The Blue Drop Incentive-based Regulation (programme) was introduced in 2008 by the Department of Water Affairs (DWA) with the aim of maintaining and improving drinking water quality in South Africa. The programme is being implemented in order to protect consumers from water services providers who might not act in the interest of the public. For some years the confidence level of the public regarding the quality of drinking water in South Africa has not been at the desired level. The programme involves annual assessment of water services authorities by the DWA. In order for water services authorities to be awarded the Blue Drop status they are required to comply 95% in terms of the criteria used in the assessments. During the first and second years of Blue Drop assessments a number of municipalities chose not to be assessed but quite a few achieved the Blue Drop status nationally. It is against this background that the researcher undertook a study to determine how water services employees in municipalities perceive the Blue Drop programme. To achieve the study objective the mixed method involving quantitative and qualitative methodologies was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with supervisors and management while water treatment works employees completed a survey questionnaire. The qualitative and quantitative data analysis brought to light the following core findings: * The Blue Drop programme has the support of the overwhelming majority of employees who participated in the research. They perceive the programme as an inspiration for improved performance of the water services function in municipalities. * There is a lack of or poor understanding of the water sector legal framework including the Blue Drop assessment criteria by some participating employees. * There is a perceived lack of management and political leadership involvement and support for the water service function. Although the Blue Drop programme has been reported to be an excellent intervention by nearly all the participants, there are certain aspects that can be improved and are dealt with in the last chapter of the mini-dissertation. / Thesis (M Development and Management)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012

The Blue Drop Incentive-based Regulation (programme) was introduced in 2008 by the Department of Water Affairs (DWA) with the aim of maintaining and improving drinking water quality in South Africa. The programme is being implemented in order to protect consumers from water services providers who might not act in the interest of the public. For some years the confidence level of the public regarding the quality of drinking water in South Africa has not been at the desired level. The programme involves annual assessment of water services authorities by the DWA. In order for water services authorities to be awarded the Blue Drop status they are required to comply 95% in terms of the criteria used in the assessments. During the first and second years of Blue Drop assessments a number of municipalities chose not to be assessed but quite a few achieved the Blue Drop status nationally. It is against this background that the researcher undertook a study to determine how water services employees in municipalities perceive the Blue Drop programme. To achieve the study objective the mixed method involving quantitative and qualitative methodologies was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with supervisors and management while water treatment works employees completed a survey questionnaire. The qualitative and quantitative data analysis brought to light the following core findings: * The Blue Drop programme has the support of the overwhelming majority of employees who participated in the research. They perceive the programme as an inspiration for improved performance of the water services function in municipalities. * There is a lack of or poor understanding of the water sector legal framework including the Blue Drop assessment criteria by some participating employees. * There is a perceived lack of management and political leadership involvement and support for the water service function. Although the Blue Drop programme has been reported to be an excellent intervention by nearly all the participants, there are certain aspects that can be improved and are dealt with in the last chapter of the mini-dissertation. / Thesis (M Development and Management)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012

This dissertation consists of four papers concerning impacts of zinc orthophosphate (ZOP) inhibitor on iron, copper and lead release in a changing water quality environment. The mechanism of zinc orthophosphate corrosion inhibition in drinking water municipal and home distribution systems and the role of zinc were investigated. Fourteen pilot distribution systems (PDSs) which were identical and consisted of increments of PVC, lined cast iron, unlined cast iron and galvanized steel pipes were used in this study. Changing quarterly blends of finished ground, surface and desalinated waters were fed into the pilot distribution systems over a one year period. Zinc orthophosphate inhibitor at three different doses was applied to three PDSs. Water quality and iron, copper and lead scale formation was monitored for the one year study duration. The first article describes the effects of zinc orthophosphate (ZOP) corrosion inhibitor on surface characteristics of iron corrosion products in a changing water quality environment. Surface compositions of iron surface scales for iron and galvanized steel coupons incubated in different blended waters in the presence of ZOP inhibitor were investigated using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) / Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Based on surface characterization, predictive equilibrium models were developed to describe the controlling solid phase and mechanism of ZOP inhibition and the role of zinc for iron release. The second article describes the effects of zinc orthophosphate (ZOP) corrosion inhibitor on total iron release in a changing water quality environment. Development of empirical models as a function of water quality and ZOP inhibitor dose for total iron release and mass balances analysis for total zinc and total phosphorus data provided insight into the mechanism of ZOP corrosion inhibition regarding iron release in drinking water distribution systems. The third article describes the effects of zinc orthophosphate (ZOP) corrosion inhibitor on total copper release in a changing water quality environment. Empirical model development was undertaken for prediction of total copper release as a function of water quality and inhibitor dose. Thermodynamic models for dissolved copper based on surface characterization of scale that were generated on copper coupons exposed to ZOP inhibitor were also developed. Surface composition was determined by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The fourth article describes the effects of zinc orthophosphate (ZOP) corrosion inhibitor on total lead release in a changing water quality environment. Surface characterization of lead scale on coupons exposed to ZOP inhibitor by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) was utilized to identify scale composition. Development of thermodynamic model for lead release based on surface analysis results provided insight into the mechanism of ZOP inhibition and the role of zinc.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of man-made contaminants of increasing human health concern due to their resistance to degradation, widespread occurrence in the environment, bioaccumulation in human and animal organ tissue, and potential negative health impacts. Drinking water is suspected to be a primary source of human PFAS exposure, so the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has set interim and final health advisories for several PFAS species that are applicable to municipal water supplies. However, private drinking water supplies may be uniquely vulnerable to PFAS contamination, as these systems are not subject to EPA regulation and often include limited treatment prior to use for drinking or cooking. The goal of this study was to determine the incidence of PFAS contamination in private drinking water supplies in two counties in Southwest Virginia (Floyd and Roanoke), and to examine the potential for reliance on citizen-science based strategies for sample collection in subsequent broader sampling efforts. Samples for inorganic ions, bacteria, and PFAS analysis were collected on separate occasions by homeowners and experts at the home drinking water point of use (POU) in 10 Roanoke and 10 Floyd County homes for comparison. Experts also collected an outside tap PFAS sample. At least one PFAS compound was detected in 76% of POU samples collected (n=60), with an average total PFAS concentration of 23.5 parts per trillion (ppt). PFOA and PFOS, which are currently included in EPA health advisories, were detected in 13% and 22% of POU samples, respectively. Of the 31 PFAS species targeted, 15 were detected in at least one sample. On average, a single POU sample contained approximately 3 PFAS, and one sample contained as many as 8 different species, indicating that exposure to PFAS in complex mixtures is worth noting. Although there were significant differences in total PFAS concentrations between expert and homeowner collected samples (Wilcoxon, alpha = 0.05), it is unclear whether this difference was due to contamination by the collector or the water usage and time of day of sampling (i.e. morning, afternoon). It is worth noting that there was no significant difference in the number of PFAS species in the samples collected by homeowners and experts. Given the considerable variation in PFAS detections between homes, future studies reliant on homeowner collection of samples appears possible given proper training and instruction to collect at the same time of day (i.e. first thing in the morning). / Master of Science / Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) belong to a large family of manmade compounds that are commonly used in a variety of household and consumer products due to their unique water and stain resistant properties. PFAS compounds are not easily broken down in the environment and have been detected globally in air, soil, and water samples. In addition to their environmental detections, PFAS are slow to be removed from the body after ingestion and known to cause negative health effects in concentrations less than one part per trillion. Drinking water is considered to a main source of PFAS consumption for humans; as such, the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has set strict, but not legally binding, interim and final health advisories (HA) for four types of PFAS. However, these health advisories only apply to public water services and do not cover private drinking water systems, such as wells or springs, which are the full responsibility of the well owner. Private drinking water system users often do not treat their water before drinking which may make these systems uniquely vulnerable to PFAS contamination. This study focused on 20 total homes, 10 in Roanoke County and 10 in Floyd County to see if PFAS was present and to determine whether or not homeowners would be able to collect their own samples for PFAS analysis at home as accurately as researchers or experts with proper instructions. Homeowners and experts collected drinking water samples inside at a point of use (POU), usually at a kitchen faucet, and outside of the home, usually from a tap. PFAS were present in 76% (n=60) of POU samples, with an average combined concentration of 23.5 parts per trillion (ppt). The two most well studied PFAS, PFOA and PFOS were detected in 13% and 22% of POU samples, respectively. It was also common to detect at least 3 PFAS in a single sample. Although there were differences in total average concentrations of PFAS in samples collected by homeowners and experts, variation could be caused by several factors indicating that with proper training and instruction it is likely future studies could still rely on homeowners to collect samples for PFAS analysis.

There are rural residents of Central Appalachia that collect their drinking water from roadside springs despite having access to in-home piped point-of-use (POU) water. Residents have cited perceptions about water availability/quality as primary motivators for collecting drinking water from roadside springs. Water from roadside springs has been found to contain total coliform and E. coli, suggesting that consumers may be at an increased risk of contracting gastrointestinal illnesses. This research effort seeks to better understand roadside spring usage in Central Appalachia, by exploring motivations influencing potable water source selection and comparing household and spring water quality to Safe Drinking Water Act recommendations. Households were recruited from communities surrounding springs in three states (Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia). 24 tap water samples were collected from participating households and paired with samples from six roadside springs. Samples were analyzed for fecal indicator bacteria and inorganic ions. Study participants also completed short surveys to inventory their perceptions of their household drinking water. The majority of participants did not trust their home tap water, indicating water aesthetics as primary motivators for distrust of their homer water source. Statistical comparisons indicated that 10 water quality constituents (Cd, F, NO3-, Cu, Pb, Ag, Mn, Zn, Na, and Sr) were significantly higher in tap water samples and four constituents (total coliform, U, Al, and SO2-4) were significantly higher in spring samples. These results suggest that residents might be exposed to different risks based on their drinking water source and that water quality solutions must be devised case-by-case. / Master of Science / Some rural residents of Central Appalachia collect their drinking water from roadside springs, despite having access to piped drinking water at their homes. Water collected from roadside springs can contain harmful bacteria, suggesting that people may risk exposure to illness when consuming spring water. Through a household water quality study, this research effort aims to compare roadside spring and in-home tap water quality in order to determine what contaminants are present at each source, and why residents are choosing spring water over tap water. Households were recruited from communities surrounding roadside springs in three states (Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia). A total of 24 tap water samples were collected from participating households, and compared with samples from six nearby roadside springs. Samples were analyzed for bacteria, metals, and nutrients. Study participants were also asked to complete short surveys to better understand their perceptions of their drinking water sources. The majority of participants did not trust their home tap water, citing aesthetic concerns as the primary reason behind their distrust. When comparing roadside spring and home samples, 10 contaminants (Cd, F, NO3-, Cu, Pb, Ag, Mn, Zn, Na, and Sr) had greater concentrations in home tap water samples and four (total coliform, U, Al, and SO2- 4) had greater concentrations in spring samples. While home water samples had higher levels of metals, roadside spring samples had higher levels of bacteria, suggesting that residents might be exposed to different risks based on water source and that water quality solutions must be developed case-by-case.

In low-resource contexts, household-level point-of-use water treatment (POUWT) techniques are the final, and sometimes only, barrier against waterborne illnesses, and in these and other water-related applications, health risks can be quantified using one of two methods. Firstly, Escherichia coli (or other indicator organism) counts can be used to monitor water and determine adherence to a health-based limit (i.e. compliance monitoring). Secondly, E. coli can be used to conduct a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA), indicating the level of protection conferred by a given POUWT device by spiking test water with E. coli to ascertain a reduction efficacy relative to that target organism, a process referred to as challenge testing, which is typically carried out in a laboratory context. Although both methods are well established, both have scope for improvement for effective field application in low-resource contexts. Regarding compliance monitoring, I assessed the performance of a new low-cost field kit for E. coli enumeration, which was designed by others. I also assessed the feasibility of re-using some disposable materials, in terms of sterility and mechanical wear. The use of the new low-cost field kit was successful during the fieldwork campaign; however, re-using disposable materials introduced a relatively high occurrence of false positive results during E. coli enumeration. Use of the new low-cost field kit can reduce financial barriers, thus enabling greater water quality testing coverage. Regarding challenge testing, the aim of this study was to adapt current protocols to assess the household performance (as opposed to laboratory performance) of POUWT techniques. I developed a conceptual framework to conduct Field Challenge Tests (FCT’s) on POUWT techniques, using a probiotic health supplement containing E. coli as the challenge organism. I successfully carried out a FCT in Malawi with limited resources, verifying FCT viability. Applications of such FCT’s include quality control practices for manufactured devices, guiding QMRA and recommendations by public health organizations regarding POU device selection, and assessing the impact of user training programmes regarding POUWT techniques. / Graduate

ABSTRACT DRINKING WATER QUALITY IN ANKARA: A MONITORING STUDY Tezce, G&ouml / zde MS, Department of Environmental Engineering Supervisor: Prof. Dr. &Uuml / lk&uuml / Yetis Co-Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Filiz B. Dilek December 2010, 124 pages Following the event of severe drought experienced in 2007, it was decided to use Kesikk&ouml / pr&uuml / Reservoir as an additional source of water supply for the city of Ankara. Thereupon, there have been debates on the quality of Kesikk&ouml / pr&uuml / Reservoir water with the claims that some parameters, primarily sulfate and arsenic, were not complying with the quality standards and therefore there was a threat to public health. This study aims to determine whether the water quality in the distribution network in Ankara exceeds water quality standards, and to assess the status of water quality of Ankara. To this end, monthly samples were collected from 24 districts as distribution network water and also from the Kesikk&ouml / pr&uuml / Reservoir as source water, and were monitored in terms of certain water quality parameters during the period of July 2008 through June 2009. Sulfate concentration in Kesikk&ouml / pr&uuml / Reservoir water was measured as 300-500 mg/l and this high sulfate concentration in the source water led to high sulfate values in distribution system. On the other hand, the arsenic concentration in Kesikk&ouml / pr&uuml / water was analyzed between 9-11 &micro / g/l which is lower than the expected high arsenic concentration in Kizilirmak water. Moreover, monitoring of THM and HAA in distribution network was carried out to follow DBPs formation. The highest THM concentration was observed as 109 &micro / g/l for Bilkent in July 2008. Although for some districts and some months throughout the year THM concentration was higher than the EPA Stage-I (80 &micro / g/l) and Stage-II (40 &micro / g/l) limits, mean annual THM concentrations for districts in distribution system satisfies the standards. Furthermore, the highest HAA5 concentrations were determined as 75 &micro / g/l for Dikmen in February 2009. However, annual average HAA5 in any of the districts did not exceed USEPA limit of 60 &micro / g/l. Nonetheless, total/fecal coliform bacteria, which are the indicators of microbiological contamination, were detected in distribution system between the months of July 2008 and January 2009. However, the coliform bacteria did not appear with the increasing residual chlorine in the distribution system since January 2009. Results from this study demonstrate a temporal variability in water quality / indicating water quality deterioration in the distribution system during some months, while almost full compliance with the water quality standards during other months. Overall / due to Kesikk&ouml / pr&uuml / raw water, sulfate content appears to be the major concern in the water quality when considered the one-year monitoring period.

Syftet med studien är att, med hjälp av metoden contingent valuation (CV), undersöka betalningsviljan (willingness to pay, WTP) för en reducerad risk att drabbas av mag- och tarmsjukdomar på grund av förorenat dricksvatten i Skellefteå kommun. Studien undersöker också sambandet mellan WTP och tidigare erfarenheter av förorenat dricksvatten. Respondenterna fick besvara en sluten och en öppen WTP-fråga för ett föreslaget projekt. WTP varierar mellan 39 – 67 kronor per månad utöver den nuvarande avgiften för vatten och avlopp (VA-taxan). De variabler som förklarar individuella skillnader i WTP är budnivån, upplevd dricksvattenkvalitet, huruvida personen blev drabbad vid tidigare utbrottet, om konsumtionsbeteendet har förändrats, ålder, inkomst och hushåll med barn. Resultaten visar att de respondenter som drabbats vid ett tidigare utbrott är mindre benägna att acceptera en högre kostnad. Ett förändrat konsumtionsbeteende visar däremot att respondenter i genomsnitt har en högre WTP för en minskad risk av mag- och tarmsjukdomar. / The purpose of the study is to examine the willingness to pay (WTP) for a reduced risk of gastrointestinal diseases due to contaminated drinking water in the municipality of Skellefteå using the contingent valuation method (CV). The study also examines the relationship between WTP and previous experiences of contaminated drinking water. The respondents answered to a closed and an open WTP question for a proposed project.  WTP varies between SEK 39 – 67 per month in addition to the current fee on water and wastewater. The variables that explain individual differences in WTP are the bid level, experienced drinking water quality, impact of the previous outbreak, changed consumption behavior, age, income and households with children. The results show that respondents affected by the previous outbreak are less likely to accept a higher cost. Respondents who changed their consumption behavior want, on average, pay more for a reduced risk of gastrointestinal diseases.

This diploma thesis deals with the drinking water quality in the Prachatice Hospital. In every healthcare facility, it is essential to maintain and monitor the quality of drinking water. The diploma thesis has the following objectives: Evaluation of the quality and quantity of drinking water and hot water at the Prachatice Hospital in certain time periods, comparison between another hospital in the South Bohemian region with the occurrence of Legionell in the given period, the possibility of solving crisis situations in accidents in the healthcare facility and possibilities of rainwater use in the Prachatice Hospital. The thesis is divided into theoretical and practical parts. The theoretical part of the thesis describes basic concepts related to the quality of drinking water, indicators of drinking water and a section is devoted to a water accident in the Prachatice Hospital in the autumn of 2015. The practical part was processed by the method of secondary analysis of data. The necessary data for the analysis was obtained directly at the Prachatice Hospital and at the Regional Hygiene Office in České Budějovice. For the analysis, data from January 2011 to January 2017 was used and processed in Microsoft Excel into tables and charts. The results show the overall drinking water supply situation in the Prachatice Hospital. The work could draw attention to the problems and issues associated with emergency situations, for example. Hospital management and professionals in drinking water technology department can get a comprehensive overview of the hospital's drinking water supply from its own well, public well and the public water supply.

The diploma thesis deals with the analysis of complaints from drinking water customers, particullary about water quality. Within the theoretical part, it presents both the view of the customer of the drinking water and the view of the operator of the water supply system. It also presents possible ways to use drinking water customers complaints as indicators of water system service quality. Further, the thesis focuses on the satisfaction of customers and their trust in the operators of water supply systems. An analysis of complaints of drinking water users on the quality of water that has been received by the operator during the last five years has been performed as part of the case study in the practical part of the thesis. The cases are interpreted in context of the conditions at the given site of the water supply network.