Potable Water
METAGENOMICS • DATA SCIENCE • BIOBANKING
Improve Drinking Water Safety
In the United States, Milwaukee experienced the largest documented drinking water outbreak in US history. The outbreak occurred in 1993 and was caused by Cryptosporidium parvum, a chlorine-resistant parasite. The outbreak affected over 400,000 people and resulted in over $96 million in combined healthcare costs and productivity losses, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are some example applications in drinking water?
- Distribution System Nitrification: DNA data can shed light on issues with nitrification in distribution systems that consumes disinfection residual (especially chloramine).
- Distribution System Backflow: DNA data can indicate potential issues with untreated water entering distribution systems via backflow or other routes. Coliform testing will typically not detect any issues until the problem is substantial enough to consume the chlorine residual and cause potential health issues. DNA data, on the other hand, can detect bacterial contaminants such as E. coli and other fecal-associated bacteria even when a chlorine residual renders these bacteria non-viable. This information is helpful for identifying problems in a distribution system before they become major public health issues.
- Well Surface Water Intrusion: DNA data can indicate the presence of surface water in groundwater wells. Surface water entering wells could be a cause for concern as it could harbor fecal contamination. Without DNA data, it is very difficult to detect surface water entering a well.
- Aesthetics (taste/odor) issues: DNA data can shed light on taste and odor issues such as sulfur and iron. This data reveals the identity of sulfur oxidizing bacteria, sulfate reducing bacteria and iron oxidizing bacteria.
- Positive Coliform Tests: DNA data can be used to provide more information in cases where positive coliform tests have occurred. The DNA data can indicate whether or not the coliforms are naturally occurring environmental bacteria or are associated with other fecal bacteria in the sample.
Recent Case Studies
Objective: Identify Cause of Taste and Odor Complaints
Municipal Drinking Water System
Microbe Detectives performed a DNA-based microbial analysis to identify and quantify microbes in eight municipal drinking water samples. Our analysis found that one of the eight locations was contaminated with human-associated bacteria. The specific diagnosis would not have been possible using conventional testing methods. Microbe Detectives recommended further investigation at this location. The municipality found missing backflow prevention valves in a nearby factory, a school, and a courthouse. Microbe Detectives services eliminated the need for a costly and disruptive boil-water notice which would not have solved the problem. Minor problems were identified and corrected before public health and perception risks escalated
How to Order DNA Analysis of Drinking Water
1. Order DNA Analysis Online
After receipt of order, we will ship our kit to you which contains supplies for collecting the wastewater sample.
2. Collect Representative Sample
Wear gloves to prevent contamination. For liquid samples, use instructions below. For solids, add sample and yellow dessicant card to the Whirl-Pak bag and seal.
3. Fill out Chain of Custody Card
Add Whirl-Pak bag or filter housing (dry off housing with a clean paper towel first) to zip loc bag with completed COC form and yellow desiccant card.
4. Register and Enter Sample Data
Sample ID number is on the red label, located on the COC card. Enter data at MicrobeDetectives.com/register
Please note we cannot process sample until registration is completed.
5. Ship to Microbe Detectives
Microbe Detectives 935 Curtiss Street, Suite 3, Downers Grove IL 60515
After you have collected, registered and shipped your sample, you will receive a DNA Analysis report focusing on bacteria that are typically important in wastewater, produced by a doctoral-level application expert.
A. Draw 1ml of wastewater or draw 50ml of process or surface water. For drinking water, draw 50ml into the syringe, repeat steps A, B, C and D six times to push through a total of 300ml or until you feel back pressure, indicating filter clogging.
B. Screw the filter housing onto the syringe. The housing contains a filter to collect microbes.
C. Push the syringe plunger to force sample through the filter housing. Stop forcing through the filter if you feel back pressure indicating filter clogging. Record the actual volume.
D. Unscrew the filter housing from the syringe. Discard syringe after total amount is collected. DO NOT DISASSEMBLE FILTER HOUSING. This would expose and contaminate sample.
Dna Analysis in Drinking Water News
Navy Diver and Microbiologist Joins Microbe Detectives
Microbe Detectives is happy to announce Grant Schouweiler, a microbiologist from Purdue University and former diver for the U.S. Navy, has joined the team as a Microbiome Analyst. We spoke with Grant about his unique background and future of microbiology in biofuels,...
Microbe Detectives selected for the WEFTEC Innovation Pavilion
Microbe Detectives is one of seven water tech innovators, selected by BlueTech Research from a field of 200 companies, to showcase in the 2018 WEFTEC Innovation Pavilion at booth 3129-L. WEF’s Innovation Pavilion highlights a selection of the most promising technology...
Speakers and Media Partners Selected for the 2018 Microbiome Water Summit
April 11 2018 - Microbe Detectives’ is honored to announce its first round of speakers and media partners for the 2018 Microbiome Water Summit, to be held two blocks from the New Orleans Convention Center, during WEFTEC week. “The purpose of the 2018 Microbiome Water...