Drinking Water Can Become Contaminated With Viruses, Bacteria Through Leaky Pipes: Study

Water companies around the world take heed: A new University of Sheffield study overturns the previous understanding of how leaky pipes and water pressure function together within major distribution networks. Though it is commonly assumed pressure forces water out through leaks, thus preventing water from getting in, a new research study finds evidence confirming the opposite. Contaminants can enter pipes through leaks and travel throughout a water network. Importantly, then, our drinking water may become contaminated by way of leaky pipes. ADVERTISING “Previous studies have shown that material around water pipes contains harmful contaminants, including viruses and bacteria from feces, so anything sucked into the network through a leak is going to include things we don't want to be drinking,” Dr. Joby Boxall, lead researcher and a professor in the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, stated in a press release. http://www.medicaldaily.com/drinking-water-can-become-contaminated-viruses-bacteria-through-leaky-pipes-study-337018