Water Supply Schemes Research Articles

Active Thermal Field Integration for Marangoni‐Driven Salt Rejection and Water Collection

AbstractUsing solar energy to drive seawater desalination via solar steam generation (SSG) is a sustainable strategy for clean water supply. The weak efficiency and poor durability due to salt deposition severely restrict practical SSG operation. Traditional solar evaporators are difficult to simultaneously guarantee efficient evaporation and long‐term salt rejection due to increased salinity. Herein, to tackle this dilemma, a thermal gradient fabric (TGF) evaporator with an auxiliary active thermal field is constructed. Different from traditional works where additional energy resources with improved evaporation rate exacerbate salt accumulation, the auxiliary active thermal field is well integrated with external solar energy to boost ion circulation through moderate Marangoni flow, leading to a continuous salt rejection and superior energy utilization under high‐salinity desalination. The accelerated evaporation rate (2.42 kg m−2 h−1) and superior salt resistance (30 days of desalination in 10 wt.% brine) are simultaneously achieved through optimized thermal field construction. An outstanding water collection rate (5.84 kg m−2) is observed during high‐salinity outdoor desalination, which proves the practical purification ability. This study provides new insight into the construction of active thermal fields for efficient and sustainable clean water production, is believed.

Advancing Sustainability in Rural Water Management: Insight from Chaurjahari Municipality, Nepal

This study delves into the major problems affecting the sustainability of community water supply schemes in Chaurjahari Municipality, Rukum (West) District, Nepal. Employing a combination of explanatory, descriptive, and qualitative research designs, the study utilized primary data collected via structured questionnaires from field observations and secondary data sourced from local government offices and existing publications. The selected study area included five water supply schemes representative of the municipality's diverse demographic and environmental contexts. The research uncovered several critical sustainability challenges such as management inefficiencies, inadequate community engagement, and insufficient maintenance practices. It also examined the functionality of water supply systems through various indicators, evaluated sustainability issues at different project phases (pre-construction, construction, and post-construction), and analyzed the socio-demographic profiles of the respondents. Ethical considerations focused on respecting local customs and maximizing participant benefits were strictly followed. The findings emphasize the need for robust community involvement, enhanced capacity building, and improved management practices to ensure the sustainability of water supply projects. By addressing these key issues, the study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable development in rural water management and offers actionable recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders in similar contexts.

Developing Sustainable Water Supply Strategies among Indigenous Peoples in the Davao Region: A Systematic Review

Indigenous Peoples have a profound cultural, spiritual, and ecological connection to their ancestral lands and water resources. However, global challenges such as climate change, deforestation, urbanization, and industrialization increasingly threaten water availability and quality. Traditional knowledge systems and governance practices offer sustainable approaches to address these challenges, complementing modern water management strategies. This study reviews the literature on Indigenous water resource management, focusing on traditional ecological knowledge, cultural beliefs, customary laws, and their integration into modern governance frameworks. A systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA framework, analyzing studies published between 2015 and 2024. The findings highlight that Indigenous communities possess rich traditional knowledge systems emphasizing water conservation and collective responsibility, often rooted in spiritual and cultural beliefs. Customary laws provide dynamic, community-centered approaches for regulating water use while balancing ecological, social, and spiritual dimensions. Successful integration of Indigenous knowledge into modern governance frameworks, as seen in New Zealand’s Māori principles of guardianship, demonstrates the potential for sustainable and equitable water management. Addressing global water challenges requires inclusive frameworks that blend traditional practices with institutional reforms to combat water insecurity, which is increasingly exacerbated by climate change. Indigenous Peoples’ practices offer invaluable insights for managing water resources sustainably, enhancing resilience, and fostering environmental stewardship when integrated into modern governance systems.

Research on the Carbon Footprint Impact of Using Individual Plastic Bottles in Orienteering Events in China

Global warming is nowadays seriously affecting people’s production and life and causing great harm to the natural environment. The main cause of global warming is the greenhouse effect, which is due to the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. As a measure of an activity’s contribution to global warming, the calculation of carbon footprint is essential. In China orienteering events, single-use bottled water is widely used as post-race supplies, which generates a large amount of carbon emissions and carbon footprint. However, although bottled water is convenient, this consumption is still unnecessary, since there are other efficient alternatives. In this paper, the author discusses the possibility of changing the water supply strategy and method for orienteering events in China. Comparing the basic information and carbon footprint results produced by bottled water, barrel water and tap water, the author concludes that plastic materials required for barrel water are much less than bottled water since bottles own larger surface area than barrels when containing same amount of water. The author also summarizes that single-use bottled water system produces much more carbon footprints than municipal tap water system does due to the former one’s more complex and energy consuming process. In conclusion, the author considers that replacing single-use bottled water with barrel water and recycled cups or tap water is promising and has great benefits for the environment.

Water Services. Circular Integrated Management as a Management Strategy

ABSTRACTThe commitment to new solutions, the preservation of good basic practices, the safeguarding of people and goods, the valorization of water resources, the promotion of efficient building solutions, and the sustainability of public spaces are suggested as aspects that must appear in an integrated vision of the water infrastructure management.According to a holistic view of the management of these infrastructures, operational gains could be channeled, circularly, to investments in innovative solutions. This change must be carried out in the sense of efficiency, environmental sustainability, and circular management of the urban water cycle.The methodology of circular integrated management (CIM) is presented, which consists of an integrated management strategy for water supply and wastewater and rainwater drainage, also considering the management of solid waste and urban space, in a common model. The production of energy in water supply networks, in water treatment plants (WTP) and in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), and the recovery of treatment residues in WTP and WWTP are also included in this common strategy.

Financial Management Factor on the Performance of the Community-Based Water Supply Organisations in Katavi Region, Tanzania

This study assessed the financial management factors that affect the performance of Community-Based Water Supply Organizations (CBWSOs) in managing water supply schemes in Katavi’s rural areas. An inductive approach and exploratory design were employed in this study. The study population comprised 57 respondents, comprising the region's management team and supervisory board members of selected CBWSOs. Data was collected through one-on-one In-depth interviews, field observation and literature reviews. The findings revealed that financial management was a critical aspect, emphasizing the importance of community participation in the collection of funds. Community participation in the collection of funds fosters financial sustainability, a sense of ownership, responsible resource utilization, and transparency. Based on the findings, the study recommends future mechanisms and strategies to support financial sustainability, providing capacity building and implementing a monitoring and evaluation framework, that effectively enhance transparent and participatory governance structures within CBWSOs in the Katavi region.

Challenges in Tea Plantation-Based Small Community Water Safety Plan Implementation – A Sri Lankan Experience

This paper presents the challenges and scientific approach adopted to overcome those challenges for Rural WSP (RWSP) implementation for the water supply schemes (WSS) in the Sri Lankan Tea Plantation sector. Factors positively and negatively impacting WSP implementation were identified through a SWOT analysis. Pooled response of the Likert scale survey of WSP team members to evaluate the impact of each contributing factor. A Spearman correlation was conducted to evaluate the correlations. Survey results confirmed that top management engagement, availability of financial resources, organizational structure, clustered community, government regulations, quality certifications, and similar cultural practices positively impact the success of WSP implementation. Poor community awareness, learning culture, communication barriers, poor sanitation and hygiene practices, inadequate stakeholder relationships, inadequate resources, skills, and lack of accountability were the factors hindering the WSP implementation. Correlation analysis showed specific relationships namely, lack of accountability with inadequate resources and skills, availability of financial support with inadequate resources and skills, and lack of awareness with a lack of resources and skills. Converting the negative factors to positive ones will make the WSP application successful in another similar plantation-based WSS. The major lesson from this intrinsic research study is that socioeconomic and cultural factors in the tea plantation are equally important as the typical technical aspects of the WSP.

Improving the technology of drinking water purification at the water treatment facilities of the Chernorechensk reservoir during the flood period

The paper considers the natural and technical aspects that contribute to the supply of substandard quality water to the water treatment facilities of the city of Sevastopol during the flood period, which caused repeated shutdown of water treatment facilities. Options for retrofitting the existing water supply and purification scheme are considered, with the determination of the enlarged cost. The paper presents a technological justification for the application of a two-stage sedimentation scheme, which can be implemented within the framework of existing equipment and a small technological re-equipment.

An Assessment of Drinking Water Quality in the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality, South Africa: A Case Study of the Elukwatini Water Supply Scheme

This study analysed the water quality of 156 samples collected from 13 different points within the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality between January and December 2021, focusing on compliance with the South African National Standard 241 (SANS 241). Microbiological assessments revealed widespread contamination, with heterotrophic plate counts (HPCs) exceeding the recommended range in nearly all samples. The median HPC levels were particularly concerning, with the untreated source (RE000) exhibiting a median of 2555 CFU/mL. Total coliforms and Escherichia coli were present at alarming levels, indicating significant faecal contamination; the highest total coliform count, 2420 CFU/100 mL, was recorded at RE000. Physically, while all samples complied with electrical conductivity standards (0–70 µS/cm), turbidity levels showed variability, with nine samples exceeding the acceptable threshold of 1 NTU. The highest turbidity, 7.55 NTU, was recorded at the untreated source (RE000). Chemically, pH levels fell within safe ranges (6.0–9.0), with all samples being compliant with standards. However, only one sample (E001) met the free chlorine standard of 0.3–0.6 mg/L, suggesting inadequate disinfection practices. The untreated source was classified as ‘Unsuitable for drinking’ (WQI = 207.27). These findings highlight the critical need for enhanced monitoring and remediation strategies to improve drinking water safety in the region.

Prediction and optimisation of solidification structure growth and transformation behaviour in microalloy chamfered continuous casting slab

The solidification structure of complex chamfered slabs of microalloyed steel was analysed and controlled. A computational model of solidified structures was applied and the model was verified. The research results show that there are differences in the solidification structure inside the slab. The slab successively produces fine-grained areas, large-size columnar grain areas, CET (columnar to equiaxed grain transition), and equiaxed grain areas. The effects of different carbon contents on the solidification structure were analysed. As the c content decreases from 0.23% to 0.20%, the tip growth fitting coefficient a3 increases from 4.077172e-06 to 5.403274e-06, which increases the grain growth rate. Considering the different sensitivities of grain growth in the lateral direction, a lateral zoning water supply strategy is used to flexibly control the uniformity of grain growth. By simulating different water flow ratios in the corners and centre areas, the optimal nozzle water flow density ratio is 0.840. Superheat can effectively control grain distribution. The proportion of central equiaxed grains increases with decreasing superheat. The study found that the proportion of equiaxed grains has different sensitivities affected by different degrees of superheat. The superheat degree ranges of strong sensitivity and weak sensitivity were obtained. In the production practice of superheat adjustment to control particle distribution, the adjustment effect is better within the strong sensitivity range.

Environmental Public Health Tracking in England- support for Health Impact Assessments

Abstract Environmental epidemiology is a key function for the public health service with regards to investigating the public health effects of environmental hazards, monitoring the public health efforts to control the environmental risks, and providing the evidence that informs decisions making and preparedness. At the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) Programme, initiated in 2010, has developed a number of data streams to help link environment and health data, to support Health Impact Assessment (HIA). The main aims of the EPHT programme in England are to: 1. Identify populations at risk from exposure to significant environmental and chemical hazards 2. Investigate relationships between hazard and disease 3. Inform public health policy making 4. Optimise intervention and prevention strategies 5. Generate hypotheses for further research. Such EPHT functions are based on three key components: a) by building a national EPHT program that integrates surveillance of environmental hazards, exposures and related health outcomes, to allow data linkage and assessment of environmental and health information; b) strengthening the epidemiology science, by conducting research and training of the workforce and c) developing strategies for response to immediate risks, incidents and preparing for future risks. Examples to support HIA include a) developing an air pollution exposure surveillance work programme, that has designed a pilot population vulnerability indicator; b) developing indicators for climate change impacts for public health, c) reporting regularly on the health impacts of public fluoridation water supply schemes (as mandated by Government) and d) exploring risk factors associated with elevated blood lead concentration in children, through laboratory reporting to surveillance systems. The talk will highlight some examples of practice and outline how the EPHT programme in England has supported HIA practices.

A geospatial assessment of the resilience of municipal water supply to flooding in Nowshera District, Pakistan

A geospatial assessment of the resilience of municipal water supply to flooding in Nowshera District, Pakistan

Risks of sanitation and water supply in Pontianak City poorer areas settlements

Abstract The availability of sufficient and safe drinking water is one of the criteria for a settlement to be declared as a poorer area. Areas declared as poorer areas by the city government have water supply problems that require intervention. The Sanitation Risk Index is calculated using a questionnaire on households regarding sanitation conditions and water supply. This research examines the relationship between the Sanitation Risk Index and its effect on water use, as well as the strategies implemented to reduce sanitation risks in water supply in poorer areas in Pontianak City, West Kalimantan. The city of Pontianak is located downstream of Kapuas River. Many settlements grow along riverbanks and require clean water and adequate sanitation facilities. This study began with an assessment of sanitation conditions and clean water supply with a sanitation risk assessment using a questionnaire in poorer areas. The results of the questionnaire led to calculation of the Sanitation Risk Index (IRS). Descriptive and statistical analyses show the relationship between IRS and water supply. In obtaining the water supply strategy carried out here, it was found that more than 50% of the population uses refillable water for drinking; however, rainwater and river water are still used by poorer area settlements for daily activities. The sanitation risk index was 350, indicating the influence of sanitation risk on the quality and supply of water in Pontianak City poorer area settlements. There are urgent problems that must be resolved in the clean water supply sector in the studied poorer areas.

Unlocking synergies of drawdown operation: Multi-objective optimization of reservoir emergency storage capacity

Optimizing reservoir drawdown operations holds significant implications for hydropower generation, water supply, and drought mitigation strategies. However, achieving multi-objective optimization in reservoir drawdown operations poses fundamental challenges, particularly considering emergency storage capacity and seasonal drought patterns. This study introduces a novel multi-objective optimization framework tailored for a mega reservoir, focusing on drawdown operations to enhance hydropower generation and water supply reliability. A drawdown operation model leveraging a multi-objective ant lion optimizer is developed to simultaneously maximize reservoir hydropower output and minimize water shortage rates. China's Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR), situated over the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, constitutes the case study, with the standard operation policy (SOP) serving as a benchmark. Results showcase the efficacy of the proposed method, with substantial improvements observed: a 10.6% increase in hydropower output, a 6.0% reduction in water shortage days, and a 9.5% decrease in minimal reservoir water release compared to SOP. This study provides robust technical and scientific bolster to optimize reservoir ESC and enhance the synergy between hydropower generation, water supply, and drought resilience. Additionally, it offers decision-makers actionable strategies that account for emergency water supply capacities. These strategies aim to support mega reservoir's resilience against extreme drought events facilitating the collaboration between modelers and policy-makers, by means of intelligent optimization and decision-making technologies.

From drops to drums: Assessing rainwater storage’s quality and quantity for addressing water demands in dry periods – A case study from Arusha Tanzania

From drops to drums: Assessing rainwater storage’s quality and quantity for addressing water demands in dry periods – A case study from Arusha Tanzania

Designing a Sustainable Water Supply Strategy through Biobjective Mixed-Integer Linear Programming: A Case Study on Gaza

Designing a Sustainable Water Supply Strategy through Biobjective Mixed-Integer Linear Programming: A Case Study on Gaza

Effectiveness of climate resilient water safety plans in Nepal

ABSTRACT Water supply schemes (WSSs) in Nepal are managed by water user committees with basic knowledge of climate change. The Government of Nepal has committed and prioritized improving the quality of water services by implementing climate-resilient water safety plans (CR-WSPs) in 10 WSSs. In this study, how tough water sanitation and hygiene (HTIW) framework was adopted to assess the effectiveness of these CR-WSPs, which include four groundwater and six protected springs-based WSSs. Employing the HTIW framework, this study adopted the six key indicators environment, infrastructure, management, community governance and engagement, institutional support, and supply chains to evaluate CR-WSPs effectiveness. The indicators were then assessed using a Likert scale. Resilient schemes are needed to demonstrate a capacity to respond effectively to challenges such as unforeseen extreme events and potential hazards, together with an aptitude for financial management, laboratory maintenance, and social inclusion. Less resilient schemes tend to be those linked to social inclusion or financial issues. Institutional support and supply chain domain scored four and were relatively strong among them. The findings of this study suggest that CR-WSPs can be an important metric tool to assess climate resilience and guide policymakers in low- and middle-income countries.

Empowering community participation for sustainable rural water supply: Navigating water scarcity in Karak district Pakistan

Empowering community participation for sustainable rural water supply: Navigating water scarcity in Karak district Pakistan

Optimization model of water-fertilizer coupling in garden plant cultivation based on big data analysis

Optimization model of water-fertilizer coupling in garden plant cultivation based on big data analysis

ინოვაციური კონსტრუქციის სამკონტურიანი გათბობა-გაგრილების ქვაბი

Boiler that is used only for heating the heat carrier is called single-circuit boiler. The heat carrier, which is heated in the boiler furnace with fuel combustion products, circulates in the heat exchangers of the heating system (radiators, heaters, etc.). Boiler, which, in addition to the heating function, has the function of heating domestic water, is called double-circuit boiler (according to the presence of heating and hot water supply schemes). In such devices, part of the heat carrier circulates in the heating system, and part heats the internal water to the required temperature. The article presents a three-circuit heating-cooling boiler of an innovative design, which can be used both for heating the building and for obtaining sanitary hot water, as well as for cooling the building in the air-conditioning mode during the warm period of the year, for which the device is equipped with a refrigeration unit. The construction is universal, compact and in one small volume there is a device that can perform all the above functions.