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An evaluation of sampling methods and supporting techniques for tackling lead in drinking water in Aberta Province
Citation:
Hayes, C., N. Croft, E. Phillips, S. Craik, AND M. Schock. An evaluation of sampling methods and supporting techniques for tackling lead in drinking water in Aberta Province. JOURNAL OF WATER SUPPLY: RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY - AQUA. IWA Publishing, London, Uk, 65(5):373-383, (2016).
Impact/Purpose:
This manuscript describes a process for evaluating lead contamination from drinking water and developing a strategy to minimize risk through it was concluded that a risk assessment and risk management approach would be better suited to tackling the lead in drinking water problem in Canadian cities and townships. This can be applied in a more pragmatic manner that reflects the circumstances of individual water supply systems, using drinking water safety plans as the foundation.
Description:
A collaborative project commenced in August 2013 with the aim of demonstrating a range of techniques that can be used in tackling the problems of lead in drinking water. The main project was completed in March 2014, with supplementary sampling exercises in mid-2014. It involved the cities of Calgary and Edmonton and the following:• A diagnostic assessment of the relevant operational and water quality data that was available;• Laboratory testing to determine the plumbosolvency of the water supplies and their responses to orthophosphate dosing;• Sequential sampling (12 x 1 litres) at six homes in each city, after 30 minutes stagnation and after 6 or more hours stagnation;• Mineralogical and elemental analysis of scales on exhumed lead pipes from some of these homes;• Computational modelling of lead emissions from the homes that were sequentially sampled, to investigate the wide range in results that were obtained;• Compliance modelling to assess the behavioural characteristics of the sampling protocols specified in Health Canada’s 2009 guidelines on corrosion control, and to investigate corrosion control options;• The prediction, by computational modelling, of the likely results from random daytime sampling, to evaluate alternatives to stagnation-based sampling procedures;• The prediction, by computational modelling, of daily average lead concentrations at homes with a lead service line;• Economic and environmental assessments.
