In the study, the linear polarization technique was used to evaluate changes in the corrosion rates of copper and zinc surfaces in response to short-term changes in water quality. The analytical technique can be applied wherever uniform corrosion, as opposed to pitting, is occurring. The parameters investigated included temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, chlorine residual, flow, and conductivity. All the parameters except flow rate affected copper corrosion rates. Conductivity, dissolved oxygen, chlorine residual, and temperature affected zinc corrosion rates. Reproducible corrosion rates were obtained within a few minutes of the changes in water quality.