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Pressure-induced taste and odour deviations within the high-pressure drinking water distribution system
Zoë Mol1, Lore Segers2, Herman Van Langenhove2
1Research Group Environmental Organic Chemistry and Technology (EnVOC), Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Center for Advanced Process Technology for Urban Resource Recovery (CAPTURE), Frieda Saeysstraat 1, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium.
Pressure changes in high-pressure drinking water systems can cause taste and odour issues. This study found that pressure drops release odour compounds from pipe sealing materials, impacting tap water quality.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Water Treatment
Background:
- Taste and odour (T&O) issues in tap water reduce consumer acceptance.
- Odours can originate from pipe materials, microbial activity, disinfection, or external sources.
- Understanding T&O origins is crucial for preventing drinking water quality problems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between pressure changes and T&O compound release in high-pressure (HP) drinking water distribution systems.
- To identify specific T&O compounds leached due to pressure fluctuations during maintenance.
- To determine the source of T&O compounds associated with pressure variations.
Main Methods:
- Optimized a trace analytical method for 45 T&O compounds, including derivatization for halophenols.
- Conducted field experiments in a 3 km HP pipe section under varying pressure scenarios (10 to 5 to 2 bar).
- Analyzed water extracts from pipe sealing materials and household samples for T&O compounds.
Main Results:
- Lowering pressure from 10 to 5 bar induced a bitumen/asphalt odour.
- A sudden pressure drop to 2 bar intensified the odour.
- Identified two halophenols contributing to odour, and a total of 6 halophenols and 5 other T&O compounds were detected after emptying.
- Detected similar T&O compounds in sealing material extracts and a post-maintenance household sample.
Conclusions:
- Pressure changes in HP drinking water systems induce the leaching of T&O compounds from sealing materials.
- Sealing materials are a significant source of T&O compounds released during pressure fluctuations.
- Findings provide insights into managing T&O issues related to drinking water network maintenance.
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