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Lead & Copper

Lead and copper in service lines and household plumbing are the primary drinking water corrosion compounds of concern. Lead is a toxic metal that can be harmful to human health even at low exposure levels. Lead is persistent and can bioaccumulate in the body over time. Young children are particularly vulnerable to lead because the physical and behavioral effects of lead occur at lower exposure levels in children than in adults. A dose of lead that would have little effect on an adult can have a significant effect on a child. People who drink water containing copper in excess of 1.3 mg/L may experience short-term nausea, while long-term exposure can affect the liver and kidneys.

Lead is rarely found in source water and usually enters drinking water through corrosion of household plumbing. Lead at the tap can come from a variety of sources, including lead service lines, lead piping inside the home, lead-based solder, and brass components. The concentrations of lead and copper in water are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule.

Topic Overview (PDF)
39 Projects 1 Web Tool 1 Case Study 12 Webcasts
Water Quality
Corrosion
Pipes
Distribution System Management
Project #4584

Evaluation of Flushing to Reduce Lead Levels

$180,000
Completed

Project Highlights

The project evaluated the impact of high-velocity flushing on the removal of particulate lead from service lines and premise plumbing, and the subsequent impact on "at the tap" lead concentrations. The goals of the project were not only to see...
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Principle Investigator
David
Cornwell
Research Manager
Mr. Jonathan Cuppett

Recent Updates

Project #4693

A comprehensive literature review was conducted in order to identify new technologies capable of discriminating the buried metals, a vendor investigation has been completed, and more.

Project Update
07/10/2019
Project #4698

October 2017-March 2018 - The technique identified is the resistance measurement of a pipe.

Project Update
06/09/2019
Project #4698

January-March 2019 - After conclusive experimentation in the laboratory, testing in the field has begun. The equipment used for laboratory experiments was modified for usage in the field.

Project Update
06/09/2019
Project #4713

Field studies are being conducted or have been completed at 10 public water systems in the United States and Canada.

Project Update
07/31/2019
Project #4983

Determine baseline occurrence of Legionella throughout the Passaic Valley Water Commission (PVWC) water distribution system.

Project Update
07/26/2019
Project #4693

The objectives of this project are to evaluate technologies and to develop a prototype capable of identifying service line materials.

Project Update
07/10/2019
Project #4686

The new lead pipes have now been conditioned to a stage at which a substantial scale of lead(IV) oxide (PbO2, plattnerite) has been developed and is maintaining both total and dissolved lead concentrations at consistently low levels.

Project Update
07/10/2019
Project #4686

Two sets of lead pipes are being conditioned for use in studying the timing and mechanisms for orthophosphate to effectively control lead concentrations.

Project Update
07/10/2019

News

Lead and Copper Management

06/06/2019
Water utilities play a critical role in protecting public health by minimizing lead and copper levels in drinking water. Household plumbing and service lines can contain lead and copper pipes...

Rigid Seal

Technology Spotlight
James Ridgway
08/07/2019
What is your technology? Rigid Seal Technology ( www.RigidSeal.com ) is a trenchless pipe lining system that seals and strengthens failing water lines, sewer lines, storm sewers and process water...
View all Lead & Copper News

Resources

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Related Projects

Project #4584

Evaluation of Flushing to Reduce Lead Levels

Completed
The project evaluated the impact of high-velocity flushing on the removal of particulate lead from service lines and premise plumbing, and the subsequent impact on "at the tap"...
View more details
Project #0157

Distribution System Water Quality Changes Following Corrosion Control Strategies

Completed
Evaluates the impact of plant-scale implementation of corrosion control for lead and copper on water quality in the distribution system (e.g., red water, turbidity, biological growth). Reports on...
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Project #4317

Non-Intrusive Methodology for Assessing Lead and Copper Corrosion

Completed
This project developed, validated, and demonstrated a portable device that allows water utilities to monitor lead and copper values without engaging in household tap sampling. This monitoring provided...
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Project #4693

Service Line Material Identification Techniques

In Progress
This project will review and assess water service line material type technologies and related procedures and approaches, specifically targeting the identification of lead service pipes running from the...
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Project #4686

Processes Controlling the Development of Effective Lead Corrosion Control with Orthophosphate

In Progress
The overarching objective of this project is to provide new scientific insights into lead phosphate nucleation, aggregation, and deposition that will enable efficient application of phosphate to control...
View more details
Project #4698

Evaluation of Lead Pipe Detection Methods

In Progress
Precision electrical resistance has been identified as a testing method that could be used to determine the composition (lead or copper) of underground water service lines, but other...
View more details

Related Topics

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Distribution System Management

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Water Quality

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