Spatial and Temporal Hydraulic Water Quality Models for Predicting Residential Building Water Quality
Abstract
Significant spatiotemporal changes in chemical and microbiological water quality can occur in buildings due to temperature and time dependent reaction rates. Here, a series of calibrated plumbing hydraulic-water quality models were developed for the extensively monitored Retrofitted Net-zero Energy, Water & Waste (ReNEWW) house in West Lafayette, Indiana USA. Knowledge gaps that inhibited higher resolution water quality modeling were also identified. The eight new models predict the level of free chlorine, total trihalomethanes (TTHM), Cu, Fe, Pb, NO3 - , heterotrophic plate count (HPC), and Legionella spp. concentration at each fixture for plumbing use, operational characteristics, and design layouts. Model development revealed that the carrying capacity to describe Legionella spp. growth (and other organisms) under water usage and plumbing design conditions is lacking in the literature. This information needed for higher resolution modeling. Reducing building water use by 25% prompted increased concentrations of HPC and Legionella, each increasing by a factor of about 105 . When the service line length was increased, Legionella spp. concentrations increased by up to 106 gene copies /L in the Summer season. The proposed modeling framework can be used to support better planning, design, analysis, and operational decision-making.
Degree
M.Sc.
Advisors
Whelton, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Energy|Design|Chemistry|Architecture|Epidemiology|Health sciences|Hydraulic engineering|Sustainability|Water Resources Management
Off-Campus Purdue Users:
To access this dissertation, please log in to our
proxy server.