On-Demand Webinars

VIRUSES AND BACTERIA:
Part 1 Bacteria

Bacteria:

We are exposed to environmental bacteria through everything we do. They are in the air we breathe, on the surfaces we touch and in the water we drink. In groundwater, and in drinking water that meets USEPA standards, environmental bacteria are normally present in relatively small quantities. However, when groundwater becomes contaminated, whether mildly or severely, nutrients are introduced that allows these bacteria to multiply. While small populations of environmental bacteria in groundwater are not a concern as there are no direct regulations regarding them, large populations can create in-well problems such as reduced water quality, and corrosion of steel well casings and column pipe, and drinking water distribution problems such as lead/copper corrosion, loss of chlorine residual, and complaints about water quality.

Microbial occurrence within groundwater systems is similar to human population dynamics - basic needs for growth and persistence must be present for either population to thrive. Microbes look for a hospitable environment that will meet their basic needs for growth, and if conditions are inhospitable, they will pass though the environment looking for more favorable conditions. This webinar focuses on understanding conditions that lead to microbial occurrence and growth within groundwater systems, and describe methods that can be used to determine the potential for their occurrence, quantify their existence, and understand the nature of their presence.

This webinar will highlight:

• Basic indicators of bacterial presence in groundwater.
• Methods for quantifying bacterial occurrence.
• Basic requirements for bacterial growth.
• Determining the potential for bacterial occurrence and type of bacterial activity.
• Assessing the potential for borehole and distribution system problems.

Participants will:

• Learn quick methods to determine the potential for bacteria to be present in groundwater.
• Understand the environmental conditions that are required for bacterial presence and growth.
• Become familiar with the methods of microbial entry into groundwater.
• Gain insight into how to control microbial occurrence within groundwater systems.