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Quality of Drinking Water Treated at Point of Use in Residential Healthcare Facilities for the Elderly

Author

Listed:
  • Rossella Sacchetti

    (Department of Education Sciences, Hygiene, University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Giovanna De Luca

    (Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Unit of Hygiene, Public Health and Medical Statistics, University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Emilia Guberti

    (Department of Public Health, UO Food Hygiene and Nutrition, Local Health Unit of Bologna, Via Altura 5, 40100 Bologna, Italy)

  • Franca Zanetti

    (Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Unit of Hygiene, Public Health and Medical Statistics, University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

Abstract

Municipal tap water is increasingly treated at the point of use (POU) to improve the acceptability and palatability of its taste. The aim of this study was to assess the bacteriologic and nutritional characteristics of tap water treated at the point of use in residential healthcare facilities for the elderly. Two types of POU devices were used: microfiltered water dispensers (MWDs) and reverse-osmosis water dispensers (ROWDs). All samples of water entering the devices and leaving them were tested for the bacteriological parameters set by Italian regulations for drinking water and for opportunistic pathogens associated with various infections in healthcare settings; in addition, the degree of mineralization of the water was assessed. The results revealed widespread bacterial contamination in the POU treatment devices, particularly from potentially pathogenic species. As expected, the use of ROWDs led to a decrease in the saline content of the water. In conclusion, the use of POU treatment in healthcare facilities for the elderly can be considered advisable only if the devices are constantly and carefully maintained.

Suggested Citation

  • Rossella Sacchetti & Giovanna De Luca & Emilia Guberti & Franca Zanetti, 2015. "Quality of Drinking Water Treated at Point of Use in Residential Healthcare Facilities for the Elderly," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-15, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:12:y:2015:i:9:p:11163-11177:d:55458
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    Cited by:

    1. Michele Totaro & Federica Badalucco & Francesca Papini & Niccolò Grassi & Marina Mannocci & Matteo Baggiani & Benedetta Tuvo & Beatrice Casini & Giovanni Battista Menchini Fabris & Angelo Baggiani, 2022. "Effectiveness of a Water Disinfection Method Based on Osmosis and Chlorine Dioxide for the Prevention of Microbial Contamination in Dental Practices," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-9, August.

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