Plumbing and piping systems require standard materials for installations in residential and commercial settings. Plumbers work on different applications, with some clients demanding installations and materials for their unique needs and preferences in terms of their water supply. Fortunately, there are custom fabrication services and specialty piping supplies in Utah designed for such special applications. The requisites for potable water, in particular, are very specific. They are set in place to prevent breaches that may pose a risk to human health and safety.
Overview of water distribution systems
The taps of consumers are the endpoints of a water distribution system originating from a centralized treatment plant. Another usual source of water is a well, and collectively they have to supply billions of gallons of potable water to households. Currently, the distribution system for water supplies comprises miles and miles of pumps, pipes, tanks, valves, and fittings.
The operation of these systems require consistent monitoring and evaluation, and it is understandable. The importance of keeping the water clean and contaminant-free cannot be stressed enough. Any infringement in the water line could cause a public health disaster and the consequences in people’s lives can be catastrophic. The quality of water must always be fit for human consumption.
Repairs and replacements
Some of the pipes carrying water to homes, businesses, and industries have been in operation since the 19th century. These iron pipes are not produced widely today. Of much later addition is a pipeline made from plastic and composites fit to carry potable water. The actual lifespan of a stretch of pipeline depends not only on the materials but also on pertinent environmental conditions.
The need to monitor the efficacy and soundness of these pipes call for timely and effective repairs when issues occur. The time will come when segments of pipes would have reached their life expectancy and have to be replaced. These tasks require considerable investments in time and resources. They must be done on time. Failure to perform repairs and replacement puts people’s health and wellbeing at risk.
Enforcement of water quality standards
The quality of water must remain untainted from the treatment plant or well, through the distribution system, and to the end user. Reactions from chemical processes and physical factors may change the quality of water in the pipeline as it courses from the source to the end of the line. Water quality standards are being strictly implemented at the source. However, the distribution systems are not monitored as vigilantly. It is not surprising that contamination still exists and lead to periodic outbreaks of water-borne diseases. Some of these diseases are acute, but others are chronic and may affect only small communities.
Protecting water quality
Water issues should be a top public health priority. Federal and state health authorities are mandated to ensure drinking water reaching home and businesses are safe to drink. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is implementing numerous policies to ensure regulations are met. As such, distribution systems are subject to sanitary surveys, residual disinfectant surveys, disinfection byproducts monitoring, and research to determine levels of bacterial contamination.
Modern developments in plumbing systems and fixtures allow for a variety of materials, pipe sizes, and methods of construction. Aside from monitoring of distribution systems, plumbing products and fixtures also need to be certified. All these concerns must be addressed to ensure safe drinking water for everyone.
