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Replacing lead pipes is a no-brainer (net-positive brainer really) that has essentially nothing but hugely positive results. Burying electrical cables isn't an

by Groxx 2y ago

Replacing lead pipes is a no-brainer (net-positive brainer really) that has essentially nothing but hugely positive results. Burying electrical cables isn't anywhere near as clear-cut of a benefit, AFAIK. Better in some ways, worse in others, ~always more expensive.

sidewndr46 2y ago
Most electrical cables are AC. Burying them just leads to higher losses.
- 1970-01-01 2y ago
  Almost all new construction homes will be built with utilities buried: all electrical, water pipes, drains, and high speed fiber go directly to a foundation. That loss argument is valid, but in practice it isn't slowing anything down.
nerdponx 2y ago
Are we sure that microplastics from the new pipes aren't just as bad? Can you make your water reasonably microplastic-safe by running it for 2 minutes in the morning?
- Supermancho 2y ago
  > Are we sure that microplastics from the new pipes aren't just as bad? In general, yes, for all the comparisons of good vs bad that I can think of. Long term effects of microplastics vs neurotoxic metals is "we aren't quite sure long term, but not measurable brain damage" vs "guaranteed measurable brain damage short to long term". If plastic bits are big enough, it's obviously a different equation (acute vs gradual), but that's not the implication I understood.
- sharpshadow 2y ago
  Usually limescale build up inside water pipes and should avoid further microplastics release into the water. There was also a study which showed that boiling tab water with microplastics binds those in the line which builds up.
- marcosdumay 2y ago
  Yes, we are sure it's not as bad. And you pipes shouldn't emit any measurable amount of microplastics. Any emission is a flaw somewhere that you are better fixing. But even with all the flaws, the microplastics are not even remotely as bad as lead. Next on the line, yeah, eating dirt is safer than concentrated potassium cyanide, and swimming drunk in a water pool is safer than in a lava pool.
favorited 2y ago
There are a few California towns that would have benefitted from buried power transmission lines in recent years.
- mulmen 2y ago
  > There are a few California towns that would have benefitted from buried power transmission lines in recent years. Is it possible to bury high voltage transmission lines?
  - throwaway48476 2y ago
    Yes
    - deleted 2y ago
      [deleted]
- deleted 2y ago
  [deleted]
- HelloMcFly 2y ago
  I don't think the person you responded to is saying we shouldn't bury any lines, but rather questions the wisdom of investing enough to bury ALL lines retroactively.

by Groxx 2y ago

sidewndr46 2y ago

Most electrical cables are AC. Burying them just leads to higher losses.

1970-01-01 2y ago
Almost all new construction homes will be built with utilities buried: all electrical, water pipes, drains, and high speed fiber go directly to a foundation. That loss argument is valid, but in practice it isn't slowing anything down.

nerdponx 2y ago

Are we sure that microplastics from the new pipes aren't just as bad? Can you make your water reasonably microplastic-safe by running it for 2 minutes in the morning?

Supermancho 2y ago
> Are we sure that microplastics from the new pipes aren't just as bad? In general, yes, for all the comparisons of good vs bad that I can think of. Long term effects of microplastics vs neurotoxic metals is "we aren't quite sure long term, but not measurable brain damage" vs "guaranteed measurable brain damage short to long term". If plastic bits are big enough, it's obviously a different equation (acute vs gradual), but that's not the implication I understood.
sharpshadow 2y ago
Usually limescale build up inside water pipes and should avoid further microplastics release into the water. There was also a study which showed that boiling tab water with microplastics binds those in the line which builds up.
marcosdumay 2y ago
Yes, we are sure it's not as bad. And you pipes shouldn't emit any measurable amount of microplastics. Any emission is a flaw somewhere that you are better fixing. But even with all the flaws, the microplastics are not even remotely as bad as lead. Next on the line, yeah, eating dirt is safer than concentrated potassium cyanide, and swimming drunk in a water pool is safer than in a lava pool.

favorited 2y ago

There are a few California towns that would have benefitted from buried power transmission lines in recent years.

mulmen 2y ago
> There are a few California towns that would have benefitted from buried power transmission lines in recent years. Is it possible to bury high voltage transmission lines?
- throwaway48476 2y ago
  Yes
  - deleted 2y ago
    [deleted]
deleted 2y ago
[deleted]
HelloMcFly 2y ago
I don't think the person you responded to is saying we shouldn't bury any lines, but rather questions the wisdom of investing enough to bury ALL lines retroactively.