Measurement Science Research Needs for Premise Plumbing Systems

Published

May 11, 2020

Author(s)

Andrew K. Persily, David A. Yashar, Natascha S. Milesi-Ferretti, Tania Ullah, William M. Healy

Abstract

Premise plumbing systems provide key building services and exist in the context of a range of performance goals related to building energy efficiency, water conservation, reduced environmental impacts, and occupant health and comfort. Pressures to improve water efficiency and increasing awareness of the importance of building water quality, combined with the use of new materials and plumbing design concepts, have led to the recognition of significant knowledge gaps in premise plumbing system design, installation, operation and maintenance. In addition, current design approaches are based on old data, higher water flow rates than those existing in current buildings, and materials that have been replaced by newer alternatives. It is evident that advancements are overdue for design methods and data to support current and future design goals, including those that integrate new plumbing system concepts and materials. A wide range of stakeholders have identified research gaps that need to be addressed to support these advancements, including fundamental hydraulic and transport processes in plumbing systems, material interactions with disinfectants and other substances in water systems, new modeling and design methods, building water use patterns and other critical performance data, and the need for updated standards, codes and other guidance for designers, building owners and occupants. This report presents the research needs to support future programs intended to fill these gaps and is based on a 2018 workshop sponsored by NIST, EPA and the Water Research Foundation, a call for research needs posted in the Federal Register, and other discussions with stakeholders. This document is intended to assist these organizations and others in planning future research programs that support the implementation of premise plumbing systems that achieve water efficiency and water quality goals into the future.

Citation

Technical Note (NIST TN) - 2088

Report Number

2088

NIST Pub Series

Technical Note (NIST TN)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

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DOI Link

Keywords

design, plumbing, research, standards

Citation

Persily, A. , Yashar, D. , Milesi-Ferretti, N. , Ullah, T. and Healy, W. (2020), Measurement Science Research Needs for Premise Plumbing Systems, Technical Note (NIST TN), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.TN.2088 (Accessed April 23, 2024)