Category:Water supply

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[edit] Contamination of water distribution systems

In settings with piped water distribution, where demand for water exceeds the supply, the water pressure inside the pipes can become very low and flow becomes very low or even stops. The response of some people who can afford it is to fit a water pump to the outlet, to draw the water out. This further exacerbates the problem of low pressure in the pipes.

The low pressure means that groundwater is drawn into the pipes through leaks in the pipes. It is very common for a significant amount of a city's water supply to be lost to leaks (see non-revenue water on Wikipedia); however when the leaks flow in the other direction, it creates a serious water quality problem. the dropping below the pressure of the groundwater.^[1]

It is claimed that HDPE^WP pipe greatly reduces water loss and contamination.^[2]

[edit] Notes and references

1. ↑ Chriswaterguy has added this information based on his research in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia, in 1996. See also:
   • What causes water contamination? - from the Manila Water Company's FAQ.
   • Of Low Water Pressure, Sucking Taps and Herbicide In Barbados - describes a scenario where low pressure could lead to serious toxins accidentally drawn into the water supply.
2. ↑ Hdpe Potable Water Pipe Oxford Plastics Inc (commercial site).