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• A methodology to cost long-term trunk main discolouration management strategies. • Operational costs consider flow conditioning magnitude and intervention frequency. • Capital investment considered via the rate of pipe wall material accumulation. • Operational and capital investment options are integrated through VCDM analysis. • Pareto curves capture the trade-off between discolouration resilience and costs. Material continually accumulates throughout drinking water distribution systems, as a result episodic maintenance is essential to mitigate uncontrolled mobilisation leading to water quality failings. Focussing on discolouration as the primary issue observed by consumers, this risk is of particular significance in trunk mains that can supply large downstream populations. Long-term total costs are for the first time investigated here by considering future operational and capital interventions to sustain a defined hydraulic capability that limits the discolouration response. To achieve this, accumulation and mobilisation profiles of pipe wall material is simulated using the open source Variable Condition Discolouration Model (VCDM) to develop Pareto trade-off curves between discolouration resilience and maintenance intervention frequency and magnitude. As the rate at which material accumulates is considered a function of water quality, operational savings that could accrue from reduced maintenance following capital investment, such as water treatment upgrades, are also investigated. With the complexity, size and ageing nature of water distribution system infrastructure, the ability to forecast network discolouration behaviour and hence costs is vital for long-term delivery of safe water at least cost to customers. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents predictive discolouration modelling and subsequent field trial validation for a cast iron trunk main network. This enabled a UK water company to propose an 'operational flow conditioning' maintenance plan that reduces discolouration risk, improves network resilience and asset condition and yet does not require the trunk main to be decommissioned for invasive cleaning. This represents substantial time and cost benefits. Pre- and post-trial turbidity monitoring data are presented which identified a daily flux of material, a factor in the regeneration of material layers that have been shown to cause discolouration when mobilised. Additional data showing the occurrence of pressure transients are also presented, the latter being a possible cause of contaminant ingress and asset failure. After 6 months a second flow trial was conducted and modelled, confirming the regeneration of particulate discolouration material across the range of mobilising forces applied during the trial. It also indicated full layer development, or maximum discolouration risk, may occur in just over 2 years for this cast iron main. This highlights the need for appropriate maintenance strategies, such as periodic flow conditioning identified here, to mitigate discolouration risk and help safeguard water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A framework integrating sediment and cohesive material behaviour is proposed. • Management of discolouration informed by consideration of the dominant processes in local context. • Benefits of network cleaning interventions are only temporary. • Better understanding of the myriad factors affecting material accumulation is needed for long-term management. Discoloured drinking water, caused by elevated concentrations of organic and inorganic particles, is unacceptable. It occurs due to accumulation and subsequent mobilisation of material from within drinking water distribution infrastructure. Discolouration is currently partially explained by either the theories of cohesive layers or gravitational sedimentation. It is proposed and shown here how the processes behind these two theories both occur and how to integrate them to better explain observed behaviour and inform operational interventions to reduce discolouration. Deficiencies in understanding regarding the process and factors that influence material accumulation are highlighted. Future research addressing these deficiencies will enable determination of long term sustainable management strategies balancing capital investment and operational maintenance to safeguard distribution of high quality drinking water. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]