Chlorination of Ground Water Supplies

Abstract

Because of two recent waterborne intestinal disease outbreaks in California, present engineering concepts were reassessed and reevaluated to consider changes that may be necessary to continue to serve safe, potable water. The Bureau of Sanitary Engineering recently initiated an accelerated program aimed at improving the safety of ground water supplies. A review of the bacteriologic records of all water systems was made. Water purveyors were instructed to improve their bacteriologic monitoring programs by collecting samples at proper intervals from suitable sampling points. Investigations were made of the systems with poor records in order to discover and eliminate the defects. For wells producing water of poor bacteriologic quality without discernable pollution hazards, the purveyors were required to institute chlorination as a safety measure.