Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID VA 2023 CEE

Can free chlorine cause electrochemical reversal of copper and lead solder in drinking water systems?

Institute: Virginia
Year Established: 2023 Start Date: 2023-09-01 End Date: 2024-08-31
Total Federal Funds: $19,692 Total Non-Federal Funds: $19,692

Principal Investigators: Marc Edwards

Project Summary: Lead solder that has used for connecting copper pipes in many homes is a major contributor to lead levels in water that people use for cooking and drinking. Chlorine has recently been found to reduce the corrosion of lead, but few studies have examined how well it works in flowing and stagnant water conditions and water that is more acidic. This study is simulating water conditions for the cities of Portland and Tigard, Oregon where there are different levels of acidity and where there was previous work demonstrating a reduction in lead levels in the water after free chlorine was added. This work is timely, since many water utilities across the United States are suddenly experiencing lead solder corrosion problems after they switch water source, and many utilities are switching from chlorine to chloramine (another water treatment chemical) to reduce regulated by-products from chlorine treatment.