Course: BFM 203 Water Treatment and Control

Lecture

(3/7)

Does a Corrosion Problem Exist?

Indeed a corrosion problem does exist! "EPA has estimated that $138 billion will be needed over the next 20 years to maintain and replace existing drinking water systems and that $77 billion of this will be dedicated to repairing and rehabilitating pipelines. (Source: http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/wswrd/cr/corr_about.html) Corrosion problems include increased levels of iron and copper discussed in the Regulations section). It is important to examine materials removed from the distribution system and perform flow tests. Attend to customer complaints and regularly perform chemical tests on the water, including dissolved oxygen and calcium carbonate saturation testing. Annual or semi-annual distribution system flushing operations are a perfect time to visually and analytically evaluate the water in the system.

Following is a video of a hydrant being flushed. The beginning of this video shows us how iron corrosion in a distribution system can affect the quality of the water and why frequent flushing is necessary to clear settled material from the piping. The last picture in the video gives a clear view of corrosion buildup in a water line that has not been properly flushed and maintained.

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_rn6RrT8RA