Chloride to Sulfate Mass Ratio (CSMR): Changes from Water Treatment and its Impact on Lead Leaching in Potable Water #4088

Project Summary: Investigates the potential effects of coagulant changeover on lead release from plumbing components, with emphasis on changeover from aluminum sulfate to ferric chloride, ferric sulfate, polyaluminum chloride, and various polymer coagulants. Also investigates the finished water chemistry resulting from coagulant changeover, how distribution system scales are affected and how this affects lead release, and the magnitude of lead release after different stagnation times. Research partner: USEPA. Published in 2010.

Project Details Project Update Participants Supporting Resources Order Report Project Profile / Order Report

Contractor: Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

Collaborative Partners: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency  

Project Manager: Traci Case

Funded: 2007              Completion Year: 2010              Funding Amount: $625,430.61

Goal Area: Infrastructure

Related Topics: Asset Management,  Coagulation,  Corrosion Control,  Corrosion Control,  Distribution Systems Operations,  Distribution System Water Quality,  Infrastructure,  Inorganic Contaminants,  Internal Corrosion,  Lead,  Pipe,  Treatment Technologies,  Water Quality

Benefits to the Drinking Water Supply Community:
There is an industry need to scientifically investigate the possible connection between changing coagulants and lead release from brass plumbing components and lead solder. This project will document probable water-quality and scale changes and lead-release levels at the tap after a coagulant change has been made. The report will help utilities predict potential water-quality and metal-release implications associated with a given coagulant change.