2014 journal article

Using a GIS and GIS-Assisted Water Quality Model to Analyze the Deterministic Factors for Lead and Copper Corrosion in Drinking Water Distribution Systems

Journal of Environmental Engineering, 140(9).

By: Z. Wang*, H. Devine*, W. Zhang* & K. Waldroup

author keywords: Corrosion; Lead; Copper; Water distribution; Regulatory compliance; Water chemistry
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
6. Clean Water and Sanitation (OpenAlex)
Source: Crossref
Added: February 24, 2020

AbstractVarious physical and chemical characteristics of a water distribution system can provide favorable conditions for lead or copper leaching. This study applied geographic information systems (GIS) and a hydraulic model of distribution systems to test the influences of pipe material, pipe age, water age, and other water quality parameters on lead/copper leaching. This study was based on a study performed at North Carolina State University (NCSU) using spatial analysis and geostatistics analysis to test for lead leaching based on water age and the influence of other water quality parameters. Results of the study indicate that higher levels of first-draw lead concentrations most likely occur in buildings constructed between 1970 and 1986 with copper plumbing systems. A long water age to the building and high water temperature also likely contribute to lead leaching into the drinking water. Switching the disinfectant to free chlorine during the “burn out” period then back to chloramines appear not to ac...