In the first episode of a two-part series, we explore the world of biofilms in drinking water systems with guests Andrew Jacque and Emily Hefty-Dieckhoff of Water Quality Investigations. Andrew and Emily explain to Jennifer and Steve the fundamentals of what biofilms are, where they can be found both in water systems and naturally, and the health issues they can cause. Be sure to return for Part 2, which will delve even further into the complexities of biofilms!
Topics Discussed
- Meet Emily Hefty-Dieckhoff | LinkedIn
- Emily’s Water Hero: Abigail Cantor, President of Process Research Solutions
- Meet Andrew Jacque | LinkedIn
- Andrew’s Water Hero: A collective of colleagues, mentors, and academic influences, including but not limited to: Dr. Bruce Rittman, Dr. Joe Falkinham, Dr. Greg Harrington, Nancy Quirk of Green Bay Water
- What are biofilms?
- Why do they form in water lines and water wells?
- Are they in all water systems?
- Which parts of the system are usually most problematic in terms of biofilms?
- Are some biofilms beneficial to have?
- Where do they occur naturally?
- Which factors influence biofilm formation and their ability to develop?
- Connect with Water Quality Investigations
“From a very simple perspective, if bacteria are stressed, they’re going to form biofilm. They don’t want to form biofilm, because it takes energy, but they do it because they’re stressed.”
Dr. Andrew Jacque
Go Further
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About the Guest
Dr. Andrew Jacque is the Chief Scientist and founder of Water Quality Investigations. He has over 25 years of experience in the field of water supply and treatment; including university teaching, engineering consulting, and public service. In his work, Dr. Jacque has pioneered an analytical approach to characterize water quality issues caused by microbial occurrence in groundwater wells, drinking water distribution systems, and water related infrastructure. This approach has reduced corrosion in wells and drinking water systems; reduced radium, arsenic/metals, and microbial activity in wells; and lowered disinfection by-products in drinking water distribution systems. Dr. Jacque holds three engineering degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Madison: A BS in Structural Engineering, and both an MS and a PhD in Environmental Engineering.
Emily Hefty-Dieckhoff is a Water Quality Scientist at Water Quality Investigations. She has been with WQI since 2018, which she joined due to her passion for helping both rural and municipal residents improve and maintain their water quality. Emily has previously worked as a technician with Agricultural Research of Wisconsin, and continues to play an active role in her family’s dairy farm in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. She holds a BS in Soil & Crop Science from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.