AWWA QTC97161

While extensive research has defined the effects of sulfides on copper-alloy corrosion in seawater, surprisingly little research has been conducted which is relevant to drinking water systems. Recent research using electrochemical testing and gravimetric analysis demonstrated that copper sulfide scales increased the corrosion rate of copper in synthetic drinking water by about 1 and 2 orders of magnitude at pH 6.5 and 9.2, respectively. While higher corrosion rates are expected to affect the lifetime of uniformly corroding pipes, increased copper byproduct release is an even greater short-term concern. This study attempted to investigate these concerns using a combination of laboratory experiments and practical analysis of data. Possible remediation strategies were examined in the laboratory as part of this evaluation.