Abstract
Discoloured water is one of the main causes of customer complaints received by UK water suppliers. Flushing is recognised as a means of preventing red water events by mobilising material with the potential to cause discolouration. The understanding of the mechanisms and materials causing discolouration is limited. It is therefore necessary to characterise the materials mobilised by flushing, which are responsible for discolouration. The University of Sheffield and two UK water companies embarked on an in-depth programme of monitoring mains flushing. The programme involves collecting discrete samples during flushing of pipes of differing materials, diameters, age, source water and hydraulic regime. The results show iron to be the dominant material mobilised irrespective of pipe material. All samples indicate a direct correlation between turbidity, iron and manganese, and to a lesser extent with metals lead, copper, aluminium and zinc. Concentration of metals mobilised is independent of pipe material, diameter or age.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
