There are many ways to study water quality and its effects, and one of them is to install pipe collectors in a property's water network.
During the HYGTECH project (2012-2014), which focuses on indoor hygiene, the Research Center WANDER has installed pipe collectors in pilot buildings in the region of Satakunta. They provide research data on the quality of tap water in different locations, the formation of biofilms caused by water microbes and their impact on different pipe materials. The results will provide information on changes in the plumbing system, such as corrosion and microbiological growth. Pipe collectors will be used in a wide range of projects, providing unique research information that would not otherwise be possible, e.g. in the management of water microbiology through various technologies under development.
In May, Martti Latva, Research Manager of Research Centre WANDER, Merja Ahonen, Senior Researcher, and Tuukka Sillanpää, Project Worker, surveyed the condition of pipe collectors in Huittinen (Picture 1), Kankaanpää (Picture 2) and Rauma (Picture 3). Survey provided evidence that the condition of the pipe collectors was mostly good in the different locations. The situation was slightly worse in Rauma, where zinc loss was noticeable. Zinc loss in brass fittings can cause water leaks over time, so it would be a good idea to check the house's plumbing systems from time to time to avoid possible water damage.
Read more about Research Center WANDER’s research environments!