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Pipe Scale Analyses for Solving Lead Problems
Citation:
Desantis, M., J. Tully, M. Schock, S. Harmon, S. Triantafyllidou, AND D. Lytle. Pipe Scale Analyses for Solving Lead Problems. 16th Annual EPA Drinking Water Workshop: Small Systems Challenges and Solutions, Cincinnati, OH, September 24 - 26, 2019.
Impact/Purpose:
The analysis of the surface of extracted lead service lines (LSLs) using an array of analytical techniques can accurately identify the solid phases on the pipe surfaces, and thus give insight into the real-world functioning chemical mechanisms that govern solubility and metal release. This presentation describes the steps taken by US EPA’s ORD to obtain scale samples, prepare them for analysis, and the type of information that can be collected from the various analytical techniques. Several case studies illustrate how to utilize LSL scale analyses to assist in the decision-making process for consultants and water system personnel, including limitations in both the methodology and interpretation of resulting data.
Description:
The analysis of the surface of extracted lead service lines (LSLs) using an array of analytical techniques can accurately identify the solid phases on the pipe surfaces, and thus give insight into the real-world functioning chemical mechanisms that govern solubility and metal release. This presentation describes the steps taken by US EPA’s ORD to obtain scale samples, prepare them for analysis, and the type of information that can be collected from the various analytical techniques. Several case studies illustrate how to utilize LSL scale analyses to assist in the decision-making process for consultants and water system personnel, including limitations in both the methodology and interpretation of resulting data.