Susceptibility of Potable Water Distribution Systems to Negative Pressure Transients

The operating conditions of drinking water systems are rarely at a true steady state. All systems will at some time be started up, switched off, or undergo other rapid flow changes. Previous research has established that the pressure waves generated by these disturbances can propagate throughout the distribution system, creating low and negative pressures in several locations, and that the low or negative pressures created can provide an opportunity for intrusion of non-potable water. The occurrence of low and negative pressure transients (also called surges) may also contribute to pipe fatigue and eventual pipe failure if stress fluctuations of sufficient magnitude and frequency occur. Investigating pressure transients improves understanding of how a system may behave in response to a variety of events such as power outages, routine pump shut downs, valve operations, flushing, firefighting, main breaks and other events that can create significant rapid, temporary drops in system pressure.Jointly sponsored by: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Science, Researc