Lab-based study tests new methods for measuring biofilm in drinking water pipes
A recent study by KWR and TU Delft researchers introduces and evaluates two novel, non-intrusive approaches for estimating biofilm thickness in drinking water distribution pipes. The methods were tested in a controlled lab-scale pipe simulator under varying hydraulic conditions.
The research shows that the hydraulic residence time approach provides reliable thickness estimates, closely aligned with physical measurements. This method has strong potential as a minimally invasive monitoring tool, particularly in environments where direct access to pipes is difficult.
The findings are relevant for utilities, research institutes, and universities working on drinking water quality, infrastructure performance, and proactive asset management. For Konstantinos Glynis, lead author of the recently published paper (“Experimental measurements of biofilm thickness in drinking water pipes”) in the Urban Water Journal, “improved biofilm monitoring could support better understanding of system behaviour, enable targeted interventions, and contribute to safer and more efficient operation of distribution networks”.
The paper is available to read here: doi.org/10.1080/1573062X.2026.2626794
