Misbehaving Drinking Water Systems: Risk and the Complex Nature of Failure

Drinking water systems can misbehave in a variety of ways: pipe breaks, loss of pressure, inadequate flow, poor quality water, and others. Yet, the costs and consequences associated with these misbehaving systems are seldom comprehensively evaluated when systems are designed, operated, and maintained. These costs are often borne by a variety of stakeholders, including utility companies, consumers, and taxpayers. However, these costs can also …