In order to determine the effectiveness of a disinfectant residual against an
accidental microbial intrusion, an extensive literature review of numerous studies
specifically investigating the fate of microorganisms introduced into experimental
systems (laboratory- (or bench-), pilot-, and isolated full-scale) has been conducted. In
these experiments, various types of microorganisms are used, including pathogenic ones,
in the presence or absence of a disinfectant residual. Depending upon the experimental
setting, monitoring of the organisms is performed in the bulk water and/or the biofilm.
This review shows that the conclusions about the efficacy of a disinfectant residual to
protect against pathogen intrusion are not converging. The laboratory- and pilot-scale
systems lead to different observations regarding the persistence of microorganisms in
biofilms. The most critical conditions in terms of persistence of microorganisms in a
water system could be identified when the intrusion takes place under no or low flow
conditions (such that the microorganisms can accumulate in the biofilm), and when a
delay is achieved between the time of intrusion and the onset of chlorination. Includes 37 references, tables.