Two projects are documented within this MEM Report: I. The first project examined what was learnt involving the critical infrastructure in the aftermath of natural disasters in the Canterbury region of New Zealand – the most prominent being the series of earthquakes between 2010 and 2011. The project identified several learning gaps, leading to recommendations for further investigations that could add significant value for the lifeline infrastructure community. II. Following the Lifeline Lesson Learnt Project, the Disaster Mitigation Guideline series was initiated with two booklets, one on Emergency Potable Water and a second on Emergency Sanitation. The key message from both projects is that we can and must learn from disasters. The projects described are part of the emergency management, and critical infrastructure learning cycles – presenting knowledge captured by others in a digestible format, enabling the lessons to be reapplied. Without these kinds of projects, there will be fewer opportunities to learn from other’s successes and failures when it comes to preparing for natural disasters.

A l’échelle d’une agglomération, réfléchir à une gestion durable de l’eau amène à s’interroger sur les liens entre les usages et les ressources : quelle qualité de l’eau est nécessaire pour quels usages ? Le contexte parisien est un terrain propice pour mener ce type de réflexion, grâce à l’existence d’un RENP, datant de la fin du XIXe siècle. Alimenté par les eaux sommairement traitées de la Seine (20%) et du canal de l’Ourcq (80%), ce réseau sert principalement aux usages municipaux : nettoyage des trottoirs, curage des égouts, arrosage des espaces verts et alimentation des lacs artificiels. Un modèle alternatif de gestion de l’eau à l’échelle parisienne devient aujourd’hui possible grâce à la décision de la Ville de Paris en mars 2012 de maintenir et de réhabiliter son RENP. Cette décision a été confirmée par l’approbation par le Conseil de Paris en septembre 2015 du schéma directeur des usages et du réseau d’eau non potable de Paris, pour la période 2015-2020. L’entreprise publique Eau de Paris, responsable du service de l’eau à Paris, a pour mission de mettre en œuvre les décisions et les orientations de ce schéma directeur. Dans une logique de moindre pression sur la ressource naturelle, une évolution possible de la gestion du RENP est la diversification de ses ressources. Les ressources potentielles considérées sont les eaux d’exhaure, les eaux usées traitées, les eaux de pluie et les eaux de piscine. La recherche vise à étudier la question suivante : Comment et à quelle conditions l’alimentation du RENP peut être gérée de manière durable sur le territoire parisien ? Pour ce faire, on réalise d’abord un état des lieux de la situation actuelle, puis on identifie les ressources potentielles et les enjeux associés. Puis deux approches sont menées. La première approche consiste à définir plusieurs choix de répartition des ressources du RENP, appelés scenarii. Les scénarii sont évalués et comparés grâce à la construction d’indicateurs de performance. La deuxième approche consiste à caractériser les positions des acteurs par rapport à la diversification des ressources du RENP. La caractérisation des positions est réalisée grâce à la conduite d’entretiens semi-directifs. Les résultats des deux approches sont enfin discutés. Les résultats de la recherche permettront de reposer la question du lien entre usages et qualité des eaux requise. Elle permettra de mettre en lumière les freins et les leviers pour la valorisation des ressources alternatives à l’eau potable. Enfin, elle alimentera les réflexions sur le statut même de l’eau potable dans un contexte de gestion durable de la ressource / At the scale of a city, a sustainable water management raises questions about the links between uses and resources: what water quality is needed for what purpose? The Parisian context is a favourable ground for conducting such type of reflection thanks to the existence of a non-potable water network (RENP) dating from the late nineteenth century. The network is currently supplied by summarily filtrated water from the Seine river (20%) and the canal de l’Ourcql (80%). It is mainly used for municipal purposes: Parisian streets and sewers cleaning, water supply of artificial lakes and green areas watering. An alternative model of water management at Parisian scale is today possible thanks to the decision of the City of Paris in March 2012 to maintain and rehabilitate its RENP. This decision has been confirmed by the approval by the Council of Paris in September 2015 of the master plan of the RENP and its uses (“Schéma directeur des usages et du réseau d’eau non potable de Paris”) for the period of 2015-2020. The public company Eau de Paris, responsible for the water service in Paris, is mandated to implement the decisions and orientations of the master plan. In the context of pressure reduction on natural resources, one potential evolution of the RENP management is its resources diversification. The considered potential resources are mine water, treated wastewater, rain water and swimming pool water. The research raises the following question: How and under what conditions can the RENP supply be sustainably managed on the Parisian territory? In order to answer this question, one first carries out a description of the current situation, then one identifies the potential resources and the associated risen questions. Two approaches are proposed afterwards. The first approach involves the definition of several choices of RENP resource repartition, called scenarii. These scenarii are assessed and compared through performance indicators. The second approach consists of the characterization of the actors’ positions regarding the RENP resource diversification. The characterization of the positions is achieved through conducting semi-structured interviews. Results of both approaches are finally discussed.The results of the research will enable to re-examine the question of the relationship between the water uses and the required water quality. It will highlight the brakes and levers for the valorization of alternative resources to drinking water. It will enrich the reflections on the status of drinking water in the context of sustainable water management

A utilização de fonte alternativa de água em edifícios residenciais vem sendo praticada de forma mais constante nos últimos anos, com objetivo de reduzir a demanda de água potável. No entanto, a utilização de água não potável exige critérios que devem ser respeitados, para preservar a saúde dos usuários, tendo em vista a possibilidade de contaminação da água potável fornecida pela concessionária. Assim, este trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar requisitos e critérios de desempenho que devem ser aplicados nas fases de projeto, execução e manutenção do sistema predial de água não potável. Para apoiar os projetistas, executores e gestores na tomada de decisão das diferentes etapas do processo foi também desenvolvida e aplicada uma ferramenta para análise de modo e efeito de falha (FMEA) dos requisitos desenvolvidos para o sistema de água não potável. Os resultados obtidos com a aplicação da ferramenta em edifício comprovaram a sua aplicabilidade e eficiência no sistema predial de água não potável. / The use of alternative source of water in residential buildings has been practiced in more constant in recent years aiming to reduce the demand for potable water (drinking water). However, the use of non-potable water requires criteria that must be respected to preserve the health of users, with a view to possible contamination of potable water supplied by the concessionaire. Therefore, this paper aims to present requirements and performance criteria, which must be implemented in phases of design, implementation and maintenance of the non-potable water system in building. To assist the designers, performers and managers in decision-making of the different stages of the process was also developed and implemented analyze with the tool failure mode effect analysis (FMEA) for the requirements developed for the non-potable water system in building. The results achieved by the tool showed its applicability and efficiency in non-potable water system in building.

In this research, a heat localizing solar thermal membrane distillation system has been developed for producing potable water from untreated surface water, wastewater, and seawater, using solely solar thermal energy. Unlike most other membrane technologies, this system requires no electrical power or equipment for its operation. The high production rate was achieved through the effective evaporation of water molecules within the pores of the membrane without dissipating much heat to the bulk feed water. It can remove suspending particles, microorganisms, inorganic salts, as well as organic contaminants from the feed water. The system can produce potable water for 32, 18, and 10 days on average under simulated sunlight when distilling seawater, canal water, and municipal wastewater, respectively, without cleaning the membrane. Low cost, high energy efficiency (i.e., 55%), and good water quality make the new system feasible for undeveloped areas where basic water treatment is lacking. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2019. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

As water infrastructure in urban Ontario strains to meet the demands of a growing population, alternatives to the conventional water supply approach that complement demand management strategies are important to enable more sustainable water use at the household level. The adoption of rainwater harvesting (RWH), for indoor and outdoor uses by single-family households can reduce a households withdrawals on municipal water by 30% if rainwater is used for toilet flushing, laundry and outdoor uses (Despins 2009). The amount of potable water savings because of RWH is influenced by the rate of adoption and the allowed uses of rainwater at the individual household scale. The adoption of RWH systems would lead to reductions in potable water demand, which, in turn would lead to reduced demands on municipal water sources (e.g., groundwater or surface water), and storm water infrastructure resulting in overall reduced ecosystem stress and increased resiliency for climate change adaptation. Greater onsite storm water retention would mimic natural processes and would help reduce excess overland runoff that can result in water contamination. Presently, RWH systems tend to be more accepted and utilized in rural areas. However, there is a history of cistern use in rural and non-rural Waterloo. This history and capacity seems to be largely forgotten or unknown by urban citizens and local government officials. Century houses’ cisterns are often removed or filled in due to: a perceived lack of need, safety concerns and disrepair because of disuse. The increasing popularity of “green” building features and certifications have added some RWH systems for indoor and outdoor use to the urban environment, however, these remain limited instances. Moving RWH forward requires commitment from the Provincial and municipal government. Municipalities’ actions must support the sustainability objectives often referenced in their legislation and policy. This study establishes the drivers of RWH and examines the barriers to practice in the urban environment by examining existing examples and academic literature RWH systems within Canada and internationally. Results from a survey conducted in the City of Waterloo are used to reflect the systems user’s perspective. Interviews with municipal officials and RWH experts further highlight the drivers and barriers to RWH in urban Ontario. Based on the surveys, participants were generally willing to consider adopting RWH systems and a greater use of rainwater in the house, although a lack of information acts as significant barrier. However, Waterloo municipal officials who participated in the interviews described a much less enthusiastic attitude towards RWH. Although barriers identified in this research, including: legislative barriers, risk tolerance, perceptions of water abundance and economic realities shape the willingness to adopt RWH, this study indicates the barriers are surmountable through education and economic signaling.

As water infrastructure in urban Ontario strains to meet the demands of a growing population, alternatives to the conventional water supply approach that complement demand management strategies are important to enable more sustainable water use at the household level. The adoption of rainwater harvesting (RWH), for indoor and outdoor uses by single-family households can reduce a households withdrawals on municipal water by 30% if rainwater is used for toilet flushing, laundry and outdoor uses (Despins 2009). The amount of potable water savings because of RWH is influenced by the rate of adoption and the allowed uses of rainwater at the individual household scale. The adoption of RWH systems would lead to reductions in potable water demand, which, in turn would lead to reduced demands on municipal water sources (e.g., groundwater or surface water), and storm water infrastructure resulting in overall reduced ecosystem stress and increased resiliency for climate change adaptation. Greater onsite storm water retention would mimic natural processes and would help reduce excess overland runoff that can result in water contamination. Presently, RWH systems tend to be more accepted and utilized in rural areas. However, there is a history of cistern use in rural and non-rural Waterloo. This history and capacity seems to be largely forgotten or unknown by urban citizens and local government officials. Century houses’ cisterns are often removed or filled in due to: a perceived lack of need, safety concerns and disrepair because of disuse. The increasing popularity of “green” building features and certifications have added some RWH systems for indoor and outdoor use to the urban environment, however, these remain limited instances. Moving RWH forward requires commitment from the Provincial and municipal government. Municipalities’ actions must support the sustainability objectives often referenced in their legislation and policy. This study establishes the drivers of RWH and examines the barriers to practice in the urban environment by examining existing examples and academic literature RWH systems within Canada and internationally. Results from a survey conducted in the City of Waterloo are used to reflect the systems user’s perspective. Interviews with municipal officials and RWH experts further highlight the drivers and barriers to RWH in urban Ontario. Based on the surveys, participants were generally willing to consider adopting RWH systems and a greater use of rainwater in the house, although a lack of information acts as significant barrier. However, Waterloo municipal officials who participated in the interviews described a much less enthusiastic attitude towards RWH. Although barriers identified in this research, including: legislative barriers, risk tolerance, perceptions of water abundance and economic realities shape the willingness to adopt RWH, this study indicates the barriers are surmountable through education and economic signaling.

A utilização de fonte alternativa de água em edifícios residenciais vem sendo praticada de forma mais constante nos últimos anos, com objetivo de reduzir a demanda de água potável. No entanto, a utilização de água não potável exige critérios que devem ser respeitados, para preservar a saúde dos usuários, tendo em vista a possibilidade de contaminação da água potável fornecida pela concessionária. Assim, este trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar requisitos e critérios de desempenho que devem ser aplicados nas fases de projeto, execução e manutenção do sistema predial de água não potável. Para apoiar os projetistas, executores e gestores na tomada de decisão das diferentes etapas do processo foi também desenvolvida e aplicada uma ferramenta para análise de modo e efeito de falha (FMEA) dos requisitos desenvolvidos para o sistema de água não potável. Os resultados obtidos com a aplicação da ferramenta em edifício comprovaram a sua aplicabilidade e eficiência no sistema predial de água não potável. / The use of alternative source of water in residential buildings has been practiced in more constant in recent years aiming to reduce the demand for potable water (drinking water). However, the use of non-potable water requires criteria that must be respected to preserve the health of users, with a view to possible contamination of potable water supplied by the concessionaire. Therefore, this paper aims to present requirements and performance criteria, which must be implemented in phases of design, implementation and maintenance of the non-potable water system in building. To assist the designers, performers and managers in decision-making of the different stages of the process was also developed and implemented analyze with the tool failure mode effect analysis (FMEA) for the requirements developed for the non-potable water system in building. The results achieved by the tool showed its applicability and efficiency in non-potable water system in building.

This research investigated using a life cycle environmental and economic approach to evaluate IX technology for small potable water systems, allowing for the identification and development of process and design improvements that reduce environmental impacts and costs. The main goals were to evaluate conventional IX in terms of life cycle environmental and economic sustainability, develop a method for improving designs of IX systems from a environmental and economic sustainability standpoint, evaluate potential design improvements, and make the research findings accessible to water professionals through user-friendly tools and frameworks that take into account their feedback. This research provides an understanding, from the perspective of life cycle environmental impacts and costs, of the tradeoffs between various reactor designs of IX, the effects of scale, key contributors to impact and cost, design trends that improve sustainability, and how combined cation anion exchange compares to conventional IX. Furthermore, tools were developed that can be used to identify design choices that improve sustainability of IX systems. These tools were made into a user-friendly format to better bridge the gap between research and practice.

<p>The systems engineering process has been utilized to determine the feasibility of an aeration treatment system for a raw water storage reservoir used as a potable water source. This system will be used to ensure a consistently high quality of raw water by the addition of dissolved oxygen into the reservoir.</p> <p> A needs analysis establishes the importance and requirements for a consistently high quality of raw water used as a source for a potable water treatment facility. This study proposes and evaluates an aeration treatment system installed in the raw water storage reservoir as a method to achieve and maintain raw water quality. This study develops the system operational and maintenance requirements using the systems engineering process.</p> <p> A preferred system configuration is developed and evaluated using economical and engineering criteria.</p> <p> The results of this analysis indicate that the aeration treatment system is technologically and economically feasible. This system can provide a high quality of raw water to the water treatment facility that is within the cost constraints established in this analysis. Costs of the system are compared to the additional treatment chemical costs required to treat the adverse effects on the raw water quality resulting from not aerating the reservoir.</p> / Master of Science

Coastal karst aquifers are important water resources, often providing the only source of freshwater to coastal communities for agriculture, industrial usage and human consumption. In order to implement management strategies and preventative measures for future perseveration of this resource, it is imperative to understand how coastal groundwater conditions are controlled by the interaction of freshwater/seawater on local and regional scales, but also over recent and past time periods. However, there is a limited resource of published hydrological data on recent aquifer conditions. In the Yucatán Peninsula and other anchialine environments, this lack of information inhibits the understanding of the spatial and temporal interaction of the meteoric and marine water masses. Documenting how the aquifer is responding to forcing mechanisms such as large precipitation events, seasonal cycles and short-term sea level rise (e.g. storm surge) will assist in understanding modern aquifer condition but also the interpretation of paleo-records. Utilization of water level and salinity sensors in strategic positions in the aquifer demonstrate that meteoric water mass salinity varies over wet and dry seasons with the movement of the halocline, but also on a short-term basis though large rainfall events. Salinity in the meteoric water mass is influenced by mixing with the marine water mass during intense precipitation events associated with Hurricane Ingrid (2013), Tropical Storm Hanna (2014) and a series of unnamed events in 2015. During wet periods, induced flow from increase precipitation causes turbulent mixing with the marine water mass, increasing salinity in the upper meteoric lens. On the contrary, during dry periods, mixing is reduced, therefore making the meteoric lens less saline. This contemporary understanding of meteoric/marine water mass dynamics can be applied to developing and calibrating the geochemical record of calcite rafts, calcite precipitation at the air-water interface of cave pools, as a hydrological proxy for aquifer conditions. Our monitoring of calcite raft formation, deposition and geochemistry shows that raft accumulations (e.g., raft piles/cones) can offer a good paleoenvironmental archive of changing hydrological conditions. Based on a 2-year observational record, results indicate that calcite raft precipitation/formation occurs continuously but with only minor biases with intense rainfall events altering supersaturation conditions in the surface waters. Testing the use of calcite rafts in sediment cores from Hoyo Negro show that geochemical analyses (87Sr/86Sr, δ18O, δ13C, Sr/Ca and Cl/Ca) show that meteoric water mass salinity varied during the Holocene (~ 8.5 Ka – present) likely due to changing rainfall and or cave passage geomorphology, which is coherent with other independent climate records. Prior to this study, calcite rafts have never been considered a paleo-hydrological archive for aquifer conditions, however, the consistency and cross-validation with independent records demonstrates great potential for future paleohydrological reconstructions. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)