Researchers start studies to reduce viruses and by-products of disinfection in drinking water

Researchers at Cranfield University have embarked on two projects running until 2024 and led by UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR) both aimed at protecting the nation’s drinking water from water-borne viruses and by-products from water disinfection with chlorine and other reagents.

UKWIR said both projects will play “a critical role” in addressing its quest for 100% compliance with drinking water standards (at point of use) by 2050.

An 18-month research project into water-borne viruses will comprise:

• a review of current technologies used for monitoring viruses in drinking water and recommendations on which ones are the most suitable;

• data gathering from all UK and Ireland water companies to understand the current status of virus sampling practices; and

• large-scale targeted sampling at eight water treatment works to understand the prevalence of viruses within treated drinking water to establish clearer links between concentration levels and risk to water quality.

UKWIR said the research will help the water industry respond to broader regulation likely to follow the publication of a revised Drinking Water Directive.

John Haley, UKWIR Programme Lead, said the virus study will enable it to “determine the priorities for future research and investment in treatment in this important area.”

He added: “Our project will give the water industry that all-important baseline position – about the state of our raw water sources and the way it links to the current indicators of risk used in the water industry.

The second project is a four-year study that will look to address disinfection by-products (DBPs) in treated drinking water. According to UKWIR it will build on earlier research to identify the routes which lead to DBPs being formed in drinking water.