The build-up and subsequent remobilization of microscopic particles can cause discoloration of drinking water during distribution. We theoretically investigated the relevant transport processes and dependencies on flow conditions and particle properties. The presented theoretical framework is intended as a starting point for a numerical tool to help water utilities determine regions of high discoloration risk and reduce these risks, e.g., by designing more efficient pipe cleaning programs.

Water temperature in the drinking water distribution system (DWDS) and at the customers' taps approaches the surrounding soil temperature at 1 m in depth. In the Netherlands drinking water is distributed without additional residual disinfectant and drinking water temperature at the customers' tap should not exceed 25 ºC. Some urban infrastructures are heat sources and generate hot-spots. This article describes a method to find anthropogenic heat sources that influence temperature in the DWDS.

SIMDEUM, a tool to predict and explain drinking water demand over the day for a single household, has many applications from designing a water network to hydraulic and water quality modelling in the drinking water network. We give an overview of the applications and the relation between the type of application and the required model detail. The design requires a temporal scale of 1 s and a spatial scale of 20 homes or more; water quality modelling requires 5 min and a single home.