Underground Water Lines

We recently had the privilege to see first hand some of the problems with the distribution water mains Utilities are facing with their network. More investment, planning and maintenance emphasis are being placed into protecting our health and combating pollution and corrosion in drinking water pipelines.

Clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental necessity for human life. Across the globe, water distribution networks play a crucial role in delivering potable water to our homes, schools, and businesses. However, the infrastructure that carries this vital resource is not immune to the challenges posed by pollution and corrosion. Let’s explore the impact of pollution and corrosion on metal drinking water pipelines and strategies to mitigate these issues, ensuring the provision of safe and healthy drinking water for all. Governments, industries, and communities can work together to implement strict regulations and guidelines for water and wastewater management and industrial practices. Additionally, public education and awareness campaigns can encourage responsible water usage and discourage harmful activities.

Some of the commonly used metal materials for such pipelines past and present are cast iron, galvanised iron and steel. While these materials offer durability and strength, they also face challenges related to pollution and corrosion.

Metal pipes are prone to corrosion due to their composition and exposure to water and soil conditions. Over time, corrosion can lead to the formation of rust, weakening the pipe's structural integrity and causing leaks. Corrosion in these pipes can be influenced by factors such as water quality, pH levels, and the presence of aggressive substances.

These pipes may accumulate deposits and pollutants over time, such as sediments, mineral scales, and biofilms. These build-ups can affect the water flow, reduce pipe capacity, and potentially lead to contamination. Additionally, certain pollutants in the water, such as heavy metals or chemicals, can interact with the pipe material, accelerating corrosion processes.

Corrosion is the gradual degradation of metal caused by chemical reactions with the environment. It is a serious concern for drinking water pipelines as it can lead to leaks, reduced water flow, and even complete pipeline failure. Corrosion is influenced by various factors such as water chemistry, temperature, oxygen levels, and the presence of pollutants. Over time, corrosion weakens the structural integrity of the pipeline, particularly metal pipelines, putting the water supply at risk of contamination and interruption. Water treatment processes, such as chlorination, filtration, and pH adjustment, can significantly reduce the presence of pollutants and prevent microbial growth in the water supply. These treatments help maintain water quality, reducing the risk of contamination and minimising the potential for corrosion within the pipelines.

To help prevent pollution and corrosion Utilities carry out regular inspection and maintenance: Routine inspection and maintenance of metal drinking water pipelines is essential to identify and address potential pollution and corrosion issues. Implementing a comprehensive monitoring program can help identify early signs of corrosion, such as changes in water quality or pressure drops, enabling proactive measures to be taken promptly. Cleaning the lines with Pigs, Hydro jetting, Auger Cleaning, Brushing and other mechanical methods helps prevent build up along the system.

Applying high-quality protective coatings and linings to the inner surfaces of metal pipelines can provide a barrier against pollution and corrosion. Re-lining the deteriorating pipeline can also be as solution to the problem which, also extends the life of the network. These measures can act as a shield, preventing contact between the metal and corrosive elements present in the water or surrounding environment. Trenchless or No-Dig technologies have become an integral part of the renewal process, offering a variety of solutions to the age old problem, quite often reducing the time to execute these works whilst at the same time reducing the environmental impact of the works. Never the less the variety of the causes to these problems along with urbanisation means that they are here to stay.