Water and wastewater infrastructure comes in all shapes and sizes. From residential water well systems to wastewater treatment plant with sprawling water treatment systems, the amount of maintenance and repair work varies greatly.
Those in construction and project management know what it’s like to balance timelines and budgets and expectations. This is true whether it’s the building of an office block or the repairing of water infrastructure. But what does water infrastructure mean, and how can we maintain systems to avoid costly consequences?
What is the Meaning of Water Infrastructure?
Water infrastructure, or aging water infrastructure for the purpose of this article, refers to “outdated or deteriorating treatment systems used for treating and distributing drinking water or domestic wastewater.”
This includes aging:
- Pipes
- Pumps
- Treatment facilities
- Sewer lines
Related article: Water Management: How to Avoid Setbacks During Construction Projects
What is the Lifespan of the Water Infrastructure?
The lifespan of water infrastructure varies across materials and usage. That said, it’s often the case that water infrastructure undergoes an upgrade instead of emergency repairs.
In Ireland, for instance, Irish Water is investing €40 million to upgrade the water supply for 70% of Cork City through upgrade works at Lee Road water treatment plant (WTP). The organisation states that “Lee Road WTP has had no major upgrade since the 1950s and upgrades are required to remove it from the EPA’s RAL. The existing plant will be replaced with a new plant which is capable of supplying 40 million litres per day (Ml/d) of water to the Cork City area. The new plant will be able to meet the needs of Cork City’s growing population supporting the social and economic development of the city.”
In this case, Irish Water is looking to the future. They predict expansion and a growing population, and by upgrading infrastructure now they will reduce the need of reactive upgrades and repairs down the line.
Elsewhere, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states that water treatment plants have a lifespan of 25 to 50 years. Furthermore, USA-based research has uncovered the following regarding lifespan:
- Cast iron pipes: 120 years
- Iron pipes: 100 years
- Ductile iron pipes: 100 years
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): 70 years
- High-density Polyethylene: 70 years
Project focus: Bulmers
Further information on water infrastructure can be found in Irish Water’s Code of Practice for Water Infrastructure.
What are the Consequences of Aging Infrastructure?
Aging water and wastewater infrastructure poses several risks. Among these are:
- Leaks.
- Flow disruption and emergency repairs.
- Sewage system issues.
- Environmental issues.
- Contaminated drinking water.
- Costly component replacement.
- An impact to businesses and homes.
- Total system failure.
While these are the risks, how do you maintain water systems and ensure the stages of the water and wastewater treatment process continue to work smoothly? Let’s look at some examples.
In Ireland, the rate of leakage nationally was 46% 2018. However, because of Irish Water’s National Leakage Reduction Programme, this figure was reduced to 38% by 2021. This programme received upwards of €500 million in funding, giving an insight into the cost of repairs.
Other Irish Water programmes implemented to address asset reliability and water quality issues throughout Ireland include:
- Source Protection Programme: This programme develops or upgrades groundwater sources.
- Reservoir Cleaning Programme: This programme involves the inspection of reservoirs and the development of a prioritised works (cleaning/repair) schedule for implementation. The programme aims to reduce network water quality issues.
- Disinfection Programme: This programme consists of chlorination upgrades and/or UV installations/upgrades to help resolve network water quality issues.
- Lead Mitigation Programme: This is a pilot programme that involves the addition of orthophosphate (a food additive) to the water. This prevents lead in domestic pipes dissolving into drinking water. This programme will run in parallel to the Targeted Lead Services Replacement and the Government National Lead Strategy.
Project focus: Irish Water
Further information on wastewater infrastructure can be found in Irish Water’s Code of Practice for Wastewater Infrastructure.
Ensure Long-lasting Water Infrastructure with Campion
Looking for a tried-and-tested way to ensure long-lasting water infrastructure How about partnering with a water and wastewater expert.
Campion has spent over 30 years providing a full range of pumping and treatment solutions to our customers. We even offer emergency breakdown repair for those times when the unexpected happens.
So, if you need help repairing or renewing water or wastewater infrastructure, talk to one of our water specialists today.
