Drinking water systems
Drinking water distribution systems can be adversely affected by environmental changes, such as water supply, temperature, flow rate, and pH. These changes can impact the performance of corrosion inhibitors in the system as well as the lifetime of the pipe. Additionally, outdated infrastructure may rely on lead piping to transport water, which may suffer from corrosion and, ultimately, lead leaching into the water supply. By better understanding the interaction of corrosion inhibitors and environmental factors with these systems, along with maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure, we can develop safer water distribution systems and prevent severe health threats.
"CORROSION Assigns ‘Editor’s Choice’ Open Access to Key Papers Related to the Water Crisis in Flint, Michigan"
The Technical Editor in Chief of CORROSION explains the situation that occurred in Flint, MI and the need to learn from available research to help prevent future calamities from occurring.
“Potential Challenges Meeting the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Lead in School Drinking Water Goal of 1 μg/L”
Three types of lead-free faucets were tested to see if they met the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)’s recommendation that public schools’ drinking water contain less than 1 μg/L lead. While all three types met the lead-free certification level of less than 5 μg/L, none met the AAP’s recommended level.
“Evaluating ‘Lead-Free’ Brass Performance in Potable Water”
The corrosion resistance of newer “lead-free” brass alloys was studied, finding that they had satisfactory corrosion resistance relative to other brass alloys.
“Cavitation and Erosion Corrosion Resistance of Nonleaded Alloys in Chlorinated Potable Water”
The amount of corrosion resistance of a variety of nonleaded alloys was studied and compared to leaded red brass to help determine which applications each material could be used for in potable water systems.
“Method to Rapidly Characterize Reduced Lead Corrosion in Phosphate Inhibited Drinking Water”
A new method to rapidly determine the effectiveness of phosphate inhibitors in the reduction of corrosion in drinking water was discussed and evaluated. The method was found to be successful and reproducible.
"Copper-Induced Metal Release from Lead Pipe into Drinking Water"
The impact of stagnant versus continuous recirculation conditions on the amount of lead release was investigated, along with the effect of water chemistry on galvanic corrosion. Continuous recirculation was found to increase lead release, and the chloride-to-sulfate ratio was found to be a controlling factor in strengthening or weakening the galvanic corrosion.
"Technical Note: Increased Distance Between Galvanic Lead:Copper Pipe Connections Decreases Lead Release"
The impact of an insulating spacer separating lead and copper pipe compared to direct contact between the two types of pipe was investigated to determine the amount of lead release into water. The presence of an insulating spacer was found to be beneficial in reducing the amount of lead released.
"Leachability of Lead from Selected Copper-Based Alloys"
The amount of lead release in copper-based alloys commonly found in plumbing fixtures was studied. Brass had a proportionally higher amount of lead leached than the other alloys. The amount of lead leaching decreased over time, with most occurring during the first 24 hours.
"Control of Lead Corrosion by Chemical Treatment"
This study examined the effects of two chemical inhibitors on the release of lead from lead pipe. Orthophosphate was found to be more effective than polyphosphate in controlling lead leaching.
