AWWA JAW64986

Corrosion by copper pipes has long been considered the main source of copper in samples collected under the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). Furthermore, regulatory agencies generally have assumed that the primary source of lead is lead solder or pipes. Recent research, however, has suggested that brass corrosion may play a larger part in contributing to lead and copper at the customer's tap than initially supposed. One obstacle to accurately identifying sources of lead and copper in LCR samples is the possibility of several sources for both elements. This study focused on two populations, houses with traditional plumbing and houses with all-plastic plumbing, a factor that effectively eliminated all but one source. Analysis of first-draw samples collected from houses with all-plastic plumbing showed concentrations of lead and copper comparable to those found in traditionally plumbed houses, indicating that the lead and copper found in the plastic system resulted from brass corrosion. Given that the LCR has a limited focus on brass, these results call into question the efficacy of the LCR in reducing consumer exposure to lead and copper. Includes 12 references, tables, figure.