配水系统水质受很多因素的影响。生物膜通常是现有管道系统之间相互作用的结果，这些管道系统有一些沉积物或生长物，通过消毒破裂或病原体进入系统而受到某种形式的污染。然而，管道并非总是需要使用一段时间。安装和维护实践也会影响水质，即使是在新管道中。本文将探讨一些并不总是被考虑的常见影响，并提供一些已被证明有效的实际解决方案。给出了案例分析。

Distribution system water quality is affected by a great many factors. Biofilms are often the result of interactions between exisitng piping systems which have some deposits or growth, and which experience some form of contamination through disinfection breakdown, or through the entrance of pathogens into the system. It is not always necessary for the pipe to have been in use for a period of time, however. Installation and maintenance practices can also impact water quality, even in new pipe. This paper will explore some of the common influences which are not always considered, and provide some insight into practical solutions that have been demonstrated to be effective. Case studies are given.