5th International Conference on Rain Water Cistern Systems
"Rainwater Catchment for Future Generations"
Keelung, Taiwan, R.O.C. - August 1991

Section 2: Catchment Water Quality Regulation

Page 33

The Bacterial Content Of Cistern Waters In Hawaii

Roger S. Fujioka, Steven G. Inserra, Robert D. Chinn
University y of Hawaii, USA

Abstract

The drinking water quality of 15 cistern systems in Honolulu, and 3 cistern systems on another island (H waif) in the State ofHawaii was evaluated. These cistern waters an be expected to meet turbidity, chloride, nitrate and pH levels established by USEPA for drinking water. However, the bacterial (total heterotrophic fecal coliform, E. coli, fecal streptococci) c oncentrations in these cistern waters usually exceeded drinking water standards. Low levels of. C. perfringens and salmonella bacteria were also recovered from some cistern reservoir tanks. Higher concentrations of bacteria were recovered from cistern reservoir tanks than from household faucet sources. The cisterns in Hawaii are susceptible to contamination by indicator bacteria via multiple sources an cannot be expected to meet bacterial drinking water standards. e recommend that the portion of water to be used for drinking be disinfected and standards specifically for cistern waters based on fecal coliform or E'.coli be established.

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