Communities across the country are racing to complete an initial inventory of their water systems by the October 16 deadline mandated in the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR).
One town in Georgia is ahead of the curve.
A recent case study published on Water Online highlighted how the City of Smyrna, Georgia utilized sequential sampling to analyze about 5,000 unknown service lines in their system, which services a population of 55,000 containing 16,000 service connections.
Last year, the federal government unveiled an ambitious national initiative to eliminate all lead service lines (LSL) from the U.S. water and sewer infrastructure within the next decade, under the "Get The Lead Out" (GTLO) program. The plan was further detailed with specific actions and nearly $6 billion in funding allocated to support the "Clean Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure" efforts, as part of the broader Investing in America agenda.
What is Sequential Profiling?
Sequential, or "profiling," water sampling is a method used to systematically evaluate the quality of drinking water within a distribution system. This approach involves collecting water samples at various points along a water distribution line, from the source through different stages of the system, including storage tanks, pipes, and eventually at consumer taps. By analyzing these samples sequentially, water quality professionals can gain valuable insights into how water quality changes as it moves through the distribution system. This method is particularly useful for identifying sources of contamination, understanding the dynamics of water chemistry, and ensuring the safety and reliability of drinking water.
The Process of Sequential Water Sampling
Sequential water sampling involves taking a series of water samples from different locations within the distribution system, often at regular intervals or specific points of interest. The process typically begins at the water source—such as a reservoir, well, or treatment plant—and progresses through various parts of the distribution network, including mains, branch lines, storage facilities, and consumer endpoints. Each sample is analyzed for a range of water quality parameters, such as pH, turbidity, chlorine levels, microbial contamination, and the presence of heavy metals or other contaminants.
Benefits of Sequential Water Sampling
1. Identifying Sources of Contamination
One of the primary advantages of sequential water sampling is its ability to pinpoint the sources of contamination within a water distribution system. By comparing water quality data from different sampling points, it is possible to identify where and how water quality deteriorates. For example, if contaminants are detected at a certain point in the distribution system but not upstream, it suggests that the contamination is entering the system between those points. This targeted approach allows for more effective interventions, such as repairing leaks, replacing pipes, or improving treatment processes.
2. Understanding Water Chemistry Dynamics
Water chemistry can change as it travels through a distribution system due to various factors, including pipe material, water age, and the presence of biofilms or sediment. Sequential sampling helps to map these changes, providing a clearer understanding of the interactions between water and the distribution infrastructure. For instance, a decrease in chlorine levels along the distribution line might indicate issues with disinfection byproducts or increased microbial activity. This information is crucial for maintaining the balance between effective disinfection and minimizing harmful byproduct formation.
3. Assessing the Impact of Infrastructure on Water Quality
The materials and condition of the infrastructure within a water distribution system can significantly impact water quality. Pipes made from different materials, such as lead, copper, or plastic, can leach substances into the water, particularly if the water chemistry is not properly managed. Sequential sampling allows for the evaluation of how different segments of the infrastructure contribute to overall water quality. For example, an increase in lead concentration detected through sequential sampling might indicate the presence of lead pipes or fittings that need to be replaced.
4. Ensuring Regulatory Compliance and Public Health Protection
Regulatory agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States, set strict standards for drinking water quality to protect public health. Sequential water sampling provides the detailed data needed to ensure compliance with these regulations. By monitoring water quality at multiple points in the distribution system, utilities can demonstrate that they are meeting legal requirements and taking proactive steps to prevent waterborne diseases and exposure to harmful contaminants.
Practical Applications of Sequential Water Sampling
Sequential water sampling is widely used in various scenarios within the water industry:
- Routine Monitoring: Utilities use sequential sampling as part of their regular water quality monitoring programs to ensure consistent water quality throughout the distribution system.
- Contamination Investigations: In the event of a contamination event, sequential sampling helps to trace the source and extent of the contamination, allowing for targeted remediation efforts.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: When planning upgrades or replacements for aging infrastructure, utilities can use sequential sampling data to prioritize areas where water quality is most impacted by the existing infrastructure.
- Consumer Confidence Reports: The detailed data obtained from sequential sampling can be used to inform consumers about the quality of their drinking water and the measures being taken to protect it.
GPRS Leak Detection Services Help With Lead Service Line Removal
The first step in removing a lead service line (LSL) is to identify its existence, which requires accurately mapping your water system infrastructure. Both pressurized drinking water lines and sewer lines (including sanitary and storm sewers) must be precisely located and mapped before daylighting potential lead lines and proceeding with excavation and replacement.
GPRS boasts a 99.8%+ accuracy rate in utility line location and mapping, the highest in the industry. By incorporating our state-of-the-art, NASSCO-certified video pipe inspection (VPI) services into a standard utility locate, you can accurately map all storm and sanitary sewer lines, laterals, and detect cross bores caused by trenchless technology like directional drilling. This comprehensive approach enables you to create a detailed map of your entire drinking and wastewater systems, making the process of identifying and replacing LSLs much faster and easier.
Additionally, every GPRS customer gains access to our new SiteMap® infrastructure visualization software. This tool provides layered, interactive utility maps and NASSCO WinCan reports in a secure, cloud-based platform, allowing you to manage the quality of your water infrastructure data and control who has access to it. SiteMap® ensures that the right information reaches the right people at the right time.
From skyscrapers to sewer lines, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World® to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.
What can we help you visualize?
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my building has lead pipes that need to be replaced?
If you have access to the original record drawings that include MEP (mechanical electrical & plumbing) specifications, you may be able to determine the material of the original pipes. However, most record drawings are inaccurate and do not include renovations and updates. The conscientious process to assess and remove LSLs is to hire an expert utility locating company near you to locate your pipes so you can limit potholing to determine their material.
Learn more about GPRS 99.8%+ accurate utility locating and mapping, here.
Learn more about GPRS video pipe inspections, here.
Schedule a personal SiteMap® demonstration, here.
