Publisher's Synopsis
As water passes through a distribution system, its quality will degrade as a result of chemical processes and biological reactions that occur in the bulk water and at the pipe wall. Typically, utilities focus on improving the quality of treated water or the physical condition of distribution assets to improve water quality at the customer's tap. However, the quality of the water delivered is also affected by the time the water is retained in the different elements of the distribution network. Disinfectant residual, nitrification, DBPs, taste, odor, microbial water quality, and discoloration can all be affected by retention time. Hence, water quality can often be improved by reducing retention time. This report reviews the tools for investigating retention time related problems and methods by which retention time can be controlled.
