Drinking Water Distribution
Course Pack: Distribution Management and Maintenance
Biofilm Issues and Different Reactions
Course Description
This module expands on biofilm fundamentals, focusing on how chemical and biological reactions—such as nitrification and oxidation—impact disinfectant stability and distribution-system performance. Learners learn to interpret field trends, identify early biofilm activity, and select appropriate mitigation strategies. Emphasis is placed on documenting actions and lessons learned to support compliance and continuous improvement.
Learning Objectives
1) Explain how biofilm interacts with disinfectant residual and water quality
2) Recognize how different reactions (e.g., nitrification, oxidation) affect systems
3) Interpret operational trends that may indicate biofilm activity
4) Choose response strategies that minimize customer impact and compliance risk
5) Document and communicate actions taken during biofilm-related events
Agenda
1)Â Biofilm recap: why it matters to operators
2) Reaction pathways that influence residual and water quality (operator view)
3) Operational signals: complaints, residual drop, color/turbidity shifts
4) Response playbook: flushing strategy, operational adjustments, monitoring
5) Prevention and lessons learned
Target audience
Water distribution and compliance staff
Level
II
Learning material and method
Online on-demand
Assessment
Knowledge check and quiz (80% correct and above)
Instructor
Mike Harrington