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In September 2021, a total of 25 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 developed acute melioidosis after (median 7 days) admission to a COVID-19 field hospital in Thailand. Eight nonpotable tap water samples and 6 soil samples were culture-positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei. Genomic analysis suggested contaminated tap water as the likely cause of illness.

Decentralized tap water systems are an important drinking water source worldwide. A good quality, high-pressure continuous water supply (CWS) is always the target of any urban settlement. However, tap water in some areas are reported with deteriorated water quality even though treated well before supplying. Such deterioration of tap water quality is reported widely from areas with low water availability and in economically poor countries where water are supplied intermittently (IWS). This study focuses in identifying tap water quality in IWS and causes of water quality degradation using nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) as an indicator and stable isotopes of hydrogen (δD) as tracer. Nine water reservoirs and ninety municipal tap water (ten per reservoir) samples were collected during the wet (June–September) and dry (November–February) seasons in the Kathmandu Valley (KV), Nepal. Ten percent of the tap water samples exhibited higher NO3-N than those of their respective reservoirs during the wet season, while 16% exhibited higher concentrations during the dry season. Similarly, the isotopic signatures of tap water exhibited 3% and 23% higher concentrations than those of their respective reservoirs during the wet and dry seasons, respectively. Coupling analysis between NO3-N and δD demonstrates close connection of groundwater and tap water. The results indicate groundwater intrusion as the primary component in controlling tap water quality variations within the same distribution networks during IWS. Meanwhile, the obtained results also indicate probable areas of intrusion in the KV as well as usefulness of δD as a tool in the assessment of tap water systems.

Different types of hybrid nanocomposites were prepared from a copper-based metal-organic framework (MOF-199) and graphene (Gr) or fullerene (Fl). The porosity and quality of the nanocomposites were studied by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and BET surface area analysis. The nanocomposites are shown to be viable sorbents for the dispersive micro solid phase extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from environmental water samples. This is due to (a) the presence of MOF-199 which leads to improved adsorption capacity, and (b) the presence of Gr or Fl on the surface of MOF-199 which enhances the interaction with PAHs. Specifically, acenaphthene, anthracene, benz[a]anthracene, fluorene, naphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene, and pyrene were studied. A comparison of the sorbents shows MOF-199/Gr to possess the highest adsorption affinity and to be most durable, probably a result of the high porosity of graphene. Following desorption with acetonitrile, the PAHs were quantified by GC with FID detection. Under the optimum conditions, limits of detection (at an S/N ratio of 3) range from 3 to 10 pg mL −1 , and the analytical ranges are linear at 0.01–100 ng mL −1 of PAHs. The relative standard deviations for five replicates at two spiking levels (0.03 and 50 ng mL −1 ) range from 5.0 to 7.4%. The applicability of this method was confirmed by analyzing spiked real water samples, and recoveries are between 91.9 and 99.5%. Graphical abstract Different types of the hybrid nanocomposites of the copper-based metal-organic framework MOF-199 with graphene or fullerene were synthesized and used as sorbent for the dispersive micro solid phase extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in environmental water samples.

Background Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015–20 recommend choosing water in place of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB). This study examined water consumption patterns and trends among children and adults in the US. Methods Dietary intake data for 7453 children (4-18y) and 15,263 adults (>19y) came from two 24 h dietary recalls in three cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2011–2016). Water was categorized as tap or bottled (plain). Other beverages were assigned to 15 categories. Water and other beverage intakes (in mL/d) were analyzed by sociodemographic variables and sourcing location. Consumption time trends from 2011 to 2016 were also examined. Total water intakes from water, other beverages and moisture from foods (mL/d) were compared to Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) for water. Results Total dietary water (2718 mL/d) came from water (1066 mL/d), other beverages (1036 mL/d) and from food moisture (618 mL/d). Whereas total water intakes remained stable, a significant decline in SSB from 2011 to 2016 was fully offset by an increase in the consumption of plain water. The main sources of water were tap at home (288 mL/d), tap away from home (301 mL/d), and bottled water from stores (339 mL/d). Water and other beverage consumption patterns varied with age, incomes and race/ethnicity. Higher tap water consumption was associated with higher incomes, but bottled water was not. Non-Hispanic whites consumed most tap water (781 mL/d) whereas Mexican Americans consumed most bottled water (605 mL/d). Only about 40% of the NHANES sample on average followed US recommendations for adequate water intakes. Conclusion The present results suggest that while total water intakes among children and adults have stayed constant, drinking water, tap and bottled, has been replacing SSB in the US diet.

Tap water is not sterile, and its use in home medical devices can result in infections from waterborne pathogens. However, many participants in a recent survey in the United States said tap water could safely be used for home medical devices. These results can inform communication materials to reduce the high consequence of infections.

Previous research indicates that the water distribution system used has a significant impact on the microbial quality of tap water sampled in First Nations reserves in Canada. This study tested tap water from homes in three First Nations reserves to compare the concentrations of four trihalomethanes and related water quality parameters between homes receiving piped water from a water treatment plant (WTP) versus homes equipped with cisterns that are filled by a water truck. Of all the samples collected across time from household taps, 75% of piped samples and 70% of cistern samples had TTHM concentrations exceeding Health Canada’s maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) of 100 µg L −1 total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) in treated water. In all communities and across sampling times, trichloromethane (CHCl 3 ) was the dominant trihalomethane (42–96%) followed by bromodichloromethane (CHBrCl 2 ) (3–37%) and dibromochloromethane (CHClBr 2 ) (1–18%). Tribromomethane (CHBr 3 ) always accounted for < 5% of TTHMs. Within each of the three First Nations reserves, the water distribution system had no significant effect on TTHM concentration at the household level. Sampling month had a significant effect on TTHM concentration due to temporal changes in dissolved organic carbon of the source water. Results suggest that families in the studied First Nations reserves receive drinking water with high TTHM concentrations and that improvements to the water treatment plant might be the most effective way to minimize trihalomethane formation.

Background The UK government has announced a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. The aim of this study was to assess consumption patterns for plain drinking water relative to sugary beverages among UK children. Methods Dietary intake data for 845 children aged 4–13 years came from the nationally representative cross-sectional National Diet and Nutrition Survey, 2008–2011. Beverage categories were drinking water (tap or bottled), milk, 100% fruit juices, soda, fruit drinks, tea, coffee, sports drinks, flavored waters, and liquid supplements. Consumption patterns were examined by age group, gender, household incomes, time and location of consumption, region and seasonality. Total water consumption from drinking water, beverages, and foods, and the water-to-calorie ratios (L/kcal) were compared to the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) adequate intake standards. Results Total water intake (1338 ml/d) came from plain water (19%), beverages (48%), and food moisture (33%). Plain drinking water provided 258 g/d (241 g/d for children aged 4–8 years; 274 g/d for 9–13 years), mostly (83.8%) from tap. Water and beverages supplied 901 g /d of water. Tap water consumption increased with income and was highest in the South of England. The consumption of bottled water, soda, tea and coffee increased with age, whereas milk consumption declined. About 88.7% of children did not meet EFSA adequate intake standards. The daily water shortfall ranged from 322 ml/d to 659 ml/d. Water-to-calorie ratio was 0.845 L/1000 kcal short of desirable levels of 1.0–1.5 L/1000 kcal. Conclusion Total water intake were at 74.8% of EFSA reference values. Drinking water consumption among children in the UK was well below US and French estimates.

Tap water and its pricing have predominantly interested economists, partly due to the perception of water services primarily as production processes. As a result, much of the existing literature focuses on the economic value of water, leaving the social and cultural importance of water for citizens underexplored. This study adopts a sociological lens to explore the significance of water, delving into citizens’ experiences and perceptions regarding their water usage. Applying a social practice approach to value creation, we conducted 15 in-depth interviews. The results show that although the price of tap water is a concern for people, the actual value of water extends well beyond its price. Water has direct values for citizens in their everyday lives, as well as indirect value by contributing to broader societal systems. In their everyday lives, citizens use water not so much for the sake of water itself, but in various household water practices (e.g., showering) associated with certain values: hygiene, health, relaxation, warmth, and so on. Finally, our study directs attention towards the tensions people may experience between the various values they attach to tap water and the sense of responsibility to use it prudently. Future research needs to consider this water value ambivalence when encouraging water conservation.

This study investigated physico-chemical and bacteriological contamination in drinking water samples of Mianwali which involves assessment of 115 water supply schemes (WSS) along with determination of drinking water sources which have contributed significantly towards increasing bacteriological contamination (either ground or tap water source). For this purpose, one sample was collected from ground water; while, two samples were collected from tap water source of each scheme. Rapid Microbiological Testing Kit Method was used to test bacteriological contamination in drinking water samples. Results showed that 71% of the WSS were bacteriologically contaminated with fecal coliform bacteria, thus making overall water quality not suitable for drinking purposes. Water storage tanks used to supply water in 30% of WSS, have also contributed significantly (45%) in exceeding bacteriological contamination. Moreover, results showed that water quality obtained from tap water sources (71%) was more bacteriologically contaminated than ground water sources (41%) obtained from each WSS. Thus, WSS of Mianwali was not regarded safe because they are responsible for 30% bacteriological contamination in water samples. Hence, this study is just in time for the authorities to act immediately, as drinking water quality of Mianwali is gradually getting deteriorated.

This article addresses household strategies for coping with perceived tap water quality issues. By using a household survey (n = 581) in Catalonia (Spain) and three models, this article analyses the drivers and motivations behind the installation of in-home water treatment systems, and the use of bottled water for drinking and cooking. The main explanatory factors of the higher consumption of bottled water were the perception of poor tap water quality, the lack of in-home treatment systems, and the presence of children at home. Income did not appear as a significant variable explaining the use of bottled water, unlike in other studies. The presence of in-home treatment systems is related to factors, such as perceived bad water quality, larger households, and single-family housing. Income and housing tenure appeared as explanatory variables only when considering systems requiring some kind of installation: lower incomes or renting a multi-family house reduce the probability of having an in-home water treatment that required installation because of important investments and operating costs, and the space needed in the housing units. In-house water treatment systems may become a solid alternative to bottled water when tap water raises problematic perceptions related to bad taste, odor, or lime presence.