A new conceptual model to describe and understand the role of assimilable organic carbon (AOC) within drinking water distribution systems is proposed. The impact of AOC on both drinking water biofilm and water quality was studied using bespoke pipe loop experimental facilities installed at three carefully selected operational water treatment works. Integrated physical, chemical and biological monitoring was undertaken that highlights the central role of biofilms in AOC cycling, forming the basis of the new conceptual model. Biofilms formed under high AOC conditions were found to pose the highest discoloration response, generating a turbidity (4.3 NTU) and iron (241.5 µg/l) response sufficient to have caused regulatory failures from only 20 m of pipe in only 12 months of operation. This new knowledge of the role of biofilms in AOC cycling, and ultimately impacts on water quality, can be used to inform management and help ensure the supply of high-quality, biostable drinking water.

提出了一种新的概念模型来描述和理解饮用水分配系统中可吸收有机碳（AOC）的作用。使用安装在三个精心选择的运营水处理厂的定制管回路实验设施，研究了AOC对饮用水生物膜和水质的影响。进行了综合的物理，化学和生物监测，突显了生物膜在AOC循环中的核心作用，构成了新概念模型的基础。发现在高AOC条件下形成的生物膜具有最高的变色响应，产生浊度（4.3 NTU）和铁（241.5 µg / l）响应，足以在仅运行12个月的时间内仅20 m的管道造成调节故障。有关生物膜在AOC循环中的作用的新知识，