Creating a Comprehensive Survey and Preventative Maintenance Plan for Water Piping Infrastructure on a Historic College Campus*

Abstract

Many universities across the country are challenged with aging infrastructures, some of which are over a hundred years old and lack vital documentation. Among these, water dispersal systems are particularly susceptible to failures. Water inefficiencies, leaks, and flooding can negatively impact an operating college campus and those who inhabit it. This research project aims to examine the factors that contribute to leaks and bottlenecks in older universities’ water dispersal systems, propose risk mitigation measures, and recommend preventative actions, while also providing a method for campuses to log their water distribution system if there are missing maps to easily isolate and locate valves and potential problem areas within the system. The formulation of this scientific methodology was centered on the premises of Sweet Briar College, serving as a case study and tailored in accordance with its distinct needs. The methodology focuses on three primary sections: a comprehensive GIS (Geographic Information System) overview of the current water distribution system of the campus, the identification of feasible preventative maintenance measures, and the development of a framework for the prompt detection of leaks in the foreseeable future. This scientific methodology provides a roadmap for universities to assess and address their aging water distribution systems, ensuring their efficient and safe operation for years to come.