Dr Vanessa Speight's new paper published: Examining the Energy Performance Associated With Typical Pipe Unit Head Loss Thresholds

This paper examines the relationship between water and energy in drinking water distribution systems at the individual pipe level. Traditionally, pipes are evaluated for replacement or rehabilitation by calculating head loss due to friction. However, considering the energy performance of each pipe across multiple metrics, such as energy delivered to users and net energy efficiency, could provide a more holistic view of which pipes should be targeted for intervention across a distribution system.

Given that drinking water distribution accounts for a significant use of energy and resulting greenhouse gas emission, energy considerations should be included in pipe replacement and rehabilitation planning.

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Read the full paper here