Influences of Water Treatment Process on Iron and Copper Release in Distribution System

Abstract

A pilot study was conducted to assess the effect of water quality changes on iron and copper release in distribution systems. Three finished waters were prepared from groundwater source by conventional treatment, lime softening and reverse osmosis (RO). To mimic desalinated seawater, sea salts were added to RO treated water. Both lime softening and RO treatment significantly decreased the calcium concentration and alkalinity of groundwater. During a yearlong investigation, the impact of seasonal changes on iron and copper release was also evaluated. The results showed that groundwater after lime softening slightly increased iron release potential but significantly decreased copper release. Desalination water caused much higher iron release but lower copper release than conventionally treated groundwater. Blended water with conventional groundwater and desalination water resulted in intermediate iron release but much high copper release. Both iron and copper release could be accelerated by temperature increase.