Health Effects and Water Quality Following Low Pressure Events in Drinking Water Distribution Systems in the United States.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Low pressure events (LPEs), defined as a water service disruption that presumably lowers system water pressure, can cause drinking water contamination resulting in increased illness risk to consumers. OBJECTIVES Examine whether LPEs increase the risk for highly credible acute gastrointestinal illness (HCGI) and acute respiratory illness (ARI) and compare water quality in exposed and unexposed areas in the United States. METHODS A matched cohort study was conducted during 2015-2019. For each LPE, household survey exposed areas were matched 1:2 with unexposed areas based on water main size and material at the point of repair, as well as the housing type and demographic characteristics of the local population from the most recent census tract. Water samples were collected to monitor physicochemical and microbiological water quality parameters. Households (HHs) were surveyed about water use and illness during the 2 weeks after the LPE. Multivariable log-binomial models clustered on utility and LPE number were used to investigate associations between LPE exposure and HCGI and ARI. RESULTS Five water utilities reported 58 LPEs, including planned maintenance (76%) and emergency (24%) events. Controlling for livestock near home, private well presence, number of people in HH, and travel away from home, exposed HH were at higher risk of HCGI compared to unexposed HH (risk ratio =1.20; 95%CI: 1.05,1.37). No associations between LPE and ARI were detected. Certain LPEs characteristics like pipe material, size, and depth were associated with an increased HH HCGI risk. HHs experiencing LPEs where low disinfectant residual, high adenosine triphosphate, or general Bacteroidales were detected in water following an LPE repair were also at a higher risk for HCGI. CONCLUSIONS LPEs were associated with 20% higher risk of HCGI in HHs. Planned improvements to water distribution system infrastructure, adherence to industry standard distribution repair practices, and water monitoring following pipe repairs could supplement community alert systems to reduce illnesses from LPEs. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP15564.