United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
RESEARCH PROJECT
National Risk Management Research Laboratory
Water Supply and Water Resources Division
Water Quality Management Branch
TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO THE DRINKING WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM SIMULATOR
RESEARCH CENTER - BIOFILM TEST LOOP
IMPACT STATEMENT
This project will utilize the distribution system simulator (DSS)
designed and fabricated by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) to simulate continuous flow conditions observed
in a typical distribution system. The experimental studies
performed through this project are designed to evaluate the
physical, chemical, and biological phenomena that occur in
drinking water distribution systems. The results will be used
to provide guidance on how to maintain high water quality
through the infrastructure of distribution systems.
BACKGROUND:
The DSS was created by EPA to gain a better understanding of the factors that influence water qualities within water
distribution infrastructure systems. The DSS unit consists of six individual 75 feet lengths of 6 inch diameter pipe
arranged in "pipe loop" configurations to mimic continuous flow conditions in a typical distribution system. Four of the
six recirculating pipe loops are ductile iron; the two others are polyvinylchloride (PVC). One of the iron pipe loops will be
replaced with a high density polyethylene (HOPE) pipe in 2010. The PVC and HOPE pipes allow experiments to be
conducted in newer, alternative materials that are increasingly utilized in new distribution systems and repairs. The DSS
can be arranged to operate in various modes. In addition to the pipe loop system there are two 1,500 gallon reservoir
tanks that simulate a comprehensive simulated distribution infrastructure system. The distribution system is operated
with a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system which can monitor and control pH, temperature,
chlorine, flow, and chemical addition operating conditions and parameters. Experimental studies are designed to
evaluate the physical, chemical, and biological phenomena that occur in drinking water distribution systems.
DESCRIPTION:
EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD) has funded this research project in support of its National Risk
Management Research Laboratory's Aging Water Infrastructure (AWI) Research Program. This project will upgrade EPA's
existing state-of-the-art pilot-scale pipe loop distribution system simulator apparatuses as needed to conduct testing to
evaluate infrastructure related remote monitoring, telemetry, biofilm, metal accumulation and release, water quality
performance, and operational cost data.
EPA GOAL: Goal #2 - Clean & Safe Water, Objective 2.1.1- Water Safe to Drink
ORD MULTI YEAR PLAN: Drinking Water (DW), Long Term Goal - DW-2 Control, Manage, and Mitigate Health Risks
RESEARCH PARTNERS :
Contractors: Shaw Environmental
Collaborators: ORD's National Homeland Security Research Center and National Exposure Research Laboratory
National Risk Management Research Laboratory
Water Supply and Water Resources Division
-------
EXPECTED OUTCOMES AND IMPACTS:
The expected outcomes and impacts of this project are acceptance of new and innovative technologies for rehabilitation
of infrastructure; lowered cost and increased effectiveness of design, operation, maintenance, rehabilitation, and
replacement of aging water infrastructure; and extended service life and functionality of existing conveyance systems;
and reduced life cycle cost. This project will conduct experimental studies under controlled conditions to develop a
better understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological phenomena that occur in drinking water distribution
systems. An expected outcome of this project includes the determination of what factors influence biofilm growth
within such systems and, develop and test mechanisms for the enhancement and control of biofilm growth within a
simulated distribution system. Results from studies on the DSS will have a direct impact on utilities by providing
information on disinfectant decay, biofilm growth, disinfection by-product formation, and overall water quality changes
in water distribution systems as they prepare for the 21st century.
OUTPUTS:
Current and expected project outputs include peer-reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings, and reports.
RESOURCES:
Distribution System Simulators: http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/wswrd/dw/dss.htm
Aging Water Infrastructure Research Program: http://www.epa.gov/awi/
CONTACTS:
Christopher Impellitteri, Principal Investigator - (513) 569-2872 or impellitteri.christopher@epa.gov
Steven Doub, Media Relations - (513) 569-7503 ordoub.steven@epa.gov
Michelle Latham, Communications - (513) 569-7601 or latham.michelle@epa.gov
National Risk Management Research Laboratory
Water Supply and Water Resources Division
www.epa.gov/nrmrl
EPA/600/F-09/010
October 2009
------- |