Drinking water chemistry and microbiology inside buildings is a field of much needed scrutiny Coupled with new innovative plumbing designs, low flow rate plumbing fixtures are increasing water age in buildings. Consequences of increased water age have shown to be related to off-tastes and -odors, reduced disinfectant residuals, production of disinfectant byproducts, and greater microbial levels, among others. In 2016, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency funded a national study to better understand and predict water quality and health risks posed by declining water usage and low flows. The multi-university team’s hypotheses focus on (i) testing the predictability of integrated water distribution system-premise plumbing models the project team develops and calibrates for residential and commercial buildings; (ii) identifying the most significant determinant(s) of water quality in these systems; and (iii) identifying water system design and operational conditions that pose increased human health risks. Results of an industrial workshop will be presented that includes input from water technology, public health, and regulatory stakeholders. Field results from buildings tested will also be presented. Additional research will be described pertaining to a national study to examine plumbing water quality, organics release from plastic pipes, heavy metal fate in drinking water plumbing, along with other building plumbing research topics.

Building plumbing safety: Right sizing tomorrow’s water systems for efficiency, sustainability, and public health

255th National Meeting (2018)

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