Author(s)

A.S. Petrie & A.G. Cram

Abstract

The quality of water issuing from 4 springs used as potable water supplies was monitored weekly over a 2 year period. Bacteriological analyses for faecal coliforms and chemical analyses for iron, manganese, aluminium and lead were carried out and related to meteorological conditions. Bacteriological quality, which was influenced by the amount and duration of rainfall, deteriorated rapidly after heavy rain and improved markedly during dry or very cold periods. Chemical quality was a function of both the rainfall and atmospheric pollution emanating from the nearby conurbation. The results are discussed with relation to the need of Compliance Authorities to monitor small rural potable water supplies, and with the need to provide suitable and adequat

Keywords