Water Utilities Research Articles

Climate change hazard index reveals combined risks to United States drinking water utilities

Climate change hazard index reveals combined risks to United States drinking water utilities

Assessing Air-Pocket Pressure Peaks During Water Filling Operations Using Dimensionless Equations

Air pockets can become trapped at high points in pipelines with irregular profiles, particularly during service interruptions. The resulting issues, primarily caused by peak pressures generated during pipeline filling, are a well-documented topic in the literature. However, it is surprising that this subject has not received comprehensive attention. Using a model developed by the authors, this paper identifies the key parameters that define the phenomenon, presenting equations in a dimensionless format. The main advantage of this study lies in the ability to easily compute pressure surges without the need to solve a complex system of differential and algebraic equations. Numerous cases of filling operations were analysed to obtain dimensionless charts that can be used by water utilities to compute pressure surges during filling operations. Additionally, it provides charts that facilitate the rapid and reasonably accurate estimation of peak pressures. Depending on their transient characteristics, pressure peaks are either slow or fast, with separate charts provided for each type. A practical application involving a water pipeline with an irregular profile demonstrates the model’s effectiveness, showing strong agreement between calculated and chart-predicted (proposed methodology) values. This research provides water utilities with the ability to select the appropriate pipe’s resistance class required for water distribution systems by calculating the pressure peak value that may occur during filling procedures.

Unraveling chained optimization strategies for carbon emission control in WWTPs and effective water utilization within complicated water systems.

China faces severe water scarcity and significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emission pressures. As significant sources of GHG emission within urban system, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) exhibit a clear coupling relationship between wastewater treatment and urban water usage. However, the lack of trace of the water‑carbon nexus has created an obstacle to coordinating water utilization strategies and low-carbon wastewater treatment. In this context, the carbon emission intensity of the WWTPs and water use efficiency within the region were appropriately assessed focusing on the Yellow River Basin. A novel approach was introduced to analyze the chain of synergies between carbon neutrality and water conservation goals in urban water system. Specific chained optimization strategies tailored to each region were provided with dimensions linking different aspects of urban water system development, providing fresh perspectives and guidance for GHG mitigation, water resource utilization, and sustainable human development.

Nanoparticle-assisted removal of EBT dye from textile wastewater: Towards sustainable Green gram seedling cultivation

Background: Wastewater refers to water of substandard quality that originates from urban and suburban regions. The water in question is used for cultivation in regions where there is a limited water supply for agricultural activities. The utilisation of marginal quality water for farming spans about 20 million hectares of land globally, with around 10% of the global population consuming food crops that have been irrigated with this kind of water. Methods: The CuONPs wassynthesizedby a chemical method, followed by their characterization using many methods including UV-Vis spect., FTIR, DLS, XRD, and SEM.The photocatalytic degradation of EBT dye and its adsorption kinetic studies were performed. Furthermore, impact of CuONPs, and wastewater on green gram seedlings under in-vitro conditions.Findings: The chemical methods effectively synthesized CuONPs as well as under ideal phytocatalytic condition CuONPsdegraded the EBT dye up to 51.09% in 5h of treatment.The inclusion of CuONPsat a dosage of 100 mg L−1 in the wastewater proceeded in a notable improvement in the green gram seed germination by 50%, and notable biometric profile as well as essential biomolecule (chlorophyll a&b, total soluble phenolics, and lycopene) profiles.

Oxygenated subsurface drip irrigation and organic fertilizer increase the yield and quality of P. notoginseng by improving soil microenvironment

AbstractYunnan Province has the most extensive planting of Panax notoginseng (Burk) F. H. Chen, comprising more than 90% of the country's area. Many traditional cultivators employ outdated water and fertilizer management practices, which lead to inefficient utilization of these resources, a higher incidence of diseases, and a decrease in both yield and quality. Therefore, this study hopes to propose a new planting scheme with irrigation and fertilizer application to improve the yield and quality of P. notoginseng. The study focused on 5‐year‐old P. notoginseng, employing three irrigation techniques: oxygenated subsurface drip irrigation (OI), micro‐sprinkler irrigation (SI), and surface drip irrigation (DI). Additionally, four fertilizer application rates were examined: low (F1: 75 kg ha−1), medium (F2: 100 kg ha−1), medium‐high (F3: 125 kg ha−1), and high (F4: 150 kg ha−1). The results showed that oxygenated subsurface drip irrigation significantly increased the soil water content in the 0–40 cm soil layer. In addition, with the increase of organic fertilizer application, the fertilizer use efficiency (PFP) showed a downward trend. Under the interaction of different irrigation methods and fertilizer application amount, OIF3 treatment significantly promoted root growth, enhancing root hydraulic conductivity, and the root‐shoot ratio led to a reduction in the incidence of root rot (5.72%), the highest yield (4649.70 kg ha−1), and the best irrigation water utilization efficiency (9.69 kg m−3), fertilizer utilization efficiency (1.55 kg kg−1) and total saponin content (12.50%). The TOPSIS model was utilized to perform an all‐encompassing assessment of P. notoginseng yield, irrigation water utilization efficiency, fertilizer utilization efficiency, and total saponin content; it was found that OIF3 treatment was optimal. This combination can create higher yield and improve the quality of P. notoginseng, which provides a new scientific planting mode and reduces the planting cost.

Study on the Evaluation of the Water Supply Capacities of Multipurpose Dams

Recent climate change has significantly affected water quality and led to water shortages. Accordingly, this study re-evaluated the water supply capacity of the Daecheong Dam and calculated the additional water supply available to determine the feasibility of meeting the target water quality for the Mihogang River. The Mihogang River is directly influenced by the Daecheong Dam, which is situated in the middle section of the Geumgang River. A reservoir simulation was conducted over approximately 40 years (from 1983 to 2023) using the storage equation. The results of an analysis demonstrated that an additional supply of up to 0.11 m<sup>3</sup>/s could be provided while maintaining the planned supply amount over a five-day period, thus ensuring a water utilization reliability of 96.3%. In addition, an additional supply of up to 0.23 m<sup>3</sup>/s was found to be feasible within the supply range stipulated in the 2023 contract for a five-day period, thus ensuring a reliability of 98.7%. However, because the reliability of water utilization is typically evaluated based on the lowest water level, our study recalculated and reassessed the potential for additional supply to ensure that the water level complied with water supply adjustment standards. The evaluation results showed that although the water utilization reliability was met, the supply availability rate generally decreased and fell below the level of concern specified in the water supply adjustment standards.

Exploring the relationship between drought-flood abrupt alternation and soil erosion over Guangdong, China through a convection-permitting model

Climate change has caused a more heterogeneous distribution of extreme precipitation, leading to the deterioration of drought-flood abrupt alternation (DFAA) events and soil erosion. The security and sustainable utilization of water and soil resources are severely threatened. Previous studies have focused separately on these two aspects, failing to comprehensively consider their interrelationship. Furthermore, these studies often rely on climate models with convection parameterization, resulting in substantial uncertainties. We use a 4 km convective permitting model (CPM) to generate reliable outputs for extreme precipitation. By incorporating the long-cycle drought-flood abrupt transition index and the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation model, we analyze the changes in DFAA events and soil erosion, as well as their interconnectedness. The results show that the CPM outperforms coarse-resolution climate models in reproducing erosive rainfall and simulating the heterogeneous distribution of rainfall by capturing convection processes effectively. Projections indicate an escalation in the occurrence of DFAA events and soil erosion due to the more uneven distribution of precipitation. Specifically, the frequency of flood-to-drought (FTD) events within DFAA is projected to rise from 3.8 to 4.7 per decade. Soil loss is projected to increase 61 t·hm−2·a−1, with 73% of the area experiencing more severe soil erosion intensity. A positive correlation between FTD events and soil erosion is found throughout most of Guangdong. This correlation will be further amplified with an increase in the frequency of FTD events. Consequently, existing soil conservation measures are rendered inadequate, presenting substantial challenges for climate change adaptation and ecological protection in the region.

Intelligent Precision Farming with an Eco-Conscious Smart Irrigation System

India’s agricultural sector plays a pivotal role in supporting the livelihoods of over half of the country’s population. However, with the rapidly growing demand for food, this sector is under immense pressure to ensure sustainability while enhancing productivity. Agriculture accounts for 83% of the nation’s water consumption, yet a significant portion of this water is wasted due to outdated and inefficient irrigation practices. This research introduces an advanced smart irrigation system utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) technology to enhance irrigation efficiency and ensure optimal water utilization. This system is designed around the Node MCU microcontroller and integrates advanced sensors, including soil moisture, temperature, and humidity sensors, to enable real-time monitoring and automated decision-making. This approach integrates advanced technology with sustainable methods, promoting water conservation while improving crop productivity and establishing a standard for contemporary agricultural practices.

Kajian Penurunan Tanah di Kabupaten Bekasi Akibat Eksploitasi Air Berlebihan dengan Aplikasi Geostudio dan Plaxis

Cibatu, a sub-district in South Cikarang, Bekasi Regency, West Java, has a high population density and spans an area of approximately 1,200 hectares. This area faces increased groundwater usage for domestic and industrial purposes through deep wells, which has the potential to cause ongoing land subsidence. This study employed Plaxis and Geostudio software to model and predict the extent of land subsidence. Simulation results indicate that Plaxis predicts greater land subsidence than Geostudio, at 13.44 cm/year with pump usage and 3.91 cm/year without pumps. Conversely, Geostudio predicts subsidence of 12.01 cm/year with pump usage and only 0.022 cm/year without pumps. Pump usage has proven to have a significant impact, particularly at Building A of Pelita Bangsa University, where the risk of land subsidence increases by up to 293.09% with pumps. This study aims to identify groundwater levels, soil layers experiencing the greatest subsidence, the extent of subsidence due to water extraction, and the impact of pump usage on land subsidence in the Kaligawe area. The findings conclude that excessive pump usage significantly increases the rate of land subsidence. Policies supporting sustainable groundwater management are needed to address this issue, such as limiting deep well usage, increasing surface water utilization, and implementing water conservation technologies. Additionally, regular monitoring of groundwater levels and subsidence rates is necessary to prevent further impacts on infrastructure and the environment in South Cikarang.

Private Law, Statutory Powers and Environmental Disputes: Manchester Ship Canal Company v United Utilities (No 2)

Abstract In Manchester Ship Canal Company Ltd v United Utilities Water Ltd (No 2) the UK Supreme Court unanimously held that the Water Industry Act 1991 did not prevent claims being brought in trespass or nuisance against United Utilities for foul water discharges into the Manchester Ship Canal. The judgment is significant because it opens the door to similar claims being brought against sewerage undertakers, which many had thought were statutorily blocked off following the House of Lords’ decision in Marcic v Thames Water Utilities Ltd. While the result of the decision has understandably been welcomed by environmental groups, this analysis argues that the Supreme Court’s reasoning reveals a more complex picture. In particular, the court’s refusal to overrule Marcic and the expansive way the court conceives of the private rights of property holders are matters for concern for anyone looking to private law as a way of remedying environmental harms.

Geoanalytical method for linking base wastewater flows with a sanitary sewer model

ABSTRACT This paper presents a methodology for linking base wastewater flow to a sewer model with an arbitrary simplification level. The flow from clients is the main effluent that generates revenue for water utilities, while also being associated with an environmental and health risk. Compiling a sewer model with a suitable fidelity level to analyse these aspects is typically labour intensive. Often, skeletonisation is applied, necessitating the aggregation of clients into groups. In this case, base wastewater flows need to be aggregated into a junction and retaining a record of the linkage becomes relevant. While several approaches exist, they lack the scalability and flexibility to handle different model simplification levels. The approach presented herein aims to fill that gap, by applying a geoanalytical approach to build linkages between a sanitary sewer model and clients in the service area. The method has been tested on an operational water network in Tallinn, Estonia.

Exploring Materiality and Stakeholder Engagement in European Water Utilities' Sustainability Strategies, Organizational Practices, and Reporting

ABSTRACTMateriality is a key principle enabling organizations to determine what information to disclose, serving as both a filtering mechanism and a strategic tool shaped by institutional dynamics. Institutional logics, which inform and legitimize organizational practices, significantly influence accountability and reporting processes, including the application of materiality. Effective water management is essential for sustainable development, making the water industry a key sector for exploring materiality and stakeholder engagement within sustainability strategies. This study explores the integration of the materiality principle, stakeholder engagement, and related organizational practices into the sustainability strategies and reporting of the European water industry between 2020 and 2022. Through content analysis of sustainability reports from 26 European water utilities, the study identifies three primary stakeholder engagement approaches: one‐way communication, dialogic interaction, and multi‐directional dialog. The prevailing trend is a dialogic approach that has evolved over time, though concerns about its relevance and effectiveness remain. Additionally, the study examines disclosed material topics, noting a dominant focus on environmental concerns and health and safety, with economic and governance issues receiving comparatively less attention. It emphasizes the need to improve the materiality process by integrating insights from accounting research into organizational practices and underscores the importance of effective stakeholder engagement for fostering trust and collaboration, particularly in vital sectors like water management. The findings offer valuable perspectives for policymakers, emphasizing the need to design robust mechanisms that promote stakeholder engagement. While progress in this area in recent years is evident, as demonstrated by this research, it must quickly evolve into a fundamental component of effective water management to avoid the risk of becoming merely an organizational façade.

Potential Effects on the Quinoa Cultivation Yield Based on Different Hydric Scenarios of the Chilean Altiplano

This study evaluates the impact of different irrigation scenarios on the yield of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) in the Chilean Altiplano. The research was conducted in Ancovinto, Tarapacá, Chile, using “Pandela” quinoa seeds. Four irrigation treatments were implemented: rainfed (T0) and irrigation at 100% ETc (T1), 66% ETc (T2), and 33% ETc (T3). Various climatic variables, the soil moisture content, and agromorphological parameters were measured. The results indicated that rainfed conditions (T0) led to higher dry matter production in roots, stems, leaves, and panicles at the end of the growth cycle compared to irrigated treatments. The Leaf Area Index (LAI) was also higher in rainfed conditions during the flowering stage, demonstrating the crop’s adaptability to adverse water conditions. Additionally, the ability of quinoa plants under rainfed conditions to tolerate frost during critical growth stages was a key factor in their superior performance, contributing to a higher grain yield and harvest indices. Plants under rainfed conditions reached greater heights and showed higher harvest indices (HI) and grain yield than those under irrigation. The Water Use Efficiency (WUE) was significantly higher in rainfed conditions, suggesting more effective water utilization under water scarcity. This research represents a one-year study that provides orientations for future research, considering the interannual variability of precipitation in the region. The results obtained show that quinoa plants under traditional management (rainfed) exhibited the best response in the measured growth, development, and production variables, leading to higher production and harvest rates. Additionally, there was greater efficiency in water use, equivalent to 15.87 and 12.7 times that of the 100% and 33% ETc treatments, respectively. These findings highlight quinoa’s remarkable adaptability to harsh hydric conditions and the efficiency of traditional rainfed farming practices in the Altiplano.

Effects of Cyclic Aeration Subsurface Drip Irrigation on Greenhouse Tomato Quality and Water and Fertilizer Use Efficiency.

Tomato (Jinglu 6335) was selected for assessing the impact of varying fertilizer (F:N-P2O5-K2O) and aeration rates on crop quality, as well as water and fertilizer utilization efficiency during the cyclic aeration subsurface drip irrigation process. Four aeration treatments (O1, O2, O3, and S, representing aeration ratios of 16.25%, 14.58%, 11.79%, and non-aerated treatment, respectively) and three fertilizer applications (F1: 240-120-150 kg/hm2, F2: 180-90-112.5 kg/hm2, F3: 120-60-75 kg/hm2) were compared in a total of 12 treatments in this study. This study revealed that cyclic aerated drip irrigation improved the fruit quality. The aerated treatment resulted in increased accumulation of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, with the level of aeration positively correlating with the increase in nutrient accumulation, reaching the highest values in the high aeration irrigation treatment. The highest nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and water use efficiency occurred under the medium fertilizer with high aeration treatment. The maximum partial productivity of the fertilizer occurred under the low fertilizer with high aeration treatment, while the minimum occurred in the high fertilizer with non-aerated treatment. Taking all factors into consideration, the high-aeration and medium-fertilizer treatment was the most effective combination for greenhouse tomatoes under the conditions in this experiment.

Analysis of Salt Tolerance of ‘Golden Gold’ Peach Varieties

In this study, the salt tolerance of yellow peach varieties (‘Golden gold’) was identified and analyzed in order to determine varieties with excellent resistance. Photosynthetic parameters, the content of Na+, K+, and malondialdehyde (MDA), the activity of antioxidant enzymes and other physiological indexes of ‘Golden gold’ peaches were measured after the introduction of salt stress using NaCl. The results showed that under salt stress, the stomatal conductance (Gs), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration ratio (Tr), water utilization ratio (We), activities of photocooperative enzymes (RuBPCase and FBPase), and K+ content in the roots and leaves of all varieties decreased, and among these physiological indexes, there was no significant difference between J2+S and the blank control (J). The contents of MDA and proline in J2+S leaves increased the least, so the effect of salt stress was minimal. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, peroxidase (POD) activity, catalase (CAT) activity, and Na+ content in the roots and leaves of all ‘Golden gold’ peach varieties increased, and the difference between J2+S and J was significant, with the largest increase. The results of principal component analysis, membership function analysis, and comprehensive evaluation showed that the salt tolerance of nine ‘Golden gold’ peach varieties was ranked as follows: ‘Golden gold’ No. 2 > ‘Golden gold’ No. 5 > ‘Golden gold’ No. 8 > ‘Golden gold’ No. 6 > ‘Golden gold’ No. 1 > ‘Golden gold’ No. 3 > ‘Golden gold’ Parents > ‘Golden gold’ No. 4 > ‘Golden gold’ No. 7. Correlation analysis showed that Pn and We were positively correlated with the D value (p < 0.01), and Tr, SOD, and CAT were also positively correlated with the D value (p < 0.05). Pn, We, Tr, SOD, and CAT can be used as the main reference indexes for screening the salt-tolerant varieties of the ‘Golden gold’ series.

Evaluation and prediction of carrying capacity of soil and water resources in Lanzhou City based on the CA–Markov model

ABSTRACT To promote sustainable development, evaluating the carrying capacity of soil and water resources has become indispensable. This study establishes an evaluation system using the driving force–pressure–state–impact–response framework and employs the entropy weight cloud model to comprehensively assess the water and soil resource capacity of Lanzhou. Additionally, the CA–Markov model and the gray prediction model were deployed to forecast Lanzhou's future water and soil resource capacity. The evaluation from 2010 to 2022 indicates consistent classification at overloaded or severely overloaded levels, highlighting systemic inefficiency in water and soil resource utilization, which poses a significant obstacle to sustainability. Notably, urbanization rate, water productivity coefficient, and per capita water resources were identified as key factors influencing these results. Based on the forecast for the next 5 years (2023–2027), the water and soil resource capacity of Lanzhou is expected to further decline, posing challenges to sustainable development. This study provides technical support and decision-making guidance for the formulation of Lanzhou's water and soil resource management strategies and sustainable development planning, playing a key role in promoting efficient resource utilization and protecting regional water and soil resources.

Minimum Night Flow Estimation in District Metered Areas

The residential minimum water demand characterisation is of fundamental importance for water distribution system management. During the minimum consumption, indeed, maximum pressures are on network pipes, and at the same time, tank levels rise. The water consumption analysis during the period of low demand and high pressure is thus of great interest for leakage estimation due to the increase in water loss with pressure. In order to contribute to the study of and forecast the daily minimum residential water demand, some probability distributions were tested by means of statistical inferences on a data set collected from different District Metering Areas (DMAs), showing that the stochastic minimum flow demand is defined by the Log-Normal (LN), Gumbel (Gu) and Log-Logistic (LL) distributions, as an extreme minimum value. With reference to the analysed DMAs, the parameters of such statistical distributions were estimated and the relationships are provided as a function only of the supplied users for different DMAs. The data were analysed with 1 h intervals of discretisation, with the aim of providing a useful guide to water utilities, which usually manage water distribution system data with such a resolution time. Indeed, once the minimum residential flow consumption at a 1 h interval was estimated as a function of the user number, by subtracting it to the inflow measured, it is possible to estimate the leakages rate at the DMA.

Pardon my trench: reflections on the uptake of trenchless technologies in the Norwegian water sector.

Trenchless pipe renewal can be a more cost-, time- and environmentally effective alternative to traditional open-cut replacement. It reduces service disruptions for surrounding infrastructures and is often cheaper, especially when extensive excavation works are necessary, particularly in cold climates, like Norway, where trenches are traditionally deep due to frost security requirements. Still, the uptake of trenchless technologies is still limited in the Norwegian market. In this study, interviews were conducted with representative actors in the Norwegian water industry (water utilities, contractors, and consultants), with the aim of revealing how the technology for renewal of pipes is selected in the planning phase and identifying hindering and enabling factors for trenchless technology uptake in the market. Factors identified include market conservativism, lack of trust between stakeholders, missing guidelines about the distribution of risk, lack of knowledge/specialization in utilities and consultant offices, and issues pertaining to the project delivery method and tendering process. These factors indicate which measures could be implemented to increase the uptake of trenchless technologies in the Norwegian and similar markets. Suggested measures include strengthening the position of stakeholder independent trade organization, facilitating cooperation between smaller utilities and adapting the tendering process to better reflect the requirements of the projects.

Water utilization practices and wastage at household level: A case study of Lahore City

AbstractThe current research places its emphasis on addressing the issue of water shortage, which, if left unaddressed, could hinder sustainable development in the broader Punjab region, with a particular focus on the city of Lahore. In pursuit of our research objectives, we conducted a comprehensive survey that involved 600 households within Lahore. Our research methodology included the usage of both quantitative and qualitative analysis which included interviews and snowball sampling. Our findings indicate a clear and direct correlation between water shortage and patterns of water utilization and wastage. The absence of sustainable strategies to ensure adequate water supply, efficient resource management, and universal sanitation poses a substantial threat to our future. To address water shortages, it is crucial to encourage the use of water‐saving appliances and fixtures like toilets, low‐flow faucets, and showerheads. The purpose of these measures is to conserve water and align it with sustainable development goals by encouraging resource utilization that is efficient, minimizing environmental impact. By implementing these solutions, both households and border areas can benefit from significant water‐saving practices. Consequently, we recommend that the government implement targeted programs aimed at raising awareness among individuals about responsible water usage and reducing wasteful practices within households.

The impact of environmental health facilities and maternal behaviors on the incidence of diarrhea among children under five

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of diarrhea among children under five and assess the relationship between its risk factors related to environmental health facilities and maternal behavior. A prospective case-control community-based study was conducted in the service area of Pasar Ikan Community Health Center, Teluk Segara Subdistrict, Bengkulu City, Indonesia. A total of 140 participants were included, comprising 70 cases and 70 controls. The study found that poor qualification of clean water resources (OR=4.026, p-value=0.000), inadequate utilization of clean water (OR=5.813, p-value=0.000), poor qualification of family latrines (OR=3.574, p-value=0.000), and inadequate utilization of family latrines (OR=3.377, p-value=0.001) were significantly associated with an increased risk of diarrhea prevalence among children under five. Furthermore, unhealthy mothers’ behaviors, including frequent feeding of children outside the home (OR=2.728, p-value=0.000) and poor personal hygiene (OR=3.377, p-value=0.001), were also significantly related to a higher prevalence of diarrhea in this age group. Therefore, both substandard environmental health facilities and unhealthy maternal behaviors were identified as significant risk factors for diarrhea prevalence in children under five. These findings emphasize the critical importance of improving environmental health facilities and promoting positive changes in mothers’ behavior to reduce the incidence of diarrhea in this vulnerable population.