Temperature Influences Discolouration risk

Particulate material can accumulate in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) and can cause discolouration. Previous research showed that temperature influences this. However, it did not explain why higher temperatures lead to a higher accumulation rates. Based on existing data collected in the DWDS of several Dutch water companies, we investigated if higher temperatures lead to more particulate material from the treatment plant, or cause higher accumulation rates within the DWDS. Continuous temperature and turbidity measurements at 6 pumping stations showed the majority of the treatment plants do not have a seasonal trend in turbidity. Filter volumes in the DWDS and high frequency particle accumulation rate measurements on numerous locations in the DWDS of one specific water company did show a seasonal effect. It is likely that higher temperatures in the DWDS can augment particulate material accumulation.