Researchers have discovered that drinking water is to a large extent purified by millions of "good bacteria" found in water pipes and purification plants, according to an article on the Infection Control Today website.
Findings from Lund University in Sweden suggest that a large part of water purification takes place in the pipes and not only in water purification plants.
The results have led to discussions about the role of biofilms in drinking water.
Bacteria and biofilms are found all over the world, in plumbing, taps and water pipes. This knowledge will be very useful for countries when updating and improving their water pipe systems, the article said.