Plumbosolvency Control in Soft Waters |
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Authors: | P. T. Cardew BSc PhD MlnstP CPhys |
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Affiliation: | Asset Performance Manager (Water Quality), United Utilities plc, Warrington, UK. |
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Abstract: | Experience of plumbosolvency control in the soft waters of north-west England is presented, and expectations for complying with the new lead standards are indicated. The influence of natural organic matter on the solubility of lead is highlighted - in particular its importance in the setting of target pH values in phosphated waters. An analysis of a large quantity of regulatory lead-compliance data confirms the benefit of the introduction of phosphate. At a distribution zone level, the impact and benefit of a change in plumbosolvency conditions on regulatory data are demonstrated using a non-parametric statistical technique. To assist in the operational management of plumbosolvency conditions, a number of performance metrics have been developed; these quantify (in a simple way), the quantity, variability and delivery of phosphate, and pH. The expected benefit from plumbosolvency control has been assessed in several ways, indicating that reasonable compliance against 25 μg/l might be achievable, but against 10 μg/l this is more questionable. |
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Keywords: | Colour: lead modelling plumbosolvency soft water |
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