costs and improves logistics at through water treatment and processing industrial and automatically adjusting the dose.
installation. Materials safety and performance has waste. The atg UV UVLW range uses the very latest in
also been achieved through drinking water and food Mr. Bisschop says that if he had not become a fund Amalgam UV Lamp technology and flow efficient,
approvals at the national and international level.
This manager, as his background was in the water industry in-line, L-shaped UV reactors, designed to provide
flexible engineering solution supports the “Water and he trained as an engineer, he would “probably optimum flow distribution and hydraulic performance.
Safety Plan” approach, and enables longer term cover now be down a sewer somewhere”. As one of only a few available products capable of
for high risk areas, immediate coverage under critical treating water with UV transmittance as low as 55%,
contamination scenarios, plus pre-emptive use for IAmphibious drone collects samples the atg UV UVLW range offers a solution for small,
sites undergoing renovation works or for building Unmanned aerial vehicles from the Australian medium and large capacity drinking water and water
commissioning. Emergency hotlines are available for company, Drone Over Water, have been collecting reuse projects.
many countries, enabling rapid response and deliveries water samples from remote sites such as reservoirs, atg UV units for Cryptosporidium inactivation destined
should critical contamination arise.
QPoint Shower chemical spills, tailing dams and ocean oil spills so for Portsmouth Water:
Filter Assembly is a sister product to the QPoint Tap that temperature, PH, conductivity and chemical
Filter Assembly, and joins Pall’s already established reduction-oxidation can be tested. For more information, please visit:
range of Pall-AquasafeTM and Kleenpak WaterTM Point- The amphibious drones are flown by pilots but are www.atguv.com/UVLW
of-Use Water Filters. For those customers facing also capable of flying autonomously to a programmed
logistics, cost and waste reduction objectives, QPoint GPS position. They can reach any specific depth, test IHydro International acquisition
delivers an attractive option for appropriate user the sample on board and transmit the data remotely. Hydro International has acquired the assets of
groups. Dan Squire, the company’s founder, said: “When you Californian based M2 Renewables Inc., increasing
For further information on QPoint please visit: lower it to a certain level, the attachment opens up, its range of water treatment technologies by
www.pall.com/medical takes a water sample, closes and flies the sample incorporating the M2R®MicroScreen™ rotating belt
back”. screening system. The MicroScreen™ changes the
ICoal a threat to water resources character of waste and industrial process water at the
The world’s freshwater resources could be further initial stage of the treatment, reducing energy and
depleted if plans for hundreds of new coal power chemical requirements. Industrial applications include:
plants worldwide come to fruition, threatening food processing in beef, poultry, vegetables, fisheries,
severe droughts, according to a new Greenpeace dairies; breweries and wineries; tanneries; pulp and
International report. paper production.
The report is the first global study of the coal For further information visit: www.hydro-int.com/
industry’s current and future water consumption. microscreen
Also identified are the religions that are already in
water deficit, where existing and proposed coal fuelled
plants would increase the rate of water resources
depletion.
Globally, the 8,359 existing coal power plants already
consume enough water to meet the basic water needs
of 1 billion people.

IDyson blows more bugs
Using a Dyson Airblade hand dryer spreads 60 times more
bugs than an old warm-air model and 1,300 times more
than paper towels. Medical researchers at the University of
Westminster dipped their hands in water infected with a
harmless virus before drying them and measuring the spray. The results of the research were published in
the Journal of Applied Microbiology.
The company Dyson issued a statement saying that the research was in “unrealistic” conditions.

35

SUMMER 2016 event report

THE CHALLENGES INVOLVED WITH TESTING CHLORINE DIOXIDE
ASSOCIATED OXIDANTS IN COMBATING LEGIONELLA & PSEUDOMONAS

by Natasha Page (SUEZ Water Conditioning Services UK) & Tom Lendrem (Palintest)

With current water treatment guidance water samples from trial installations extending quantify chlorate.
emphasising the need to not only control chlorine over several weeks.” (Interpretations and Advice
dioxide with such a chemical treatment regime, Regulation 3(2)). This can be carried out by Amperometric benchtop titrations are the first
but the total oxidants chlorine dioxide, chlorite chlorine dioxide generator manufacturers via in option, which are based upon iodide chemistry for
and chlorate, it solicits the question – ‘can this house laboratories where they have access to a chlorite but are not suitable for field analysis and
guidance realistically be followed?’ This article wealth of advanced analytical equipment but it especially not for non-technical operators.
summarises the options available and shows the is not possible for the operator on site once any Alternatively, direct amperometric measurements
impracticality, both physically and technically, in new dosing equipment has been commissioned. are possible, either using on line analysers
complying with such guidelines. (where the testing requirements warrant the
DPD chemistry investment) or using a portable patented method
Guidance and Standards The DPD N,N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine utilising disposable sensors. Both of the portable
Health technical memorandum, HTM 04-01, method developed by Dr Palin in the 1950s methods can take time to carry out the chlorite
published in 2006, recommends DPD no 1 has been the defacto standard method for measurement (between 7 and 15 minutes).
tablets can be used to measure total oxidants - onsite water oxidant analyses. With increasing In fact there are no portable practical field based
chlorine dioxide, chlorite and chlorate (section accuracy of photometers this allows ClO2 to be test solutions for measuring chlorate levels, which
2.100); which as explained below is not possible. measured to detection limits of 0.02mg/l on is supported by key water testing manufacturers.
The consultation draft revision of the new most instruments. The organic molecule under a Degassing with pressurised nitrogen on site and
memorandum, due to be released later this year, buffered pH reacts with many oxidising agents sending to a laboratory is the best option but is
will have had this technically incorrect paragraph to produce ‘Wurster red’ giving the familiar pink unpractical with associated Health and Safety and
removed and will align with HSG274 Part 2 coloured sample with intensity at low levels (< cost issues.
(2014) for advice on testing the three oxidants. 10mg/l as ClO2) proportional to reacted oxidant.
Through manipulating the testing procedure Conclusions
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance it is possible to either remove/interchange Key water treatment guidance documents direct
references monthly and annual checks of total interfering oxidants or detect further oxidants. us to measuring chlorine dioxide, chlorite and
oxidants but there is an unfortunate mix of This is useful in that it allows us to remove chlorate as part of a chlorine dioxide chemical
expressive terms in the document, relating to background chlorine for example, with glycine, treatment. In a laboratory, ion chromatography
total oxidants and chlorite. This results in those and hence measure chlorine dioxide chemical could determine all the species. Practically, with
trying to follow and apply the guidance in some additions alone. Chlorate is one such oxidising the chemistry of the oxidants and breakdown
confusion as to whether the chlorate has been chemical that cannot be detected via DPD products changing from the point of taking
lost as a test parameter or not, and if the term chemistry. Chlorite can theoretically be detected the sample, we could only ever get an accurate
total oxidant is now being used to just cover via difference through several different steps result if there was a laboratory located in every
chlorite. involving acidification and neutralisation of the plant room and domestic outlet. Whilst new
test sample as defined by Palin and adopted into technologies allow us to test more accurately
Interestingly, disinfection via chlorine does not the Standard Committee of Analysts ‘Blue Book’ for chlorine dioxide and chlorite we still have no
recommend that these ions are tested, regardless methods (HMSO publication 2008). means to measure chlorate. It is not feasible or
of the fact that chlorate and chlorite ions can practical to follow HSG274 guidance for such
also be formed during the slow decomposition of This method can be inaccurate for measuring testing, and it is suggested that close control
sodium hypochlorite solutions. chlorite levels. Suez Water Conditioning Services of ClO2 levels and maintenance of generating
UK’s labs have tested four different chlorine equipment conversion efficiencies is sufficient to
With chlorite and chlorate as disinfection dioxide generators and laboratory samples as per comply with national regulations.
by-products and evidence by World Health manufacturer’s instructions. During a test method
Organisation (WHO) showing that these species evaluation the result was seen as negative on An alternative approach could be for industry to
cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, it each occasion, which was most likely due to the adopt the standards defined by the US EPA for
is apparent why they are given some status. EDLs being scaled up in the formula by difference. public drinking water supplies. Whilst they do
However WHO set individual chlorite limits at It should also be noted that even chlorine dioxide operate a chlorate limit, they have separate limits
0.7mg/l and chlorate at 0.7mg/l. (summary determination using DPD is no longer listed for chlorine dioxide and chlorite. Both of which
statement 12.24). HSE guidance is obligated to as an AWWA/APHA standard method for the must be monitored daily if chlorine dioxide is
refer to national requirements, using Drinking examination of Water and Wastewater as of the used as a disinfectant, thus reducing the burden
Water Inspectorate (DWI) and Water Regulations 21st edition (published 2005, method reference on operators in getting expensive external tests
Advisory Scheme (WRAS) guidance. However, 4500-ClO2 method D), primarily over concerns carried out for chlorate, and allowing them to
the HSE takes this further by recommending the about chlorite interference. make real time decisions based on portable test
onsite testing of these parameters for private methods for chlorine dioxide and chlorite.
users, although Regulation 31 of the Water Supply Other test options
Regulations 2000 only covers from the source Regardless of how the above standards are
of the water up to the point of delivery to the interpreted by the facility, water treatment
consumers building. There is no requirement for company, ClO2 generation equipment producer
chlorate or chlorite in Schedule 1 or 2 of the and water test kit manufacturer, it is quite
Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations. WHO clear that DPD chemistry cannot cover all the
limits are considered to be valid for Regulation 4. requirements of the DWI and therefore the HSE
guidelines.
WRAS states “there should be evidence
demonstrating that the 0.5 mg/l concentration Electrochemical methods are an alternative and
of chlorine dioxide, chlorate and chlorite is not fall into two categories. Both approaches can
exceeded. This would require chemical analysis, accurately determine chlorite levels in water as
for chlorine dioxide, chlorites and chlorates, of well as chlorine dioxide, however neither can

36

chair's report waterline | THE JOURNAL OF THE WATER MANAGEMENT SOCIETY

WMSoc – Letter from the Chair

Elise Maynard - July 2016

This is my final letter as Chair of WMSoc and the The Training Committee will work to fill income in 2015 increased by 7.7% and training
two years have flown by in a flurry of marketing current courses and develop new, where gaps in course income increased by 39%. Total capital
and microbiology – I’m sure many of you will requirements are noted: reserves were £170,173, an increase of 20% on
breathe a sigh of relief as Colin Shekleton takes 2014. A £3 per member donation will be given
over the wheel to steer the Society smoothly on • Continually revise, manage & update to charity again this year, but we would welcome
its route onwards and upwards! The Directors courses; the new Sentencing guidelines and suggestions as to which organization this should
are also busily involved with the top-level HTM 04-01 have been included, HSG 274 be. We are also looking at ways that we can
management of the Society as it grows, under the part 4 updates will be available as soon as support members to attend events via a grant
watchful eye of our Honorary Secretary, Sue Pipe. the guidance is published. system.

The 2016 strategy was reported to members in • Develop new courses dependent on industry Council
January’s Waterline and follows on from last year requirements; WMSoc has links on the Council members retiring in rotation who were
successes: BSRIA website which is driving traffic for prepared to offer themselves for re-election
closed systems training, swimming pool & were: David Harper, Dean Francis, Giles Green and
“To maintain and increase membership by adding spa training links are being explored. David Bebbington. Two resignations from Council
value without compromising service quality.” were received: Simon Atkins and Ian Penney, who
• Website course introductions & web-based kindly offered his position to allow new members
With regard to current membership there are 974 (refresher) learning, tutor profiles added to join. We are delighted to welcome Graham
full members and 32 temporary. and short webinars are being prepared. Thompson back; he has been hugely active on
behalf of the Society through his activities with
The Membership Committee will develop • Continue to provide opportunities for CPD. the Technical committee. We are also very happy
successes from 2015: to have Howard Barnes joining us; he has also been
Waterline will publish and manage a dedicated working hard in the background with the Rapid
• Continued networking at relevant/ website: Microbiology Industry Liaison Group.
sponsored events; WMSoc were invited
to events held by RSPH, CSCA, NASHiCS, • Continue to source high quality, relevant Fellows
ICorr, BIFM and IHEEM, as well as a number articles; we have had hugely positive Any member of the Society who has been a
of industry sponsored conferences. These member feedback both in person and on Full Member for a minimum of 10 years and,
were all reported in subsequent editions of social media with increasing requests for an in the opinion of the Council has made major
Waterline. on-line version. contributions to the activities of the Society or
to the industrial/commercial application of water
• Work together with CPD & Waterline sub- • Engage with other industry bodies to may be invited to accept the grade of Fellow. This
committees; articles, questions and answers provide updates; articles have been included award was made to three members this year: Colin
are published in each issue of Waterline. from WRAS, UKAS, PWTAG, ISPE, LCA and Frayne, Dean Francis and Dave Shippey.
CSCA.
• Continue to develop membership grades; I would like to thank the hard-working voluntary
quarterly strategy meetings are chaired • Develop opportunities to acquire CPD Directors, Officers and Members of Council as well
by Colin Shekleton with strong member points; articles and answers to CPD as the Secretariat, for their continual input into a
engagement. questions are being written by members, very successful and well-respected Society.
with an increasing interest from university
• Monitor member applications & feedback; students. I am looking forward to supporting our new
new applications are now reviewed monthly Chairman during his first year and please continue
due to the rise in numbers, these meetings • Develop an advertising pack; this has been to communicate with us regarding how we can
are chaired by Dean Francis. created and substantial discounts are help you - our members.
available for inclusion on the website.
The Technical Committee will continue to 37
provide access to refreshed technical papers The Events Sub-Committee will deliver
at reduced fees for members and report back dedicated WMSoc conferences and partner with
on their activities with other relevant industry other organisations:
bodies:
• Deliver 3 events in 2016; Rapid
• Monitor feedback from industry regarding Microbiology, Dec 2015, London. BSI/
new technical initiatives; an updated SCI, March 2016, London. “Grey” 2 day
WMSoc Dental guidance will be uploaded Conference and AGM, June 2016, Coventry.
for members and an upgraded access Rapid Microbiology II, 24th Nov 2016,
to Barbour has been provided to the London.
Secretariat. Partner Events; H&V News, IHEEM and
Spatex.
• Provide industry feedback on HTM 04-01
rewrite; this was issued 20th May 2016 Finances
with WMSoc acknowledged. Financial reporting goes from strength to strength
and my sincere thanks go to both Jake and to
• Maintain positive engagement with HSE, Andy Dobbins who provide valuable analytics to
PHE & BSI; we have new representatives help track the Society’s progress. WMSoc has a
from HSE involved in WMSoc working healthy reserve and it is my delight to hand the
parties & discounting for BSI is in progress, task over to Colin to devise new ways to reinvest
awaiting their website upgrade. HSE & PHE into member benefits and he certainly is the best
continue to support WMSoc initiatives & man for that job, with his successful chairmanship
events. of the membership committee.

• Provide industry-relevant feedback on Andy Dobbins presented the financial report for
rapid microbiological methods; HSE year ending 31st December 2015. Net surplus in
representatives are now on the working 2015 was £10,741, which has enabled many of
party. the activities reported on earlier to go ahead.
Compared to 2014, membership subscription

SUMMER 2016 industry updates

INDUSTRY UPDATES

Legionella Control Association News BACS

Due to an increase in auditing all LCA members annually instead of every 2 years, Brexit, BACS and the BPR
The EU Biocidal Products Regulations (BPR) have
LCA are very pleased to announce the recruitment been at the top of the discussion topics for BACS
members for the last 18 months. As we rapidly
Legionella of 2 new skilled and knowledgeable assessors, approach the date when biocidal products being
Control Mike Quest and John Newbold. This now brings used for water treatment applications will require
Association LCA assessor group to 11 assessors headed by individual registration with the HSE it is as yet still unclear what the procedure
2 Assessor Co-ordinators, John Alvey and John will be, what data will be required and, maybe more importantly, what the
KEEPING WATER SYSTEMS SAFE cost will be. Brexit may well have an influence on how these regulations are
implemented and BACS intends to be at the forefront of discussions to minimise
Lindeman. Annual auditing begins on 1st July 2016 during the 2016/2017 any detrimental effects that BPR implementation may have on the industrial
water treatment sector.
registration year.
BACS Water Treatment Group meetings are held quarterly and any company
The annual LCA Open Day will be held at Drayton Manor Hotel, Tamworth on wishing to keep abreast of the possible implications of BPR to their products or
services are welcome to approach the chairman of the group for any updates on
18th October 2016 and programme will be finalised soon. This customary event is the position.

open to non-LCA members as well as LCA Members.

Lorraine Medcalf has taken over from John Newbold who retired recently as the

HSE representative on the LCA committee. HSE’s participation in LCA committee

meetings is to further knowledge of and guidance for the control of legionella in

water systems and to ensure the LCA participates in consultation and task groups

concerned with legionella related matters.

A poll was carried out amongst LCA members and there were 7 nominations

to join the LCA committee as an independent member (not provided by BACS

or WMSoc). Nick Barsby of ALS attained the most votes and will join the LCA Change at PWTAG

committee at the next meeting in July 2016. Thirty years on from its inception, PWTAG is making some important

The Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers (ISPE) organisational changes. The election of Janice POOL WATER TREATMENT
Calvert as chair and Ralph Riley as vice-chair ADVISORY GROUP
ISPE Workshop at SPATEX 2017 at last month’s AGM signalled a new emphasis
Plans are well underway for the ISPE Workshop
programme at SPATEX 2017. The ISPE Workshop on boosting membership and increasing the
programme has become an integral part of the
three day event at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry independent organisation’s influence in the pool
(which will run from Tuesday 31st January
sector.
until Thursday 2nd February) and the free-to-enter Workshops offer something
for everybody from all areas of the pool and spa trade, both domestic and One key to this is a contract with TC Media, the Tamworth-based company
commercial. 2017 sees the 21st anniversary of SPATEX and the ISPE is planning who already handle the administration of the Water Management Society and
an innovative, informative and interesting technical programme for the benefit of Legionella Control Association. TC Media will take over the coordination of
all visitors. PWTAG’s work – meetings, book-keeping, website, social media, membership
See www.ispe.co.uk or www.spatex.co.uk for more details. etc. This will free up the current technical secretary, Brian Guthrie, to focus on
editorial work.
ISPE-endorsed Pool Plant Operator Training
Two day ISPE endorsed Pool & Spa Plant Operators course Top of the editorial list is a new edition of PWTAG’s authoritative book,
July 25th & 26th Rochester, Kent Swimming Pool Water: treatment and quality standards for pools and spas. But
August 9th & 10th Bexhill-on-sea, East Sussex before this is published, around the end of this year, work must continue on
August 15th & 16th Kidderminster, West Mids. updating PWTAG’s online code of practice so that it marries with planned new
Three day ISPE endorsed Pool & Spa Plant Operators course Health & Safety Executive guidance. PWTAG’s technical notes will continue to
Guildford in October, dates to be confirmed. appear online; one on gassing incidents is out now. Beyond that there are plans
for a pocket swimming pool book.
Revalidation
All certificate holders of Pool & Spa Plant Operation can revalidate their All this emphasises the need for PWTAG to extend its influence, both through
qualification by attending the last day of any course. its membership and beyond. TC Media will be closely involved in this. PWTAG is
Legionnaires awareness seminar planning to revise the scope of its membership. New categories will be introduced
Gloucester in October 2016, date to be confirmed. and membership widened. Its initiatives in the training field will continue, and the
For more details: contact Allen Wilson on 07885 615547 or by email at: Poolmark badge of excellence will be promoted vigorously.
info@studiesinwork.co.uk
This is Janice Calvert’s second term as chair, after a three-year-gap. She is clear
For further details about ISPE, including membership, student membership, that this is an important time for PWTAG, and the industry. ‘It is pretty well
publications, seminars and workshops, contact ross@ispe.co.uk, see our website, known how good pools should be managed. Clearly new developments must
www.ispe.co.uk or telephone 01603 499959. be assessed, but if more or less traditional standards of hydraulics, filtration
and disinfection were applied throughout the industry, swimmers would be
guaranteed a good, safe experience. So we will redouble our efforts to spread the
word. And involving the industry in our work is key to that. Our industry forum,
now in its third year, is working well and is an approach we want to develop
further.’

ISO/TC 147/SC 4 “MICROBIOLOGICAL METHODS”

The Water Management Society were invited to attend the interim group meetings of ISO/TC 147/SC 4 “MICROBIOLOGICAL METHODS” 25th - 28th APRIL 2016 at
BSI, London, UK. The working groups comprised: WG 2 Coliforms, WG 10 Legionella (Revision ISO 11731 and ISO 11731-2), WG 14 Campylobacter (Revision ISO
17995), WG 17 Legionella PCR (Revision ISO/TS 12869), WG 20 Enumeration (Revision ISO 8199), WG 21 Validation (Revision ISO/TR 13843), WG 22 Quality control of
membrane filters (Revision ISO 7704), WG 23 Pseudomonas (Revision ISO 16266).
If members require any further information regarding any of these working groups, please contact admin@wmsoc.org.uk.

38

accredited training
waterline | THE JOURNAL OF THE WATER MANAGEMENT SOCIETY
Legionella Training for Operators,feature article
Responsible Persons & Dutyholders

WEDNESDAY 10TH AUGUST 2016
& WEDNESDAY 12TH OCTOBER 2016

This City & Guilds accredited course is for those requiring introductory
knowledge on the main aspects of legionella and Legionnaires’ disease.

It covers the background, history, microbiology and legislation relating to NCeoJw-oTBbuhyotnoldred
legionella and Legionnaires’ disease, and gives information on managing risk
and how to comply with health & safety regulations.

INCLUDES ASSESSMENT IN THE PRACTICAL TRAINING AREA

• ESSENTIAL FOR DUTYHOLDERS, RESPONSIBLE PERSONS
AND THOSE IN CHARGE OF WATER SYSTEMS

• AN INVALUABLE BASIC LEVEL COURSE IN LEGIONELLA AWARENESS

• INCLUDES TEMPORARY MEMBERSHIP TO THE WATER MANAGEMENT
SOCIETY AND ALLOWS YOU ACCESS TO MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

For more information on this course, other training and details of how to book
01827 289558 @ training@wmsoc.org.uk www.wmsoc.org.uk/training

TRAINING COURSE PROGRAMME AUTUMN 2016

WHERE INDICATED COURSES USE WMSoc’s PRACTICAL TRAINING AREA

Wednesday 31st August Pseudomonas Training: Managing and Controlling the Risk in Water Systems
Tuesday 6th September Cleaning and Disinfection
Tuesday 13th September Cooling and Boiler Water Chemistry - PART 1
Wednesday 14th September Cooling Water Chemistry (follow on)*
Tuesday 20th September Practical Legionella Risk Assessment**
Thursday 22nd September Landlords and Letting Agents Legionella Risk Assessment Training
Tuesday 27th September Basic Legionella Risk Assessment of Water Systems
Wednesday 5th October Managing the Risk of Legionella in Cooling Tower Systems
Wednesday 12th October Legionella Training for Dutyholders and Responsible Persons incorporating L8
Tuesday 18th October Temperature Monitoring, Sampling and Inspection of Water Systems for Technicians
Wednesday 19th October Landlords and Letting Agents Legionella Risk Assessment Training
Wednesday 26th October Foundation Course in Water Treatment Chemistry
Wednesday 2nd November Legionella Risk Assessment in Cooling Systems
Tuesday 15th November Cleaning and Disinfection
Wednesday 16th November Management and Control of Closed Systems
Tuesday 22nd November Practical Legionella Risk Assessment**
Wednesday 23rd November Basic Legionella Risk Assessment of Water Systems
Tuesday 29th November Landlords and Letting Agents Legionella Risk Assessment Training

Book your training course online www.wmsoc.org.uk
Call 01827 289558 Email training@wmsoc.org.uk

It is suggested that training should be refreshed on a regular basis; the recommended interval is every 2 years. WMSoc’s revamped training modules, using the Practical Training Area (PTA), give delegates the 39
opportunity to prove an ability to follow instructions and demonstrate competence to a satisfactory level under test conditions. Anyone who attended WMSoc courses more than 2 years ago would benefit
from attending a course currently shown on the programme to refresh their training.

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40 LEG_CONF30_A5_AD.indd 1 12/07/2016 16:57

feawtuwrewa.trotiwcleersystems.co.uk waterline | THE JOURNAL OF THE WATER MANAGEMENT SOCIETY

The Cooling Tower Specialists

Stay cool, we’re on top of it.

Cooling Tower Compliance and
Operational Inspections

It is essential to ensure evaporative cooling
towers and condensers are correctly and
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274 Part 1 and CIBSE TM13:2013). Tower
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41

SUMMER 2016 www.wmsoc.org.uk

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#HCEstates16 09.40 Welcome & Introduction from WMSoc 09.40 How to make real water savings and
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We ensure your PrimeLab gives you years of service.

UPDATE PrimeLab & Trace Dye Technology. See our website for more details:

www.watertreatmentproducts.co.uk

Water Test Kits Email us
today for a
• Single Parameter Test Kits FREE Yes/No
• Engineers System Specific Kits
• Chemical Specific Test Kits Mini Kit*

For Water Treatment Products chemicals

• Dipslides & Meters
• Enquire about our best sellers -

Closed System and Chlorine Dioxide
Test Kits

Economical - we can supply kits along with normal chemical
supplies, thereby eliminating duplication of delivery costs.

Contact us:
Tel: 01495 792790
Email: sales@watertreatmentproducts.co.uk
www.watertreatmentproducts.co.uk

*Maximum of 1 kit per company

You wouldn’t risk infection here... ...so why risk it here?

For further information or to order please call: Markwik21
0870 122 8822 or visit www.idealspec.co.uk
Total Disinfection Control
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