Drinking Water Distribution Systems: Assessing and Reducing Risks - Hardcover

National Research Council; Division On Earth And Life Studies; Water Science And Technology Board; Committee On Public Water Supply Distribution Systems: Assessing And Reducing Risks

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0309103061 ISBN 13: 9780309103060

Publisher: National Academies Press, 2006

Synopsis

Protecting and maintaining water distributions systems is crucial to ensuring high quality drinking water. Distribution systems -- consisting of pipes, pumps, valves, storage tanks, reservoirs, meters, fittings, and other hydraulic appurtenances -- carry drinking water from a centralized treatment plant or well supplies to consumersa (TM) taps. Spanning almost 1 million miles in the United States, distribution systems represent the vast majority of physical infrastructure for water supplies, and thus constitute the primary management challenge from both an operational and public health standpoint. Recent data on waterborne disease outbreaks suggest that distribution systems remain a source of contamination that has yet to be fully addressed. This report evaluates approaches for risk characterization and recent data, and it identifies a variety of strategies that could be considered to reduce the risks posed by water-quality deteriorating events in distribution systems. Particular attention is given to backflow events via cross connections, the potential for contamination of the distribution system during construction and repair activities, maintenance of storage facilities, and the role of premise plumbing in public health risk. The report also identifies advances in detection, monitoring and modeling, analytical methods, and research and development opportunities that will enable the water supply industry to further reduce risks associated with drinking water distribution systems.

About this title

About the Author

Committee on Public Water Supply Distribution Systems: Assessing and Reducing Risks, National Research Council

Edition details

• Publisher: National Academies Press
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0309103061
• ISBN 13: 9780309103060
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 404