Fall 2023 - Flipbook - Page 7
pipes have a 20 percent increased risk of breaks when
exposed to highly corrosive soils (Folkman, 2018). In
addition, specific water characteristics, such as pH,
alkalinity, salt content, and presence of other additives
used in the water treatment process can also lead to
corrosion. As a result, the deterioration of these pipe
materials negatively affects water quality and the
integrity of the distribution system. Leaking water pipes
also have the potential to introduce contaminants into the
water supply. Studies have shown that negative pressures
caused by water main leaks can result in the seepage of
external contaminants into the water supply (Fox, et al.
2014). Aging water systems can negatively affect the
environment and the public health in a wide range of
ways, thus making the rehabilitation of these systems
crucial.
Figure 2: Vehicle submerged in a sinkhole caused by a
water main break. Source: Los Angeles Times
Aging water infrastructure is becoming one of the nation’s largest problems, especially since it can be very difficult to
access, lacks redundant/backup systems, and is expensive to replace. A majority of cities identify these critical
pipelines through their water master plans that detail the city’s infrastructure and analyze areas of improvement
based on demand and pipe age. However, rehabilitation is costly and local, regional, and federal funding is
limited. Additionally, allocating costs in systems that span geopolitical boundaries may be contentious or slow
moving. This represents one of the biggest obstacles towards improving the pipeline infrastructure. Civil engineers
(educators, designers and developers), operators, managers, and regulators across United States should emphasize
the need to create and execute maintenance and operation plans for water and wastewater infrastructure to prevent
future water crises from occurring and to improve public confidence.
References
American Society of Civil Engineer's 2017 Infrastructure Report Card: https://www.infrastructurereportcard.org/
American Water Works Association, Buried No Longer: Confronting Americas Water Infrastructure Challenge, February 2012
City of Flint. (2018.). FAST Start Pipe Replacement Program. Retrieved from https://www.cityofflint.com/fast-start/
Denchak, M. (2018, November 16). Flint Water Crisis: Everything You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.nrdc.org/stories/flintwater-crisis-everything-you-need-know#sec-summary
Folkman, Steven. (2018). Water Main Break Rates in the USA and Canada: A Comprehensive Study. Mechanical and Aerospace
Engineering Faculty Publications. Paper 174.
Fox, Shepherd, Collins, & Boxall. (2014). Experimental Proof of Contaminant Ingress into a Leaking Pipe During a Transient Event. Procedia
Engineering, 70(C), 668-677.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. (2018). Under New Management. Retrieved from https://www.sativawd.com/about.php
NYC Emergency Management. “NYC’s Risk Landscape: A Guide to Hazard Mitigation.” November 2014.
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