3. Water contamination

Degradation of water's microbiological quality can occur at any time between the point of production and the user's tap. It can be linked to the proliferation of micro-organisms naturally present in water, or even to contamination in reservoirs, public pipes or building distribution networks. The extent and complexity of indoor networks, the formation of biofilm inside pipes, the presence of water stagnation points (dead spaces, taps and faucet breakers, shower heads, softeners, storage tanks, etc.), and work carried out in the absence of effective disinfection, all contribute to the proliferation of micro-organisms present in water. Contamination of peripheral equipment by micro-organisms brought in by the user also contributes to the microbiological contamination of distributed water (retro-contamination).