AWWA WQTC71624

The BWWB investigated as an alternative the feasibility of replacing the primary disinfectant chlorine with chloramines. Water treated with chloramines has demonstrated significantly smaller DBP concentrations than water treated with chlorine (Brodtman 1979). In January 2004, the Washington Post reported that the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (WASA) had found elevated lead levels in the drinking water of more than 4,000 homes in Washington, DC, during 2003 testing. Discovery of increased lead residual in WASA drinking water occurred in conjunction with the switch from chlorine to chloramines, as the primary disinfectant, in 2001 (Tiemann 2005). Because of the problems in Washington, DC, the BWWB began to consider other alternatives to chloramines more seriously. However, BWWB chose to prudently complete research planned during the consideration of chloramines. The purpose of this study was to determine if chloramines increase metals residuals in pipes and fixtures treated with phosphate-based inhibitors. Includes 20 references, extended abstract only.