Water distribution systems are large networks of storage tanks, valves, pumps, and pipes that transport finished water to consumers. Because of their design, the systems include areas of vulnerability where contamination can occur.
Given the wide range of drinking water sources and distribution practices, great care must be taken to ensure that the safest possible drinking water reaches the consumer. EPA's National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL) studies ways not only to protect and restore our water resources, but also to help transport clean drinking water right to our taps.
For contact information about NRMRL’s drinking water research, including distribution systems, corrosion, simulators, biofilms, EPANET, ETV, isotope hydrology…
Isotope Hydrology
Lipfert, G., W.C. Sidle, A.S. Reeve, and R.A. Ayuso. (2005). “Relationship of Arsenic Concentrations to Sulfur and Oxygen Isotopes in a Fractured-Bedrock Ground Water System.” Chemical Geology. (in press)
Corrosion, Scaling, and Metal Mobility Research
Lytle, D.A., C. Frietch, and T.J. Sorg. (2004). “The Accumulation of Arsenic in Drinking Water Distribution Systems.” Env. Sci. & Tech, 38, 20: 5365–5372.