The microbial bus journey

In this project we investigate whether or not the same groups of bacteria remain in the water drop from the water treatment plant to the last stop on the journey.

About the project

Imagine that the water drop is like a bus and the bacteria are its passengers. In our project The microbial bus journey we investigate whether or not the same groups of bacteria remain in the bus from the water treatment plant to the last stop on the journey.

One of three subprojects

The project is carried out as one of three subprojects funded by Svenskt Vatten Utveckling: Rational microbiological analysis for distribution of stable drinking water quality.

In this subproject, which is run by Sydvatten and VA SYD, we investigate changes in the bacterial flora of the drinking water through out a journey from the water treatment plant Ringsjöverket, via Lund, Södra Sandby and finally to Flyinge in Eslöv municipality.

On the journey the drinking water is exposed to new environmental conditions such as varying pressure and flow rates, different pipe dimensions and facilities such as reservoirs and pressure boosting stations. The microbial content of the water is analyzed using flow cytometry and for the purpose of proving the stability of this method, we perform parallel analyzes at Sydvatten and VA SYD respectively.

In the project it is of great importance not only to work together as organizations but also to involve colleagues from different areas of expertise. We also take advantage of the opportunity to exchange experiences with the other subprojects and activities carried out within the main project.