The distribution of drinking water in networks is a technological challenge both in quantitative and qualitative terms. It is essential that each point of the distribution network be supplied without interruption with an invariable flow of water complying with all the qualitative parameters of drinking water standards in force. This is essential in order to ensure the security, public health and general cleanliness of communities.

There is currently an increasing concern regarding potential water quality problems in drinking water distribution systems. Of principal concern is the problem of water quality variability within the distribution system. It is clear that the distribution system itself may adversely affect the quality of treated water. In spite of water treatment, finished water may be subjected for substantial changes in quality while being transmitted through the distribution system before reaching the end consumers.

Quality changes in the distribution system may be associated with complex physical, chemical and biological processes that take place during transport. These processes can occur either in the bulk water column, the hydraulic infrastructure, or both. The potential of water quality problems usually increased with the age of water distribution networks. The problem is further complicated when the water is supplied on an intermittent basis (time supply), which is the case in many water scarce countries, such as Jordan.

For all these reasons the quality of water within the distribution system may vary with both space and time. In order to understand water quality variations in a distribution system, one must also understand hydraulic behavior as well as the kinetics of chemical formation and destruction.

The progress so far achieved in recent decades in drinking water production has focused mainly on treatment processes, enabling the production in each particular situation of water of ever higher quality, meeting the new standards and recommendations laid down. Increasing level of pollution, consumer expectations, the development of new analytical techniques and the growing degree of regulation have led R&D teams to amplify the studies made of evolutive parameters relating to distribution networks, and to consider drinking water treatment technologies as a homogeneous system including the quality of the resource, the stage of treatment in plants, and distribution conditions. In fact, many qualitative parameters can vary in pipes, such as turbidity, color, flavors, residual chlorine and circulating bacteria counts.

The overall purpose of the proposed project is to develop an improved understanding of the water quality variations within the water distribution networks of Jordan, which will assist the Water Authority in attaining their mission to deliver safe and potable water to the end consumers, so as to meet the water quality standards. This will be achieved through a very well designed water quality monitoring program which will cover distribution networks in different cities and towns of the country. It is also essential that utility personnel, regulatory personnel, and consultants have the proper training and guidance in the application of water quality management techniques and models. Therefor, a parallel purpose for this project is to develop an on site training for the operation and maintenance staff of the water utilities to prepare and test procedures for conducting water quality investigations, which are essential in developing the data necessary for successful application of water quality management programs. In addition, operational manuals will be prepared to guide the system operators in applying the best available techniques to prevent water quality deterioration within the distribution system.

Achieving the objectives of the proposed project, a number of benefits will be offered to the water industry, such as, potential water quality deterioration within the distribution systems, and evaluating the water quality aspects of distribution networks and storage reservoir improvements. Furthermore, management programs can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of proposed network improvements to be undertaken to ensure the maintenance of acceptable water quality throughout the distribution system before construction, thereby avoiding possible costly mistakes.