Complaints registered by Veolia water agencies underlined the design and operating parameters in the private network can cause taste and odour (T&O) episodes. Three experiments were performed to elucidate the impact of the private network. Firstly, a lab-scale pilot study was designed involving four different pipes, consisting of copper, polyvinyl chloride, stainless steel and galvanized steel in which several residence times were simulated. The study was then conducted on a real private network. Finally, laboratory static experiments on tap seals were carried out. To evaluate T&O potential of drinking water samples, sensory analyses by a taste panel were performed. To detect and to quantify the molecules involved, stir bar sorptive extraction coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses was applied. The results showed that the residence time had a significant influence on the appearance of organic and metallic compounds. An audit of the private network identified two main critical points—corrosion and leaching—both of which are influenced by the hydraulic system. Finally, static experiments conducted on seals revealed a large quantity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons leaching into water and a chemical or plastic taste according to the panel. These results suggest a huge potential impact of the private network on water quality if operating conditions are not optimal.
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Research Article|
December 01 2009
The impact of private networks on off-flavour episodes in tap water
L. Maillet;
1Anjou Recherche, Veolia Environnement, Chemin de la Digue, 78 603, Maisons-Laffitte, France
Tel.: +33 1 34 93 82 24 Fax: +33 1 34 93 31 10 laetitia.maillet@veolia.com; dorothee.lenes@veolia.com
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D. Lénès;
D. Lénès
1Anjou Recherche, Veolia Environnement, Chemin de la Digue, 78 603, Maisons-Laffitte, France
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D. Benanou;
D. Benanou
1Anjou Recherche, Veolia Environnement, Chemin de la Digue, 78 603, Maisons-Laffitte, France
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P. Le Cloirec;
P. Le Cloirec
2Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes, CNRS, UMR 6226, Avenue du Général Leclerc, CS 50837, 35708, Rennes Cedex 7, France
3Université européenne de Bretagne, France
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O. Correc
O. Correc
4CSTB, 11, Rue Henri Picherit, 44 323, Nantes, France
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Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology-Aqua (2009) 58 (8): 571–579.
Article history
Received:
January 09 2009
Accepted:
October 30 2009
Citation
L. Maillet, D. Lénès, D. Benanou, P. Le Cloirec, O. Correc; The impact of private networks on off-flavour episodes in tap water. Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology-Aqua 1 December 2009; 58 (8): 571–579. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/aqua.2009.020
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