In 1986, Congress banned lead components in drinking water distribution systems due to the harmful health effects of lead; however, existing lead pipes are still in use. Pipe loop and coupon rack tests to measure the corrosivity of water are time-intensive and expensive. The team evaluated a short-term laboratory test for predicting corrosion and found evidence of corrosion within one week for samples with extreme pH conditions (3 or 12). Samples with moderate pH and alkalinity conditions expected in a distribution system showed minimal corrosion after four weeks, and dissolved lead concentrations were inconsistent. Therefore, current testing techniques are recommended to differentiate corrosion potential in typical water systems and protect public health.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Taylor, Lillian
• Beliveau, Benjamin
• Tedtsen, Delaney

Subject

• Project-Based Learning
• Environment
• Infrastructure
• Water
• Well-Being
• Industry
• Community
• Health

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 63736
• E-project-042622-111852

Keyword

• Lead and Copper Rule
• Lead
• Corrosion
• Drinking Water

Advisor

• Dudle, Jeanine Denu

Year

• 2022

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• 3 - Good Health and Well-being
• 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
• 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Date created

• 2022-04-26

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Environmental Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright