Impact of Water Main Breaks on Hospitals and Care Facilities

Cause of Water Main Breaks

The pipes used for water delivery in North America vary in age and material, making it difficult to pinpoint a single reason for their failure. The following factors contribute to the breakdown of pipelines:

• Age of the pipes:
  Many of the pipelines in the US are over 100 years old, with some still in use despite reaching the end of their service life. Pipes installed before the 1960s, made from cast iron with lead joints, pose a particular risk. According to the Utah State University survey, the average age of a failing water main is 50 years.
• Temperature:
  Water main breaks are more likely to occur during the winter due to the thermal expansion difference between the pipe material and water at freezing temperatures.
• Pipe Material and Corrosion:
  Both internal and external corrosion of the pipe material can cause leaks and breaks, allowing harmful chemicals and microorganisms to enter the water system. Cast iron pipes have the highest failure rate due to corrosion.
• Soil Conditions:
  Most utilities in the US have moderate-to-high soil corrosiveness, which can cause pipeline damage. Shifts in soil due to construction or natural forces also contribute to pipe breaks.
• Other Factors:
  Hydraulic transients, material fatigue, inadequate design, improper installation, manufacturing defects, and external impact stress also contribute to pipeline damage.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that replacing or refurbishing the aging drinking water pipelines will cost USD 312.6 billion and take 20 years. Unfortunately, the current approach to water main breaks is reactive, with repairs only being made after a break occurs. This slow process of discovery and restoration leaves thousands of people without water for extended periods.

Impact of Water Main Breaks on Hospitals and Care Facilities

The impact of water main breaks is amplified in regions that include hospitals and care facilities. Boil Water Advisory (BWA) notices have serious implications for these establishments. According to a report by the National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC), if water service is interrupted, healthcare capabilities are significantly impacted within two hours. BWA notices impact the following activities:

• Water Consumption: Drinking fountains, food preparation, and other water consumption activities are affected.
• Essential Care: Handwashing, patient care, and other core activities are impacted.
• Equipment Requirements: Reprocessing of medical equipment, fire suppression systems, water-cooled medical gas and suction compressors, heating and ventilation systems, and air conditioning are all affected.
• Sanitization Requirements: Toilets, bathing patients, laundry, medical specialties that use water (e.g., dialysis), decontamination and hazmat response, and other sanitization activities are impacted.

The Cost of Water Main Breaks on Hospitals and Care Facilities

During emergency water crises, hospitals and care facilities have to use a lot of resources. They have to postpone elective surgeries, redirect outpatients, and relocate severely immunocompromised patients. Facilities must have in-house water filtration and disinfection systems to guarantee that the water is free from contaminants and microbes. This prevents the occurrence of costly and inconvenient situations.

Investing in In-House Water Treatment Systems

Investing in a robust in-house water treatment system is a crucial step for any healthcare facility, and a key consideration in building services, instead of relying on water supplied by the local municipality. The superior efficacy of UV light in combating pathogenic waterborne microorganisms makes it a unique disinfection system, as it does not require a secondary disinfection step. When combined with a top-of-the-line filtration system, a UV disinfection system is one of the most important investments that any hospital and care facility can make to ensure the safety of its patients and staff.

Conclusion

Water main breaks in North America are a serious problem that can lead to water loss and health risks. Aging pipelines, temperature changes, and corrosion cause damage. Upgrading drinking water infrastructure is crucial. Hospitals and care facilities are hit the hardest and must take extra precautions to prevent contamination. This highlights the importance of efficient in-house water filtration and disinfection systems. UV disinfection systems for healthcare, combined with top-of-the-line filtration systems, are a crucial investment for any hospital or care facility to make. These measures help protect public health and prevent the debilitating effects of water main breaks on our healthcare facilities.

Nuvonic
Date 01/02/2023