In the heart of China’s bustling urban centers, a silent revolution is underway, one that could reshape the future of drinking water quality and have significant implications for the energy sector. Chao Zeng, a leading expert from the Key Laboratory of Urban Water Supply, Water Saving and Water Environment Governance in the Yangtze River Delta of Ministry of Water Resources at Tongji University, Shanghai, is at the forefront of this transformation. His recent research, published in ‘能源环境保护’ (Energy Environment Protection), sheds light on the critical challenges facing China’s drinking water supply systems and offers strategic pathways to overcome them.
China’s drinking water supply systems have made remarkable strides over the past decade. Urban water supply coverage has reached an impressive 99.43%, and the overall water quality compliance rate has surged from 52.8% in 2009 to over 96.0% in urban areas. However, the journey to ensuring high-quality drinking water for all is fraught with challenges that demand innovative solutions.
One of the primary concerns highlighted by Zeng’s research is the presence of biological risks, including chlorine-resistant microorganisms and antibiotic-resistant genes. These pathogens, often hidden within biofilms in distribution systems, can evade standard disinfection methods, posing a significant threat to public health. “These microorganisms thrive in distribution systems, particularly within biofilms, which protect them from standard disinfection methods,” Zeng explains. This issue is compounded by emerging chemical risks, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are widely distributed, persist in the environment, and pose serious health risks. Conventional water treatment technologies have shown limited effectiveness against PFAS, with some municipal plants achieving less than 20% removal efficiency.
The complexities do not end there. Aesthetic issues like turbidity, taste, and odor problems, often resulting from aging infrastructure and biofilm formation, further complicate the landscape. Climate change exacerbates these risks through extreme weather events, making it even more challenging to maintain stable and safe drinking water quality.
To address these multifaceted challenges, Zeng advocates for a comprehensive approach that includes improving water quality standards, upgrading technologies, and integrating smart management practices. A key recommendation is the construction of a whole-process water quality assurance system that encompasses the entire water supply chain, from the source to the tap. This system would leverage technological advancements such as ultraviolet oxidation, activated carbon adsorption, and membrane filtration to effectively remove emerging contaminants like PFAS and minimize the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs).
Infrastructure improvements, including the use of corrosion-resistant materials, advanced pipeline cleaning techniques, and intelligent monitoring systems, are also essential. These measures would reduce risks associated with aging infrastructure and biofilm formation, ensuring that water systems can adapt to dynamic challenges and maintain safe drinking water standards.
The integration of real-time monitoring, data analytics, and machine learning technologies can facilitate proactive water quality management, providing a significant boost to the energy sector. By optimizing water treatment processes and reducing the need for energy-intensive remediation efforts, these technologies can lead to substantial energy savings and cost reductions. This not only benefits the environment but also enhances the commercial viability of water treatment operations.
Zeng’s research underscores the urgent need for a holistic approach to water quality management, one that integrates advanced technologies, infrastructure improvements, and smart management practices. As China continues to strive for high-quality drinking water for all, the insights provided by Zeng and his team will undoubtedly shape future developments in the field, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient water supply system. The findings, published in ‘能源环境保护’ (Energy Environment Protection), offer a roadmap for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers to collaborate and innovate, ensuring that China’s water supply systems are not only efficient but also environmentally sustainable and commercially viable.