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Review
. 2023 Sep 1:243:120416.
doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120416. Epub 2023 Jul 25.

Managing discolouration in drinking water distribution systems by integrating understanding of material behaviour

Joby Boxall  1 , Mirjam Blokker  2 , Peter Schaap  3 , Vanessa Speight  4 , Stewart Husband  4
Affiliations
Review

Managing discolouration in drinking water distribution systems by integrating understanding of material behaviour

Joby Boxall et al. Water Res. .

Abstract

Discoloured drinking water, caused by elevated concentrations of organic and inorganic particles, is unacceptable. It occurs due to accumulation and subsequent mobilisation of material from within drinking water distribution infrastructure. Discolouration is currently partially explained by either the theories of cohesive layers or gravitational sedimentation. It is proposed and shown here how the processes behind these two theories both occur and how to integrate them to better explain observed behaviour and inform operational interventions to reduce discolouration. Deficiencies in understanding regarding the process and factors that influence material accumulation are highlighted. Future research addressing these deficiencies will enable determination of long term sustainable management strategies balancing capital investment and operational maintenance to safeguard distribution of high quality drinking water.

Keywords: Discolouration; Drinking water; Framework; Management.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Joby Boxall reports financial support was provided by UK Water companies and UK Research and Innovation. Stewart Husband reports financial support was provided by UK Water companies and UK Research and Innovation. Mirjam Blokker reports financial support was provided by Joint Research Programme of the Dutch and Flemish drinking water companies. Peter Schaap reports financial support was provided by Joint Research Programme of the Dutch and Flemish drinking water companies. Vanessa Speight reports financial support was provided by UK Water companies and UK Research and Innovation.