Introduction of Life Cycle Techniques in Evaluating Water Distribution Systems

Our generation is facing the daunting challenges of climate change and growing pressure on the environment; Challenges caused by human activities. Considering these environmental conditions and their relationship with social and economic challenges, to achieve the United Nations sustainable development goals, comprehensive and strong tools are required to make decisions to identify the solutions supporting sustainable development in the best way. Decisions should have a systematic perspective, and consider the life cycle and all its related impacts. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a tool possessing these characteristics. In this study, the life cycle assessment method is introduced first and then, several applications of this method in water distribution systems are examined using some articles. The review of previous studies showed that replacing the gravity transfer of water by pumping can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 64-81%. Also, choosing the right type and diameter for the pipes of the water distribution network - which will reduce leakage from the network - will increase the life of the network and save up to 75% of costs. Finally, recycling the network after its useful life has significant positive environmental effects and can reduce the potential of human poisoning and pollution of natural resources by 60-88%.