Considerations on the ground pollutant effect on drinking water conveyance pipes

Abstract

The water supply system pipe networks are made of tubes and pipes joined by sockets or welds, on which a series of fittings are placed. The construction unit interacts with the degradation factors present on site. The research has shown that the main external mechanisms of pipe degradation result from the physico-chemical properties of the site's ground and external loads. External processes, which occur on the ground, lead to the degradation of the pipe network through the appearance of micro-pores, pores, fissures or cracks. Under specific operating conditions, water emission areas can become entering pathways for pollutants from the external environment inside the pipeline, causing the contamination of the drinking water conveyed. Considering the hydro-climatic phenomena in recent years, which have put pressure on viable drinking water resources, it is necessary to identify the external sources of degradation of the pipe networks.