Protection of Water Sources and Pipelines from Contamination and Landslide - Case Study Example

Protection of Water Sources and Pipelines from Contamination and Landslide Names Course Name and Code Date Executive Summary Engineers without Borders play an important role in the society and community with the aim of assisting disadvantaged persons. One such project is the protection of spring water (water sources) and piping from both contamination and landslide. Some of the proposed strategies to protect the water from contamination include developing the spring, protecting the spring, testing and disinfecting the water. These strategies will ensure that even if the water and the spring are contaminated protective measures are instituted to ensure the spring continues to operate well. Moreover, it is important to protect the spring and piping from landslide and other factors associate with soil erosion. Some of the appropriate strategies to protect the piping system from environmental and physical factors include building of gabions and barriers, planting of vegetation, effective drainage and farming practices and also ensuring the soil are stable before laying the pipes. Nevertheless, the entire community should be involved in the project to ensure they provide goodwill and also post project support. Table of Contents Executive Summary 2 Table of Contents 3 Introduction 4 Protection of Water Source from Contamination 5 Spring Development 5 Spring Protection 7 Water Testing 8 Spring Disinfection 8 Protection of spring against landslide 9 Planting of Trees/vegetation 9 Consider contour farming and other effective farming strategies 10 Effective Drainage 11 Construction of protective barriers 11 Stabilising soil around the pipes 12 Transport/Access Means 12 Community Involvement and Sustainability 13 Conclusion 14 References 15 Table of Figures Figure 1: Hillside spring development details 6 Figure 2: Low area spring development 6 Introduction The Engineers Without Borders challenge is an initiative for first year engineering students and it is aimed to position the students in engineering environment through understanding development of sustainable projects and also cost effective. Therefore, these first years should propose designs that address an array of fields including water supply, climate change, sanitation system, ICT, infrastructure and construction. This paper has addressed the issue of water supply and sanitation and therefore the analysis is based on Codo, in Timor Leste. In the village of Codo, the water is usually sourced from natural springs that are situated on the mountainous regions of the village. The water is of high quality and it is free from calcium carbonate contamination and the water is piped down the hill to numerous tap stands that are strategically located around the village. However, the region around the spring is vulnerable to soil erosion and also prone to land slipping during wet season. Therefore, it is important to develop and implement a design that addresses water contamination and protection of the spring from landslides. This report analyses strategy that can be employed into ensuring the spring water is save from contamination and also the water source is protected from landslides. Protection of Water Source from Contamination A place on the surface of the earth whereby water emerges naturally is defined as a spring. The source of these springs is rainfall and the water seeps into the ground and comes out through the spring (Kresic and Stevanovic, 2009). Springs are ideal water supply but appropriate selection should be considered in choosing out the spring, test the spring periodically for contamination and its development (Miller and Spoolman, 2011). The amount of water from these springs fluctuates in amount and is dependent on the rainfall and the time of the year (American Water Works Association, 2004). Springs are susceptible to numerous contaminants and therefore, it is appropriate to treat the water before been utilised. Spring Development A proper developed spring is important in protecting the water supply from contamination (Linkov and Ramadan, 2004). The aim of spring development is to collect underground water, to protect this water from surface contamination and also to store the water in a healthy manner (Miller and Spoolman, 2011). In developing the spring, it is important to determine whether the spring is a low-area spring or hill spring. The following images illustrate these two types of spring development. Figure 1: Hillside spring development details (Courtesy of http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex4595 ) The above image (Fig. 1) illustrates gravity based water supply from a spring. The aim of the model and development is to protect the water from contamination. For example, the importance of the fence is to protect the well from contamination from animals thus creating a restricted access. Fig 2: Low area spring development Figure 2: Low area spring development (Courtesy of http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex4595) The above image (Fig. 2) illustrates protection of a low area spring development. Even though Codo is located in highly part, it is important to consider this design for future developments. The design ensures the water is protected from contamination and also restricts the extent in which persons and animals can come close to the water. Spring Protection Springs are prone to contamination by rainstorms or surface water. The contamination sources include crop fields, wildlife, livestock and forestry that are located above the spring outlet. Some signs of contamination include odour, taste, colour and rate of flow (Kresic and Stevanovic, 2009). One of the strategies employed to prevent contamination of spring is to divert surface water and also to prevent flooding around the spring (LaMoreaux and Tanner, 2001). This could be achieved through construction of a U-shaped ditch around 50 feets uphill with the aim of diverting surface water from the spring. It is also important to be careful not to dig deeper to open the ground and result in contamination of water (Miller and Spoolman, 2011). Another ditch should be constructed adjacent to the spring to prevent pooling of water. The area around the spring should also be fenced at around 100 feet all around to prevent people and animals from accessing the spring if persons are not aware of the spring. Moreover, it is important to avoid heavy weights uphill since compaction can reduce water flow (Linkov and Ramadan, 2004). These strategies will ensure the spring is protected from numerous contamination avenues. Water Testing Some of the spring contamination can be attributed to poor spring development bringing into consideration the materials and approach of construction (Kresic and Stevanovic, 2009). The area whereby the problem is common is when the surface water comes into direct contact with the groundwater that feeds to the spring. To determine whether there is contamination, it is imperative to do periodic testing before and after the rainy seasons. These tests should be based around turbidity, pH, bacterial and conductivity to ascertain whether runoff water is a problem in contaminating the tested springs (Miller and Spoolman, 2011). Moreover, when the water levels from the spring changes frequently, it is prone to contamination (LaMoreaux and Tanner, 2001). On the other hand, if a bacterium is found after testing, it is important to disinfect the system and also to post test the water with the aim of determining whether the disinfection process was successful (American Water Works Association, 2004). Even though numerous tests are carried out, there are some tests that are not identifiable by standard bacterial tests that include cryptosporidium, giardia and other microorganisms (Linkov and Ramadan, 2004). This means modern strategies should be employed in ensuring numerous tests can be carried out to determine whether there is bacterial contamination. Spring Disinfection The contamination of the springs usually occurs during maintenance or construction of the spring (Kresic and Stevanovic, 2009). The newly constructed springs and repaired water system should be disinfected with chlorine through a process known as shock chlorination (Miller and Spoolman, 2011). If the contamination is associated with surface sources, it is imperative to do a continuous chlorination to ensure the water is free from bacteria (American Water Works Association, 2004). Regarding shock chlorination, utilisation of 200 parts per million of chlorine into the spring. Moreover, there are other strategies that can be utilised in ensuring the spring is disinfected (LaMoreaux and Tanner, 2001). Protection of spring against landslide Landslide can become dangerous for both the people in the village and also ensuring the water continues to flow. Landslide is mass movement of soil (American Water Works Association, 2004). Landslides results or are triggered by numerous factors and some conditions determines the occurrence of landslides (LaMoreaux and Tanner, 2001). Some of the triggering factors include removal of support, removal of vegetation, addition of moisture, addition of weight, vibrations and overstepping (Linkov and Ramadan, 2004). These are some of the causative factors that contribute to occurrence of landslide and it is important to address such concerns within the Codo area to ensure people continue utilising the spring water. Planting of Trees/vegetation Removal of support such as vegetation from the surface of the earth contributes to erosion. Erosion leaves the earth surface without enough strength that can prevent movement of soil. Removal of vegetation from the earth by forest fires and overgrazing may result in leaving the earth prone to erosion contributing to landslides (Kresic and Stevanovic, 2009). Therefore, the community of Codo should identify factors that contribute to soil erosion so that they can devise strategies towards countering the problem (Miller and Spoolman, 2011). One of the strategies that can be utilised is planting more vegetation to reduce the chances in which landslides might occur. The importance of vegetation is to remove excessive moisture from the surface of the earth and also to utilise the roots in making the soil to be firm. The vegetation should also factor into consideration how much water it consumers and what are other benefits that the vegetation brings into the environment (Miller and Spoolman, 2011). For example, trees play an important role in global warming and also it is a basis of increasing rainfall in a given area. However, the same trees might increase consumption of water and also contribute to soil erosion and thus landslides (American Water Works Association, 2004). Therefore, before choosing the appropriate plant cover, it is important to analyse the soil and geographical factors. This will ensure the employed strategy champions prevention of the springs (LaMoreaux and Tanner, 2001). Consider contour farming and other effective farming strategies In sloping areas, the most appropriate form of farming is contour farming. This means that the land is cut off and cultivated according to its counters. Moreover, bunds are erected along the counters to reduce the speed and movement of soil. The effectiveness of this strategy is that horizontal approach of cultivation reduces runoff of rain water (Kresic and Stevanovic, 2009). The erected features also allow prevention of future problems and addressing the current issues. Moreover, appropriate barrier should be employed such as rock and vegetation to absorb energy that may be associated with landslides. Some of these barriers may include silt fences and sediment fences (American Water Works Association, 2004). These varieties of methods should be employed by the farmers to ensure that the environment is sustainable. This is attributed to the fact that farming is an important component that determines the activities, which are associated with most of the population (LaMoreaux and Tanner, 2001). Effective Drainage The drainage refers to both managing waters from homes and also waters from rainfall. Effective drainage systems should be placed and understood by the community (Miller and Spoolman, 2011). Utilisation of gutters and pipes play an important role in directing run offs from roofs and directed towards reservoirs or regions whereby the water cannot cause harm (Kresic and Stevanovic, 2009). During periods of heavy rainfall, huge amounts of water wash away the top soil and leave the earth bare and hence prone to erosion resulting in landslides. Therefore, adequate strategies should be employed to ensure the water is directed to the rivers or lakes (American Water Works Association, 2004). One of such strategy is construction of drainage channels made from concrete or stones. Such materials resist been washed or dissolved by water and also are durable (LaMoreaux and Tanner, 2001). Therefore, the water channels should be indentified and the drainage should be supported by use of strategies such as gabions (Linkov and Ramadan, 2004). Construction of protective barriers The barriers to prevent landslides and soil erosion should be environment friendly and also can be constructed cheaply. The appropriate barrier for preventing landslides and soil erosion in Codo is the use of gabion (Miller and Spoolman, 2011). Gabion is a cylinder, cage or box that is filled with sand, concrete and rocks. The stones or rocks are then tired together with pieces of wire to prevent run off and flood water. These gabions can be constructed easily and are affordable and the major materials to be utilised are easily available (American Water Works Association, 2004). The construction of these gabions will be strategically placed in order to prevent the springs from been contaminated and protected (LaMoreaux and Tanner, 2001). Moreover, the environment will be protected from soil erosion and benefit the society by preventing soil but also sustaining the environment. Stabilising soil around the pipes Some causes that make the base around the pipes to be weak include reduction in water table level, desiccation, drains and sewers, vibrations and leaking pipes. Pipes that are laid on unstable ground are easily destroyed because of pressures caused by flowing water in the pipes. Moreover, the joints between the pipes may also contribute to instability resulting in leaking from the pipes (Kresic and Stevanovic, 2009). In laying the pipes, it is important to ensure the ground is stable and can hold the weight of the water and sustain the pressures and movement of water in the pipes (Linkov and Ramadan, 2004). In addition, a layer of concentrate mixture should be placed around the pipes to address pressure and also to prevent the pipes from busting because of pressures (Miller and Spoolman, 2011). In addition, the piping should be placed underground into an extent in which animals or people cannot step on it. This would prevent the pipes from physical damage and thus no water would be wasted and also the pressure would also be maintained down hill (LaMoreaux and Tanner, 2001). Transport/Access Means Another factor that contributes to soil erosion is where people pass and other means of transport (Miller and Spoolman, 2011). For example, heavy vehicles can easily get stuck in a muddy region of the road and through the process of removing the heavy vehicle, the soil may be removed and hence contributes to soil erosion and also may contribute to spoilage of water pipes. Therefore, it is important to develop infrastructure relatively to service lines to prevent the pipes been trampled by animals, people and also vehicles (LaMoreaux and Tanner, 2001). This means it is imperative to include all stakeholders when developing and putting in place mechanisms to assist in transportation and also to ensure the environment is preserved. Community Involvement and Sustainability For any success project, it is important to involve the community. The community have better information regarding the environment and also the community can continue utilising the project and manage it without the need of the experts (Miller and Spoolman, 2011). Some factors would be placed into considerations which are the technical aspect, management aspect and maintenance aspect. The technical aspect is laying out the protective barriers and also protecting the spring from environmental factors (American Water Works Association, 2004). The management factors include ensuring the pipes and spring operate effectively even if heavy rainfall is witnessed. Moreover, the local community should devise new measures that will ensure the continuity of the project is championed (American Water Works Association, 2004). In addition, the community should ensure the project and water is supplied during maintaining the pipes and spring. Frequent and periodical maintenance is important and this can be achieved through allocating tasks and resources towards fulfilling the requirements of the project (Kresic and Stevanovic, 2009). This means the community should organise themselves and allocate themselves responsibilities that ensure protection of water sources and pipes from contamination and landslide (Miller and Spoolman, 2011). Involvement of the community also would contribute to reduction of costs because the local materials and labour would be utilised in completing the project (Linkov and Ramadan, 2004). Involvement of the community would also create the goodwill in which the project would be based on and also sustainability of the project (LaMoreaux and Tanner, 2001). Conclusion Protection of the spring and pipelines from contamination and landslide is an important component and factor that will ensure the supply of water lasts longer. Contamination of water is a major concern and effective strategies should be incorporated in protecting the water from contamination. Some of the strategies employed include treating the spring, spring development, spring disinfection and water testing. Moreover, prevention of the environment and the installations against landslide is also paramount in ensuring the community benefits from the project. Some of the strategies to ensure the pipes and spring are protected from landslides include building of barriers, building of drainage channels, plantation of vegetation cover, building of gabions and involving the community to understand the benefits associated with conserving and preserving the environment and also the water system. Therefore, provision of water in Codo region requires participation of different stakeholders to ensure tasks and activities operate seamlessly. References Agriculture and Rural Development. 2002. Spring Development. Available at http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex4595 American Water Works Association. 2004. Recommended Practice for Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control. New York: American Water Works Association Engineers Without Borders. 2013. “Plan, Timor Leste”, Engineers Without Borders Institute, Viewed 24th May, 2013, http://www.ewb.org.au/explore/initiatives/ewbchallenge/ptl Kresic, N., and Stevanovic, Z. 2009. Groundwater Hydrology of Springs: Engineering, Theory, Management and Sustainability. London: Butterworth-Heinemann LaMoreaux, P., and Tanner. 2001. Springs and Bottled Waters of the World: Ancient History, Source, Occurrence, Quality and Use. London: Springer Linkov, I., and Ramadan, A. 2004. Comparative risk assessment and environmental decision making. New York: Springer Publishers Miller, G., and Spoolman, E. 2011. Living in the environment. London: Cengage Learning Read More