AWWA JAW3913

Lead leachate is a matter of some concern because of its potential deleterious health effects. Once a widely used element in distribution materials, lead is still present in a number of household plumbing systems throughout Europe and in parts of the U.S. In light of this the drinking water research division of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency initiated a study to investigate possible treatment methodologies that would help further compliance with the National Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations governing the maximum allowable lead concentration of 0.5 mg/L. This article presents the results of this study and focuses on considerations relating to pH and total inorganic carbonate control as a means of minimizing corrosion by the precipitation of a lead carbonate, hydroxycarbonate, or hydroxide film. Carbon dioxide, static coupon tests, pipe loop, standing time, and equilibrium constants are discussed. Includes 44 references, tables, figures.