Corrosion of distribution piping and of home plumbing and fixtures has been estimated to cost the public water supply industry more than $700 million per year. Two toxic metals that occur in tap water, almost entirely because of corrosion, are lead and cadmium. Three other metals, usually present because of corrosion, cause staining of fixtures, metallic taste, or both. These are copper (blue stains and metallic taste), iron (red-brown stains and metallic taste), and zinc (metallic taste). This manual was written to give the operators of potable water treatment plants and distribution systems an understanding of the causes and control of corrosion. The many types of corrosion and the types of materials with which the water comes in contact make the problem more complicated. Because all operators have not had the opportunity to gain more than a basic understanding of chemistry and engineering, there is little of these disciplines included in the document.

Final. Includes bibliographical references (pages 111-121). Includes indexes. "Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc." "Oak Ridge National Laboratory." U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Drinking Water (WH-550). "ORNL/TM-8919."