The quality of water entering the collection and storage systems of rural springs used as potable supplies was monitored during different atmospheric conditions. Bacterilogical analyses for faecal coliforms and cryptosporidium, chemical analyses for iron, manganese, aluminium and lead were carried out and related to meteorological conditions and to physiochemical conditions within the collectiion system. The bacteriological and chemical quality of the water was also related to the physical dimensions of the collection system, and to the quality of water entering the system. The quality of water throughout the system, which is influenced by the quality of influent water to the system, is related to the physical conditions pertaining within the system. Low spring flow velocity and relatively unocntaminated influent water produce a stratification of contaminants within the storage system. High spring flow velocity and poor quality influent water produce an homogenisation of water in the system. Water quality improves markedly during dry or very cold periods when spring flow rate is reduced. An increase in the difference in temperature between the influent waters and the water in the system produces an increased stratification in contaminants and a decrease in the time taken to reach this state. The results are discussed in relation to the need to provide potable water in remote rural areas where treatment is not practicable, and to make more efficient the treatment systems where they are routinely fitted.
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