You are here:
Benzene Permeation in Polyethylene Drinking Water Pipes: Implications for Disaster Recovery
Citation:
Haupert, L. AND M. Magnuson. Benzene Permeation in Polyethylene Drinking Water Pipes: Implications for Disaster Recovery. Presented at EPA Meets the World Webinar Series, Virtual (Webinar), OH, September 01, 2022.
Impact/Purpose:
Polyethylene pipes are becoming increasingly common in water distribution networks and building water systems. Recent water contamination incidents resulting from wildfires and fuel spills have highlighted the need to better understand interactions between polyethylene drinking water pipes and organic contaminants such as benzene. Research is in progress at EPA’s Testing and Evaluation Facility to measure uptake and release of benzene in polyethylene drinking water pipes. The results of this research are expected to help regional, state, and local decision-makers develop sampling and decontamination strategies to assist communities recovering from contamination incidents.
Description:
Polyethylene pipes are becoming increasingly common in water distribution networks and building water systems. Recent water contamination incidents resulting from wildfires and fuel spills have highlighted the need to better understand interactions between polyethylene drinking water pipes and organic contaminants such as benzene. Research is in progress at EPA’s Testing and Evaluation Facility to measure uptake and release of benzene in polyethylene drinking water pipes. The results of this research are expected to help regional, state, and local decision-makers develop sampling and decontamination strategies to assist communities recovering from contamination incidents.