AWWA WQTC65902

The objective of this study was to use a spatial and temporal methodology to test the possible correlations between lead leaching in water distribution systems (WDS) and other hydraulic and water quality parameters. The water quality parameters and lead sample data were evaluated by integrating spatial data analysis and geostatistics with geographic information systems (GIS) and simulation results from GIS-assisted water quality models. The lead sampling data were processed using geocode tools, and the corresponding map was spatially joined with water quality model output, e.g., water ages, and other spatially and temporally distributed parameters, such as nitrate (NO₃ ^-) and heterotrophic plate counts (HPC). Using spatial analysis and geostatistics, these data were used to test for the hypothesis on lead leaching and water ages, and the influence of other water quality parameters. This paper is a summary of the study that will provide utilities with an overview of using spatial and temporal methodology to test the influences of hydraulic parameters and other water quality parameters on lead leaching in WDS. Includes 35 references, tables, figures.