Drinking Water Networks Research Articles

Modeling the health impact of wastewater contamination events in drinking water networks

Pathogen intrusion in drinking water systems can pose severe health risks. To better prepare in planning and responding to such events, computational models that capture the intrusion and health impact dynamics are needed. This study presents a novel benchmark testbed that integrates current knowledge on pathogen transport and fate in chlorinated systems and can assess infection risk from contamination events. The model considers organic matter degradation, chlorine decay mechanisms, pathogen inactivation kinetics, as well as stochastic water demands.We studied modeling of wastewater intrusion events that can occur anywhere within a chlorinated and non-chlorinated network. We applied the Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment framework focusing on three pathogens: enterovirus, Campylobacter, and Cryptosporidium, and their respective dose-response models. Synthetic household-level water demand time series were used to model the individual water consumption timing and calculate the infection risk (exposure via ingestion).Model outcomes indicate that while chlorination aids mitigation, larger contaminations can still lead to infections due to chlorine resistance (for Cryptosporidium) and chlorine depletion at the contamination point. In our example scenarios, chlorine-susceptible pathogens infected of the downstream population, while chlorine-resistant ones infected the entire downstream population. Enterovirus infection risk is higher, despite the concentrations in the contamination source being lower, due to the lower susceptibility to chlorine than Campylobacter. In non-chlorinated networks, the modeled wastewater contamination events led to infection risk in the total population, depending on the contamination location. Hydraulic uncertainty had a limited influence on infection risk. Furthermore, Campylobacter’s infection risk is more sensitive to the initial concentration in the contamination source whereas enterovirus infection risk to the inactivation rate. The model further indicates that the time window for effective mitigation of the magnitude of a waterborne outbreak is short (within hours).

Enhancing efficiency and quality control: The impact of Digital Twins in drinking water networks.

This paper showcases the successful development and implementation of two Digital Twin prototypes within the Lab Digital Twins project, designed to enhance the efficiency and quality control of Aigües de Barcelona's drinking water network. The first prototype focuses on asset management, using (near) real-time data and statistical models, and achieving a 70% success rate in predicting pump station failures 137 days in advance. The second prototype addresses water quality monitoring, leveraging machine learning to accurately forecast trihalomethane levels at key points in the distribution system, and enabling proactive water quality management strategies, ensuring compliance with stringent safety standards and safeguarding public health. The paper details the methodology of both prototypes, highlighting their potential to revolutionize water network management. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Digital representation of assets and processes in the drinking water treatment network Early fault detection in assets, and predictions of trihalomethane formation in the drinking water distribution network Reduction on monitoring time and incident response for target assets by means of Digital Twins Improvement in visualization, prediction, and proactive measures for asset management and water quality control Contribution to the growing knowledge on Digital Twins and their potential to revolutionize water network operations.

Validation of an Enhanced Drinking Water Temperature Model during Distribution

Drinking water temperatures are expected to increase in the Netherlands due to climate change and the installation of district heating networks as part of the energy transition. To determine effective measures to prevent undesirable temperature increases in drinking water, a model was developed. This model describes the temperature in the drinking water distribution network as a result of the transfer of heat from the climate and above and underground heat sources through the soil. The model consists of two coupled applications. The extended soil temperature model (STM+) describes the soil temperatures using a two-dimensional finite element method that includes a drinking water pipe and two hot water pipes coupled with a micrometeorology model. The extended water temperature model (WTM+) describes the drinking water temperature as a function of the surrounding soil temperature (the boundary temperature resulting from the STM+), the thermal sphere of influence where the drinking water temperature influences the soil temperature, and the hydraulics in the drinking water network. Both models are validated with field measurements. This study describes the WTM+. Previous models did not consider the cooling effect of the drinking water on the surrounding soil, which led to an overestimation of the boundary temperature and how quickly the drinking water temperature reaches this boundary temperature. The field measurements show the improved accuracy of the WTM+ when considering one to two times the radius of the drinking water pipe as the thermal sphere of influence around the pipe.

Disinfectant control in drinking water networks: Integrating advection–dispersion–reaction models and byproduct constraints

Effective disinfection is essential for maintaining water quality standards in distribution networks. Chlorination, as the most used technique, ensures safe water by maintaining sufficient chlorine residuals but also leads to the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs). These DBPs pose health risks, highlighting the need for chlorine injection control (CIC) by booster stations to balance safety and DBPs formation. Prior studies have followed various approaches to address this research problem. However, most of these studies overlook the changing flow conditions and their influence on the evolution of the chlorine and DBPs concentrations by integrating simplified transport-reaction models into CIC. In contrast, this paper proposes a novel CIC method that: (i) integrates multi-species dynamics, (ii) allows for a more accurate representation of the reaction dynamics of chlorine, other substances, and the resulting DBPs formation, and (iii) optimizes for the regulation of chlorine concentrations subject to EPA mandates thereby mitigating network-wide DBPs formation. The novelty of this study lies in its incorporation of time-dependent controllability analysis that captures the control coverage of each booster station. The effectiveness of the proposed CIC method is demonstrated through its application and validation via numerical case studies on different water networks with varying scales, initial conditions, and parameters.

Analysis of Heavy Metals in Water and Wastewater

The primary focus of the study is to assess the presence and concentration of heavy metals in the water and evaluate its suitability for drinking purposes. Given that a significant portion of the local population depends on groundwater for their daily needs, the study is critical in understanding the potential health risks associated with consuming contaminated water. The study begins with a comprehensive survey to gauge the extent of water usage among the local population and their perceptions of water quality. Results from the survey reveal that nearly half of the households in the region are not connected to a formal drinking water network, relying instead on wells and springs. While the majority of respondents perceive the water quality as good, the analytical findings suggest otherwise. Groundwater samples were collected from twelve wells and three springs across the region. These samples were subjected to rigorous analysis using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) to detect the concentration of various heavy metals, including aluminum, silver, iron, cadmium, arsenic, chromium, cobalt, zinc, lead, and copper. The results indicate that many of these metals are present in concentrations that exceed the World Health Organization's recommended limits for safe drinking water. Iron, in particular, was found at high levels in all sampled locations, raising significant concerns. The study also employs the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) to provide a more comprehensive assessment of water quality. The HPI values calculated for the sampled water sources reveal that a majority of the wells and all of the springs have levels of heavy metal contamination that render the water non-potable. This finding is particularly alarming given the region's dependence on water, especially during periods of drought when alternative water sources are scarce.

Calcium Carbonate Formation in Groundwater-Supplied Drinking Water Systems: Role of CO2 Degassing Rate and Scaling Indices Applicability

CaCO3 precipitation is a ubiquitous and vital process with far-reaching implications for various natural systems. In drinking water supply networks, it creates malfunctions in the system, especially by pipes clogging. This is a common problem in Tunisia, particularly for systems supplied with groundwater. This work attempts to highlight the effect of dissolved CO2 degassing kinetics and determine the most reliable scaling index to predict scaling. For this, a diagnosis of two drinking water circuits is followed by a laboratory study. Results of the field study show that the network scaling is controlled by the dissolved CO2 content, which is significantly affected by the water/atmospheric air contact. The scale formed is mainly CaCO3–calcite. A laboratory-scale simulation of the natural phenomenon using an experimental setup of the fast-controlled precipitation method (FCP) was performed. The result shows that a low CO2 content is a necessary condition for a supersaturated system regarding calcite but not sufficient for precipitation to take place. The precipitation can occur at very low supersaturations if time is allowed for stable nuclei to form, explaining the scaling of drinking water networks. The fundamental and applied study of the scaling indices shows that the Ryznar stability index (RSI) is the most adaptable index for predicting scale formation.

Analysis of THM formation potential in drinking water networks: Effects of network age, health risks, and seasonal variations in northwest of Iran

Various factors influence the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) in drinking water. Therefore, it is crucial to study the formation of DBPs and identify the associated influencing agents in water distribution networks (WDNs) to effectively prevent and control the health risks posed by DBPs. This research aimed to examine THM concentrations in the WDNs of Maragheh, Iran, focusing on seasonal variations. It also compared THM levels between new and old WDNs and assessed the health risks associated with exposure to THMs through various exposure routes. The mean concentrations of Chloroform, BDCM, DBCM, and Bromoform were 44.28 ± 18.25, 12.66 ± 5.19, 3.16 ± 0.89, and 0.302 ± 0.89 μg/L, respectively. Therefore, Chloroform was the predominant compound among the THM species, accounting for over 72 % of the total THMs (TTHMs). The average TTHMs concentration in summer (69.89 μg/L) was significantly higher than in winter (50.97 μg/L) (p < 0.05). Except for Bromoform, concentrations of other THM species in the new WDNs were considerably lower than in the old WDN (p < 0.05). The mean lifetime cancer risk (LTCR) rates for oral and dermal exposure routes to THMs were negligible and within acceptable risk levels. However, the LTCR mean values for inhalation exposure routes to THMs in winter and summer were within low (1 × 10−6 ≤ LTCR <5.1 × 10−5) and high acceptable risk levels (5.1 × 10−5 ≤ LTCR <10−4), respectively. Inhalation exposure presented the highest cancer risk among the various exposure routes. The hazard index values for oral and dermal contact with THMs were less than 1. Finally, sensitivity analysis revealed that the ingestion rate and exposure duration of THMs had the most significant positive effect on chronic daily intake (CDI) values and cancer risk. However, further comprehensive investigations are needed to develop effective solutions for reducing and controlling the precursors of DBP formation, as well as identifying suitable alternative disinfection compounds that minimize by-product formation.

Feasibility of sustainability separation of drinking water network by groundwater desalination Bajestan urban catchment, Iran

Fresh water supply in arid land is facing many challenges that require proper management of water resources, especially in drinking water. Management of water projects depends on the conditions of each country or region. Bajestan is located in Razavi Khorasan province, Iran. The certain resource of drinking water supply is desalinated of high salinity groundwater from Playa. Government has implemented the project “Separation of Drinking and sanitary water networks by groundwater desalination” since of 2014, by creating “Government Drinking Water Withdrawal Smart Stations (GDWWSS)" in this city. This study evaluates the feasibility of different methods of separation drinking water from sanitary water by considering sustainability dimensions these methods. These methods including of Home Water Desalination Machines, Mobile Packaged Water, GDWWSS (with new design), Private Drinking Water Withdrawal Stations (PDWWS) and Dual Drinking Water Distribution Network (DDWDN). Findings showed, that if just the economic dimension is considered in the drinking water separation project, PDWWS would be the best method but since the social dimension is an integral part of a sustainable project, the most compatible method is DDWDN. The environmental evaluation showed that production of salt water and salt (NaCl) is the most common adverse effect of all the proposed methods, but the DDWDN will produce more salt wastewater. On the other hand, Mobile packaged water method will produce 17,000 tons of PET annually, which will cause biological problems if it is not recycled. Therefore, the best way is to use the water resources of the plain and not use the desalination of salt groundwater resources. Also, to increase people's satisfaction and reduce water consumption with good quality water, DDWDN is suggested.

Transmission Pipeline Planning from Kregan Water Treatment Plant to Watu Gadjah Tank by PERUMDA PDAM Sleman Using EPANET 2.2

Clean water is vital as it directly impacts health and influences various aspects of life, including social, economic, and cultural activities. To address the clean water supply requirements in the area, PERUMDA PDAM Sleman, Yogyakarta, is currently planning for a transmission network linking the Kregan WTP to the Watu Gadjah Tank. The pipeline planning is carried out to ensure efficient and optimal network performance. The pipeline planning use both primary and secondary data. The primary data was obtained from surveys, while the secondary data was obtained though previous research and planning, regulation, and from the other sources. The pipeline network analysis carried out using EPANET 2.2. software. EPTANET was selected because of its cost-effectiveness and robust capabilities in modeling drinking water networks, with the advantage of being re-programmable. The results of the analysis are then adjusted to the planning standards that applicable in Indonesia. Risk analysis was carried out based on experience and expert opinion. The results of the planning showed that the maximum pressure on the transmission network was 84.21m on Pendowo Road. The velocity between 1.03 m/s and 1.63 m/ss with the highest headloss was 10.33 m/km. Based on the results of the planning, the entire parameter meets the standard of the applicable planning criteria. The results of the analysis indicate that the technical specifications of the pipe used must be able to withstand a pressure of 92,63m. There was a potential risk that network performance may be disrupted both in terms of network performance, implementation of development, and operational stages. The re-examination and the development of operational standard procedures is needed to ensure that planning has been in line with the expectations, can be implemented, and can be operated efficiently.

High-risk clones of Pseudomonas aeruginosa contaminate the drinking water networks of French cities

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major opportunistic pathogen responsible for severe infections in immunocompromised patients. The contamination of drinking water networks (DWNs) with this pathogen is underestimated, as it is mostly in the state of persister cells undetected by the recommended monitoring technique. We collected water samples from eight cities distant from each other and searched for P. aeruginosa using a culture-based method that resuscitates persister cells. The genomes of isolates were sequenced. Five DWNs of the eight tested (62.5%) were contaminated with P. aeruginosa, of which four were contaminated with high-risk clones (ST308, ST395). Surprisingly, the ST308 isolates retrieved from the four independent and distant DWNs were clonal. Most P. aeruginosa isolates shared a genomic island conferring tolerance to copper-ions. The population structure of the collection may result from both a common source of contamination by plumbing supplies and the selection of clones sharing genetic elements that presumably aided their propagation in DWNs.

Mathematical Modeling of Drinking Water Losses Management Case Study – Cairo - Egypt

Water, As A Precious natural resource, necessitates sustainable management to minimize wastage. Excessive leakage, particularly in regions confronting water scarcity such as Egypt, directly undermines environmental objectives and principles of cost recovery. Effective water management is pivotal for reducing losses and optimizing efficiency. Accurate measurement of water production and distribution is essential to identify losses and assess water utilities' performance. This data aids in pinpointing the root causes of losses, whether physical or commercial, facilitating targeted reduction strategies. Forecasting supply-demand balance is critical for planning water networks and treatment facilities. Detailed infrastructure information enables decision-makers to discern areas experiencing water shortages and those with surplus resources. Our aim is to probe the causes of water losses in Cairo's drinking water network, the capital of Egypt, and propose managerial solutions. Operational efficiency relies on minimizing labor, material, and energy costs. Water loss poses a significant operational challenge, as components of non-revenue water can significantly impact utilities' financial stability. The IWA Water Balance offers a standardized approach to water audits, facilitating a comprehensive analysis of water production, storage, and distribution. This analysis aids in quantifying the magnitude of the water loss problem and prioritizing corrective actions based on revenue and non-revenue water components. The Cairo Water Company is entrusted with producing 5.5 million cubic meters of purified drinking water per day from 11 treatment plants, serving a network spanning 13,307 kilometers and supported by 20 maintenance centers. With a focus on serving 1.1 million citizens in compliance with Egyptian regulations, our study encompasses various metrics, including billed and unbilled consumption, unauthorized usage, and metering inaccuracies, to calculate commercial losses. Additionally, we evaluate main and storage leakages, as well as service connection leakages up to the customer meter, to determine technical losses. Through a mathematical module, we compute non-revenue water (NRW) and infrastructure leakage index (ILI) metrics. Performance indicators are utilized to assess the effectiveness of water utilities in managing losses and asset maintenance. Our designed module empowers decision-makers to evaluate and enhance asset methodologies for water loss management.

Calibration of chlorine model by genetic algorithms in drinking water network of Guanajuato

La concentración de cloro como desinfectante suministrado a la red de distribución de agua decae con el paso del tiempo debido a su interacción con microorganismos, metales y otras sustancias presentes en el agua. Los programas de computadora, como Epanet, se utilizan para simular el comportamiento hidráulico y la calidad del agua en las redes de distribución; con su ayuda se pueden representar modificaciones físicas y operativas en un modelo numérico para conocer el nuevo comportamiento sin comprometer la calidad del servicio. La calibración del modelo de cloro como desinfectante consiste en tomar como referencia la concentración en varios puntos de la red y ajustar los coeficientes de decaimiento en el modelo hasta lograr que las concentraciones simuladas coincidan con las medidas. En el presente artículo se muestra la automatización de este proceso haciendo uso de la técnica heurística algoritmos genéticos y la Toolkit de EPANET con MATLAB (2016). El proceso de calibración se realiza en un sector de la red de distribución de la ciudad de Guanajuato, obteniendo una correlación de 0.816 con un error promedio absoluto de 0.08 mg/l entre las concentraciones modeladas y medidas; y que como resultado permitirá conocer la concentración del cloro en diversos puntos de la red, asegurándose de brindar un servicio de calidad durante el abastecimiento.

Investigation of Clean Energy Production in Drinking Water Networks

AbstractViable renewable energy sources must be low-cost, easy to install, clean, and reliable if they are to meet the energy demand of urban or rural areas. Water is able to provide efficient sources of electrical energy among alternative renewable energy sources. Using modern hydraulic techniques, drinking water can be transported to the areas where it is needed. Studies on obtaining energy from drinking water networks are quite limited. Although not as necessary as water in terms or human health, electrical power is still critically important in many applications (lighting, heating, cooling, etc.). Consequently, many countries are developing energy using various renewable energy sources. In this study, a water distribution network in the Armağan Village of Maçka district of Trabzon province were used to obtain electrical energy. There are 47 pressure breaking valves (PBVs) in this network and the broken energy height is 236.35 m. The same energy loss can be achieved by installing microturbines instead of PBVs, and electricity generation can thus be achieved with a clean energy source. It was found that 84.12kWh of energy was obtained from each PBV, with a total of 3950kWh. The most suitable microturbine was selected according to sound microturbine selection criteria. From this study, it is revealed that electricity can be produced by using a Microturbine instead of Pressure Breaker Valves (PBVs).

Biofilm Formation in Water Distribution Systems

A biofilm is a biologically active matrix attached to the surface of cells and their extracellular products. As they are a mixture of many microorganisms, the microbiological activity of biofilms varies according to their position in the aggregate. With particular emphasis on drinking water distribution systems, this review focuses on the process of biofilm formation, associated bacteria, chlorine resistance of bacteria, and the predominant surface materials. We have compiled studies on the bacteria in drinking water distribution systems and their interactions with biofilm formation on different materials, and we also analysed the chlorine-resistant bacteria and their problems in the water networks. The materials used in the drinking water network are significantly affected by the disinfection method used to produce the biofilm that adheres to them. Some studies propose that the material is inconsequential, with the disinfection process being the most significant factor. Studies suggest that materials based on plastics (such as PVC and HDPE) tend to be more effective in controlling biofilm formation or removal than those based on metals (such as stainless steel), which have been found to be less effective in some instances. Chlorine-resistant strains are becoming more and more common in drinking water networks, resulting in the occurrence of diseases such as typhus and cholera.

A study of the administrative water loss in the drinking water network: a case study in the seventh sector in the city of Damascus

A study of the administrative water loss in the drinking water network: a case study in the seventh sector in the city of Damascus

MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE AT THE LEVEL OF PROTECTED NATURAL AREAS ROSCI0045 JIU CORRIDOR, BISTREȚ ROSPA0010 AND NATURAL RESERVES DRĂNC FOSSIL PLACE-2391 AND ZAVAL FOREST - IV.33 + A6

The paper aims to highlight the aspects related to the urban infrastructure for the protected areas ROSCI0045 Jiu Corridor, Bistreț ROSPA0010 and the Drănic Fossil Place-2391 and Zaval Forest Nature Reserves – IV.33+A6, given that they group a significant number of species of plant and animal origin. These protected areas play an essential role in biodiversity conservation at the level of the 56 ATUs (37 in Dolj County, 17 in Gorj County, one in Mehedinţi County, one in Olt County), on whose territory they are located. The paper refers to the drinking water distribution network, the sewerage network and the natural gas distribution network (including adjacent aspects related to them).The area has 740 km of city streets, of which 578 km modernized, 1971.2 km drinking water network, 936.0 km sewerage network, produces about 342 thousand cubic meters of water per day, achieving a daily consumption of 19,956 cubic meters. Within the area, there are 940.2 km of pipelines for natural gas distribution (two thirds located in the urban area), which facilitated a consumption of 133,040 thousand cubic meters of gas annually. The urban infrastructure improved during 2017-2021, but certain aspects related to it need to be properly analyzed in order not to have a high negative impact on the state of the environment.

The Effect of Municipal Biosolids on the Growth, Physiology and Synthesis of Phenolic Compounds in Ocimum basilicum L.

The continuous development of drinking water networks is leading to the production of increasing amounts of waste water and sewage sludge. Secondary-treated sewage sludge is called biosolids and can be used as fertilizers in agriculture due to its rich nutrient content. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of biosolids mixed with an eroded soil on the morphology, physiology and synthesis of bioactive compounds in basil. The study was performed in pots under laboratory-controlled conditions. In total, four substrates were tested: S1 biosolids 100%, S2 biosolids 15% + eroded soil 85%, S3 eroded soil 100% and S4 control (commercial growing substrate). At the morphological level, a significant increase in plant height, number of branches, fresh biomass and dry biomass was found in the S2 variant. At the physiological level, photosynthesis and chlorophyll content did not vary significantly, but the quantum yield of PSII (ΦPSII) was significantly higher at S1 and S2. The oxidative status evaluated by determining the activity of SOD, POD and CAT enzymes was better in S2 and S3 compared to S3. Regarding the synthesis of bioactive compounds (rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid and gallic acid), it was stimulated in S1 and S2. In conclusion, biosolids application stimulated the stress response mechanisms in basil plants by increasing the quantum yield chlorophyll fluorescence and catalase activity, alleviating the negative effects of eroded soil.

Investigating the Residue of Diazinon, Chlorpyrifos, and Dichlorvos in Urban Drinking Water Supply Sources and Determining the Water Quality Index in Tirano-Korun in 2020

Introduction: Contamination of water sources with toxins is an environmental problem and a serious threat to the health of societies. This study aimed to ascertain the remaining levels of toxins in urban drinking water networks and compute the water quality index.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: To examine the residual concentration of diazinon, chlorpyrifos, and dichlorvos in urban drinking water distribution networks, 35 underground and surface water sources were sampled in Tiran-o-Korun in Isfahan province, Iran. GC-ECD device was used to analyze the samples.&#x0D; Results: Diazinon was not observed in any of the sampling seasons. The maximum concentration of chlorpyrifos and dichlorvos was 61 and 100 ppb, respectively. Although chlorpyrifos was seen more in the hot season and dichlorvos in the cold season, the mean concentration of these toxins in different seasons was lower than the guidelines of Iran and the World Health Organization (WHO). The mean concentration of nitrate, and hardness, in wet and dry seasons was 46.23 and 46.42, and 343.7 and 338.8 mg/l, respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: The mean and standard deviation of quality index of Iran's water resources (IRWQI) in wet and dry seasons were 52.16 ± 45.3 and 50.69 ± 15.8, respectively. The residual concentration of toxins in some water sources of this city exceeded the guidelines of Iran and the WHO in summer and spring.

Chlorine Decay Simulation in Real Water Distribution System Using Epanet Program

Abstract Deterioration of treated drinking water intended for consumption during distribution may be due to physical, chemical or microbiological changes that occur in the water. In addition, the type of pipe material and disintegration of a disinfectant agent can affect the quality of the water supplied. Therefore, the research approach is to simulate the decay residual Cl2 through potable water distribution networks produced by a desalination plant of Oran city in western Algeria. EPANET 2.0 software was used for estimating and predicting Cl2 concentration at different water network points. The value of bulk flow decay coefficient (Kb) is set to −1,99 day−1 for a 50-year-old steel pipe, value for the wall decay coefficient (Kw) was determined using a trial-and-error procedure and assumed to be −1,2 day−1. An efficient model with an extended simulations period of 72 h can plot spatial and temporal variations of residual Cl2 concentrations at all links and nodes. Cl2 is injected at the El Mactaa desalination plant, with a concentration of 0.6 mg/l permanently. As well, it was observed that 51.33% of the Cl2 loss is due to pipe wall reaction, while 42.34 and 6.33% represent the bulk and tank reactions respectively. The results show that the range of residual Cl2 (0.11-0,45 mg/l) and most of the measured values are less than are below the minimum authorized threshold (0.2 – 0.5 mg/l) WHO standard. Therefore, it is recommended to rehabilitate the old water transfer pipes and re-chlorination stations were necessary to add into network. Statistical analysis shows that the calculated results correspond well to the observed data. EPANET can follow the Cl2 concentration in the drinking water network produced by El Mactaa desalination plant. It is a research tool to improve our understanding of water movement in the distribution system.

Water scarcity and COVID-19 mortality in rural chilean areas

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus around the world in March 2020, severely affected many areas of people’s life and health. Among the main ways to prevent its spread is by washing hands and food with soap and water. However, the latter is scarce in several municipalities of Chile, highlighting the difficulties of water supply at a national level. This work investigates the relationship between municipalities decreed by the government as being in a situation of water scarcity and the COVID-19 mortality levels found in rural areas between March 2020 and June 2021. Statistical data were used from different databases to correlate mortality rates with the level of municipal development and access to a drinking water network. A negative correlation was obtained between high COVID-19 mortality and low levels of communal development and connection to the drinking water network. As a result, it is deemed necessary to take into account geographical variables, such as water scarcity, in the generation of public health policies and water resource management.