Maintaining the integrity of the distribution system is of utmost importance in protecting
public health. However, pressure surges in distribution systems can result in transient
periods of low or negative pressures. During these periods contamination of the water supply
may potentially occur due to intrusion of outside water into the distribution system. Previous
sampling studies have shown that water surrounding distribution pipes can contain a variety
of microbiological pathogens, thus suggesting that contamination of drinking water is
possible through this route.
This paper presents results from the field investigation phase of the American Water Works Association Research Foundation research
project on "Field-Testing of Surge Modeling Predictions to Verify Occurrence of
Distribution System Intrusion". Pressure monitoring data is presented from various
distribution systems showing the occurrence of negative transient pressure events lasting as
long as approximately 40-50 seconds (with one possibly as long as 2.75 minutes), and
pressures were detected as low as negative 10 psi. Pump failure from power outages was the
only known cause of the observed negative pressures. However, the cause of one negative
pressure event was not identified but does not appear related to pump operation.
Includes 4 references, figures.
| Edition : | Vol. - No. |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 300 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 10 |
| Published : | 11/01/2002 |
