Plumbing Materials and Drinking Water Quality

Abstract

A review of drinking water problems related to plumbing materials and the identification of alternative solutions for dealing with these problems are presented in this book. Federal regulations clearly recognize that the quality of drinking water can be affected by its distribution lines and that it is the responsibility of the water surveyor to consider these problems in providing water to its customers. Traditionally, water utilities have taken control measures to prevent or correct problems associated with water distribution mains. Studies and reports during the past several years have clearly illustrated that distribution problems are not limited only to distribution mains, but are also associated with laterals and service lines as well as the interior plumbing systems in dwellings and buildings. Some of these problems, such as lead leaching from lead service lines and plumbing, have been common knowledge for years. Other problems, such as the migration of gasoline and other petroleum distillates through plastic pipe, have been more recently identified.