Water quality is often related to the degree of
bacterial contamination.Drinking water distribution systems are colonized by saprophytic heterotrophic
microorganisms that grow on biodegradable organic
matter (Servais et al., 1992). Potentially pathogenic
microorganisms (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and
microorganisms of fecal origin (e.g., Escherichia coli)
may also find favorable conditions and proliferate in these
systems.