You are here:
Contaminant Accumulation in Many New England Lead Pipe Scales
Citation:
SCHOCK, M. R., M. Welch, R. N. Hyland, AND M. K. DeSantis. Contaminant Accumulation in Many New England Lead Pipe Scales . Presented at New England Water Works Association Spring Operations Conference and Exhibition, Worcester, MD, April 01 - 02, 2009.
Impact/Purpose:
To inform public
Description:
Previous work has shown that contaminants such as Al, As and Ra can accumulate in drinking water distribution system solids. The release of accumulated contaminants back into the water supply could conceivably result in elevated levels at consumers' taps. The objective of this study was to determine the occurance of a broad suite of over 40 inorganic contaminants in distribution system lead service line scales. Frequency distributions of the individual contaminants were developed. Included in the study at this time ar 17 utilities from New England, who generously provided "samples of opportunity." The study establishes that many surprising contaminants are present at concentrations that could possibly pose a rick to consumers if released back into the water. Water systems need to keep this problem in mind when changing water treatment, operating with seasonal chemistry changes, doing system maintenance, or when conducting flushing programs.