Experience in controlling Asellus aquaticus in water distribution systems

Asellus aquaticus is one of the nuisance organisms found in water distribution systems. Case studies of operations aimed at control of this crustacean and its disinfestation, carried out in two water distribution networks: in Pevensey Bay (Eastbourne, UK) and in Gdansk (Poland), are presented. Raw water reservoir receiving surface water was the source of infestation in Pevensey Bay. In Gdansk A. aquaticus probably penetrated the water distribution system with surface water getting into a leaky collecting well receiving groundwater from a chalk aquifer. The presence of organic matter in water entering the systems seemed to favour the infestation. Chemical treatment with pyrethrins (Pevensey Bay) and peracetic acid/hydrogen peroxide preparation (Gdansk) was used. The concentration of pyrethrins was 10 (g/dm³ and the average dose of peracetic acid was 4 mg/dm³. Both chemical treatments were found quite effective, however, some sections of the (much larger than Pevensey Bay) distribution network in Gdansk were not completely cleaned of the infestation.