Articles tagged with Water Pipes
Engineers at Purdue University have developed a patent-pending method to estimate the location, orientation, and radius of underground utility pipes using ground-penetrating radar. This innovation could help prevent hazardous strikes during construction projects, reducing financial losses and service disruptions.
Researchers warn of declining access to safe and reliable water in the US, urging better tracking tools and policy reforms. A new tool, Household Water Insecurity Experiences (HWISE), measures water insecurity in over 1,000 households across the country.
A new study from UMass Amherst found significant variability between at-home water testing kit abilities to detect contaminants. Single-parameter tests generally had more accurate results than multi-parameter ones, but users should interpret the results with skepticism, especially if testing for high levels of metals.
Researchers warn that wildfires can contaminate drinking water distribution systems, posing substantial public health risks. Over 50 volatile organic compounds have been detected in water distribution systems after wildfires, including carcinogens such as benzene.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University identified clogging in a geothermal well due to accidental venting, highlighting the need for regular inspection and monitoring of water quality. The study emphasizes the importance of geochemical analysis of groundwater for stable and widespread use of aquifer thermal energy storage systems.
Engineers from RMIT University have invented a protective coating for concrete pipes that can help drastically reduce the formation of fatbergs in sewers. The coating reduces build-up of FOG on concrete by 30% and is stable in water, withstanding temperatures up to 850 degrees Celsius.
The two-year program will help recruit, teach, and graduate the next generation of water pipeline managers. The GLWA faces significant employee recruitment, training, and retention challenges due to technological advances in the water sector.
A study found that trees along UT's Waller Creek flourish during droughts due to wastewater from leaky city pipes, which also affects tree growth patterns. The research highlights the unintended positive consequences of urbanization on climate-resilience of stream ecosystems.
A study by Concordia researchers analyzed data from 13 Canadian utilities covering 26,000 km of pipes and 62,000 failures. They found age, material, and diameter were the most associated factors with breaks, but also revealed less well-known effects of pipe protection methods, soil types, and seasonal variations.
A recent study by Drexel University shows that sound waves can reveal the composition of buried water lines, allowing for the speedy removal of lead service lines. The technique uses ultrasonic stress wave propagation to detect unique acoustic signatures for each type of pipe, making it a promising alternative to invasive testing methods.
Rice University engineers have developed a hybrid urban water supply system that combines conventional, centralized water sources with reclaimed wastewater to save energy and reduce freshwater use. The system is also more resilient against disruptions such as hurricanes and flooding.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a system to assess water quality challenges in Suzhou, China. The study found that the city's water capacity has increased since 2001 due to effective water management measures.
Researchers found a 27% decrease in mean friction and a 9% reduction in energy demand through pulsating pumping similar to the human heart. This approach could lead to less costly modifications than pipe wall changes or actuators, benefiting industrial applications.
A new study reveals a 4,000-year-old system of ceramic water pipes in China demonstrates that neolithic people were capable of complex engineering feats without a centralised state authority. The discovery challenges earlier understanding in archaeological fields.
Researchers at Politecnico di Milano used fibre optic sensors to monitor water pipelines and detected pressure anomalies caused by water leaks. The study's results confirm the possibility of identifying and localizing small water leaks, offering a potential solution to global water wastage.
A WVU researcher is working to understand the unknowns about microorganisms growing inside pipes that bring drinking water to homes and businesses. Biofilms can be detrimental to drinking water quality, but the researcher aims to develop strategies for maintaining water quality throughout complex infrastructures.
A study by Lund University researchers discovered that predatory bacteria, like Bdellovibrio, grew in number and consumed other bacteria when chlorine was removed from drinking water. This finding suggests that efficient filtration systems can reduce the need for chlorine, offering hope for a chlorine-free future.
Chronic exposure to low levels of contaminant metals through household items, air, water, soil, and food increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Monitoring environmental metal levels and testing for exposure are key steps to implement public health initiatives.
Researchers developed algorithms to analyze acoustic signals from fire hydrant-mounted hydrophones, pinpointing leaks in aging water distribution networks. This technology supports water conservation efforts, especially in the Western US where leaks are a significant issue.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health estimates that regulations reducing lead and copper contamination in drinking water generate $9.2 billion in health benefits annually, exceeding the EPA's public estimates by an order of magnitude. The analysis also reveals at least $2 billion in infrastructure benefits, bringi...
Storm geysers can cause significant flooding, damage, and injury due to poor city planning and inadequate drainage systems. A new computational model suggests increasing pipeline diameter and improving system design as effective preventive measures.
Researchers used AI to analyze thousands of satellite measurements, revealing four categories of ice movements linked to meltwater flow. The study provides insight into how the Greenland ice sheet reacts to warmer temperatures and more meltwater.
A team of researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and other institutions has identified a flexible and user-friendly model for predicting flood frequency in a changing environment. The fractional polynomial-based regression method is more effective than existing models, which often fail to account for factors like climate ...
Researchers have developed a new miniature robot called Joey that can explore real pipe networks completely on its own, weighing just 70g. The robots are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and are equipped with energy-efficient sensors to navigate through narrow sections and obstacles.
A study by Duke University found that one in four Flint residents have PTSD, with rates of depression and PTSD three to five times higher than national estimates. The crisis exacerbated existing mental health problems in the predominantly low-income Black community.
A new study found that Native American households in Nevada lack complete indoor plumbing, with an average of 0.67% households affected between 1990-2019. The study also revealed a significant increase in Safe Drinking Water Act violations, with over 20,000 people impacted in 2019.
Researchers found substantial amounts of pharmaceutical compounds in a stream in Baltimore, despite low concentrations over the course of a year. The high loads are likely coming from leaking sewer pipes, posing a significant threat to aquatic life and ecosystems.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a theoretical model to predict the formation and size of large cavitation bubbles in hydraulic systems. The model helps engineers design safer systems and guidelines to minimize wear and tear, reducing major failures.
A Stanford study reveals that installing piped water closer to remote households in Zambia improves the lives of women and girls by reducing fetching time, increasing economic opportunities, and enhancing well-being. Households with piped water spend up to 80% less time fetching water, allowing for more time on productive activities li...
The University of Texas at Arlington is developing an algorithm that models the effects of earthquakes on water pipeline infrastructure. This model determines how best to use limited infrastructure funding to make pipelines less prone to earthquake damage.
A new study recommends four cost-effective methods to reduce arsenic contamination in Bangladesh, including testing and drilling medium-depth wells. The strategies could help more people at a lower cost, with the goal of improving public health and lives.
Researchers present a quick and affordable solution to restore protective coatings in lead pipes, reducing toxic lead leaching into water supply. The new electrochemical approach could be applied to existing pipes with minimal disruption and cost savings.
A team of researchers has developed a new method to eliminate turbulence in fluid flows, which can save up to 95% of the energy required to pump fluids through pipes. The approach involves creating a 'flat' velocity profile that prevents turbulent eddies from forming.
Researchers found alarming concentrations of antimony in Roman water pipes from Pompeii, linked to vomiting, diarrhea, and organ damage. The element is acutely toxic, causing rapid reactions that can lead to dehydration, liver and kidney problems, and even cardiac arrest.
A University of Texas at Arlington civil engineer will model large-diameter water transmission pipes' behavior in different types of soils to establish modeling standards. The research aims to improve the reliability and economics of large diameter pipelines, ensuring a long-lasting and sustainable way of building drinking water infras...
A new robotic system developed by MIT researchers can find even tiny leaks in water or gas pipes with high accuracy, helping to alleviate water shortages and structural damage. The system uses a small, rubbery robot that moves passively through the pipe, detecting pressure variations to locate leaks.
Researchers discovered that millions of bacteria in water pipes and purification plants help purify drinking water. The diversity of species is huge, with over 80,000 bacteria per milliliter detected in one study.
A team of researchers from Arizona State University found that informal water vendors, when organized into unions, can improve water pricing, quality, and delivery. The study suggests that these markets have the potential to bridge supply gaps in urban water systems.
Researchers warn that the growing popularity of e-cigarettes and alternative tobacco products among young adults poses a significant public health risk. Studies have shown that use of these products can lead to a 2.5 times increase in later cigarette use, with nicotine being the most addictive substance.
A new study by engineers at the University of Sheffield has proven conclusively that contaminants can enter pipes through leaks and be transported through the pipe network. Groundwater with harmful contaminants can be sucked in and remain in the pipe, potentially reaching consumers' taps at low concentrations.
A new study from the University of Waterloo found that almost one in four high school seniors try smoking hookah, with over 78,200 youth current water pipe users. The study warns that water pipes carry similar toxins as cigarettes and can lead to increased cancer risk.
A study found that hookah pipe tobacco use and smokeless tobacco snus were associated with an increased risk of cigarette smoking among teenagers and young adults. The study also showed that individuals who used these products had a higher likelihood of becoming current or high-intensity smokers.
A UCLA School of Nursing study found that 57% of young adults believe hookah smoking is not harmful to their health. Despite this, hookahs contain toxic chemicals and nicotine, posing serious health risks. The study aims to increase public knowledge on the dangers of hookah smoking among young adults.
A study found that young adults who smoked water pipes in hookah bars had significantly elevated levels of nicotine, cotinine, and tobacco-related cancer-causing agents in their urine. This may increase their risk for cancer and other chronic diseases.
A recent study published in Respirology reveals that water pipe smoking can have severe respiratory effects, comparable to those of cigarette smoking. The research, led by Mohammad Hossein Boskabady, found profound impacts on lung function among water pipe smokers and deep inhalation cigarette smokers.
Researchers found that smaller leaves have more tightly packed major veins, which provides redundancy in water transport. This allows them to maintain function even during extreme drought, making them more resistant to the effects of embolism in dry soil.
A growing proportion of young people are using hookah water pipes despite misconceptions about its safety. Family habits, such as father or sibling smoking, significantly increase the likelihood of hookah use.
Research shows that tobacco smoking, including water pipe smoking, increases the risk of periodontal disease by 5-fold and 3.8-fold respectively compared to non-smokers. Water pipe smoking contains similar toxic substances as cigarette smoke, despite filtration.
A robotic caterpillar, Moccasin II, has been developed to navigate through gas, water, and sewerage pipes in buildings damaged by earthquakes or explosions. The robot can successfully navigate multiple 90-degree bends and is equipped with lights, a video camera, and microphones to detect survivors.
Dr. Roger J. Cuffey and his students have identified dinosaur footprints at Pipe Spring National Monument, offering a unique opportunity to study the tracks of an ancient three-toed beast. The findings suggest that the animal was likely a medium to large theropod, possibly the Eubrontes species.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have invented a faucet that drips automatically to relieve pressure and prevent pipe bursts. The design is centered on southern states where subfreezing temperatures are rare, and construction lacks attention to protecting pipes from outside temperatures.