The Water Cooler
A Paradigm Shift: Vision for a Pipe-less Society
by Dr. Tamim Younos
The technological revolution of the last part of the 20th century was manifested in wireless communication. It made it possible to connect to the remotest corners of the globe and share with native populations the prosperity and the perils of the modern world in a virtual environment. The second and ongoing phase of the technological revolution was launched in the beginning of the 21st century – decentralized and locally produced renewable energy resources such as solar and wind power. Decentralized and alternative energy systems eliminate the need for investing and extending power lines to remote and isolated locations and/or supplement the conventional power grids.
This century will also witness the third phase of technological revolution – how we produce our water supplies and how we dispose of the used water. The process of urbanization – emerging population centers and water intensive societal development - begun in the 19th century and was significantly accelerated during the 20th century. Sub-urbanization in the form of urban sprawl caused deforestation, declined groundwater tables and intensified flow of high volume/low quality urban stormwater runoff to streams and rivers. In addition, urbanization disturbed natural environments by installing thousands of miles of water distribution pipes and wastewater discharge networks. The pipe and pump network are energy intensive and today these infrastructure in our major and minor urban areas are deteriorating - the infrastructure replacement and repair cost is estimated to be in billion of dollars.
We need a paradigm shift – by learning from history and taking advantage of scientific and technological innovations. Ancient concepts of small scale systems such as rainfall harvesting and decentralized wastewater treatment systems have become more feasible and attractive in combination with new and innovative technologies. In the 21st century, decentralized water systems – small to medium scale operations - will gradually replace or supplement conventional large systems. Advantages of decentralized systems include reduced need for establishing long distance water distribution and wastewater discharge networks, reduced water loss through pipe leakage, reduced urban stormwater runoff and increased groundwater recharge, and lower energy demand and consumption. Furthermore, decentralized systems will augment security by reducing the possibility that accidental or deliberate (i.e., terrorist) interruptions in the water distribution networks would terminate essential services.
Decentralized water systems will contribute to increasing sustainability of infrastructural services in a world that views water as the lifeblood of society. Decentralized water systems when combined with decentralized energy systems will enhance our living environment and promote sustainable development. These systems do not disturb the landscape and the ecosystem and will be a positive force for reversing the trend toward global warming and climate change. A pipe-less society is our vision for the 21st century.
- For more information, please e-mail Dr. Tamim Younos at tyounos@vt.edu or call (540) 231-8039.