Analysis after major California wildfires revealed acutely toxic and carcinogenic pollutants within drinking water systems making it unsafe to use even after treatment.
Scientists suspect toxic chemicals originated from a combination of burning vegetation, structures, and plastic materials. Chemicals in the air may have also been sucked into hydrants as water pipes lost pressure, and water system plastics decomposed and leached chemicals into water. Toxic chemicals then spread throughout pipe networks and into buildings.
Codes that require builders to install fire-resistant meter boxes and place them farther from vegetation could prevent infrastructure from burning so readily. Concrete meter boxes and water meters with minimal plastic components would be less likely to ignite.
One-way backflow prevention valves at each meter can prevent contamination rushing out of damaged buildings into the larger buried pipe network. Water main shutoff valves and water sampling taps at every water meter box could help responders quickly determine water safety.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 6, 2020
SpeedCore demonstrates excellent fire resistance without additional fire-protective coatings
New York City approves metal-concrete product for all five boroughs.
Codes and Standards | Aug 5, 2020
Designing, redeveloping communities for zero energy needed to address climate change
District heating and cooling systems boost efficiency.
Codes and Standards | Aug 4, 2020
Virginia is the first state to adopt COVID-19 worker safety rules
Include social distancing requirements, notifications when co-worker tests positive, timelines to return to work after recovery.
Codes and Standards | Aug 3, 2020
Report aids local governments on policy options, pathways to electrify new buildings
Document focuses on switching appliances and equipment away from natural gas, propane.
Codes and Standards | Jul 30, 2020
Institute for Market Transformation acquires Energy-Efficient Codes Coalition
Goal is to achieve net-zero construction by 2050.
Codes and Standards | Jul 29, 2020
Crackdowns grow on construction firms that fail to follow COVID-19 guidelines
States, cities, and OSHA enforce social distancing, hand-washing regulations.
Codes and Standards | Jul 28, 2020
California utility adopts climate emergency declaration
Sacramento-region company commits to working towards carbon neutrality by 2030.
Codes and Standards | Jul 27, 2020
Updated Energy Plus and OpenStudio building energy modeling tools released
Software offers performance enhancements.
Codes and Standards | Jul 23, 2020
North Carolina will stop relying on FEMA flood mapping
State will identify flood zones on its own.
Codes and Standards | Jul 22, 2020
New version of IAPMO’s Water Demand Calculator is available
Enhanced features include selection between single- and multifamily buildings.
