External Effects of Pipe Bursts

Pipe bursts typically result in a deficient supply in terms of quantity and pressure or the introduction of pollutants. In January 2004 an incident took place in the Netherlands where a dike of a main transportation canal was leaking and almost collapsed. Leakage stopped after closing valves in a water main. This incident raised the awareness of the risks of pipe bursts to third parties (or so-called external effects). The Dutch drinking water branch initiated an inventory of water mains at risky locations and prepared to take corrective measures if deemed necessary. This article discusses how mains at risky locations are assessed based on the likelihood of a pipe burst and the possible consequences. It also includes a list of measures to limit the risk of pipe bursts.