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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Scientists concerned about
sanitary installation compliances
Climate change is putting the availability and quality of potable
water under pressure globally. This increasingly results in initiatives
concerning alternative sources (rainwater and grey water) to replace
the potable water used in sanitary appliances. In addition, water-saving
versions are replacing old sanitary appliances.
By World Plumbing Council
The World Plumbing Council (WPC) says scientists
are expressing concern about the use of water-
efficient appliances, including water closets, taps,
and showers, which are connected to the existing
water mains and drainage systems. They fear that
unsafe situations will arise.
in collaboration with CIB in Haarlem, will offer a stage
to scientists and technical experts working in the field
of supplying water, drains, and sanitary provisions for
buildings. Experts from all over the world will meet at
the 43rd ‘Water Supply and Drainage’ symposium of
the International Council for Research and Innovation in
Building and Construction (CIB).
Climate change, urbanisation, and the growing need
to efficiently use water, energy, and resources, have
ensured that the sanitary technology world is on the
eve of a revolution. From 23 to 25 August 2018, TVVL,
Reduced water flows in existing drainage systems often
lead to blocked drains, which in turn lead to unhygienic
situations that can even cause disease. Less water
flowing in existing water supply systems can lead to
a deterioration in water quality, a higher risk of biofilm
formation, and the undesired growth of pathogenic
bacteria, including legionella and pseudomonas.
Researchers in various countries are investigating the
way faecal matter is transported through the drainage
systems when less water is flushed through the water
closets. In addition, the self-cleaning performance of
the sewers, if water-saving practices continue, is being
mapped out.
WPC says scientists are expressing concern about the
use of water-efficient appliances that are connected to
the existing water mains and drainage systems.
May 2018 Volume 24 I Number 3
Scientists at Wageningen University and Research are
investigating a new system of gravity drainage involving
smaller pipes in which the concentration of solid matter
in household wastewater increases, due to a reduction in
the volume of wastewater and an increase in the volume
of waste (residual food waste, vegetable waste). This
will make it easier and cheaper for the water treatment
plant to recover phosphate from wastewater. Phosphate
is an essential and finite raw material that otherwise will
quickly be depleted.
Experts are also concerned about the relationship
between the dimensioning of the water supply systems
and the amount of water that they actually supply.
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