Challenges and Insights Associated with Water Quality Modeling of Real Water Distribution Systems: A Case Study in Rural Appalachia

Abstract Submission: Computer models for use in the analysis of water quality in water distribution systems have been around for decades, dating back to the mid-eighties. However, several new research initiatives were launched after the AWWARF/EPA Conference on Water Quality Modeling in Distribution Systems in Cincinnati Ohio on February 3-6, 1991, and then the subsequent release of EPANET in 1992. EPANET was built using several early field studies including those conducted in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Additional early field studies were also supported by AWWARF, such as the 1997 study: "Characterization and modeling of chlorine decay in distribution systems." Then, in 2005, EPA published a comprehensive manual on water quality modeling entitled: “Water Distribution Systems Analysis: Field Studies, Modeling and Management.” Despite these advances, it is the authors’ experience that very few utilities utilize water quality models in their planning and operations. The reasons are many but include: 1) the lack of an adequately calibrated hydraulic model, 2) the difficulties in collecting reliable water quality data, and 3) the difficulties in calibrating water quality models. Of even deeper concern is the fact that much of the water quality research community continues to rely on hypothetical systems or hypothetical data, which as the authors have observed can lead to misleading conclusions or irrelevant modeling results and publications. This paper will discuss the development of a water quality model for a small rural system in eastern Kentucky (i.e., Martin County Kentucky). As part of the discussion, we will examine several of the challenges associated with development of such a model and unique insights that might prove beneficial for other researchers or utilities looking to develop such models for actual systems.

Learning Objectives/Expected Outcome (Optional) :