Abstract
The East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) has evaluated and resolved several puzzling distribution system water quality concerns which periodically plague most water utilities. Excessive coliform growths, complaints of medicinal tastes and odors, and tetrachloroethylene found in treated waters were all traced to different synthetic organic coatings used to protect the interior surfaces of steel storage tanks. After the repeated failure of several attempts to eliminate these problems, the coatings were removed and replaced. Procedures for approving all new coatings were developed. Complaints of petroleum and gasoline taste and odors were demonstrated to be due to the gasoline permeability of polybutylene and polyethylene service laterals. Copper service laterals are now used as a substitute when needed. The District’s gas chromatograph made it possible to solve some of these frustrating mysteries. Although the use of probes, coupons, and chemical indices is helpful in evaluating corrosion problems, the District determined that there is no substitute for the physical inspection of the system. The use of a particle counter and a transmission electron microscope was instrumental in determining the effects of corrosion control practices on particulate and asbestos levels in distributed waters.
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