Evaluation of Flushing to Reduce Lead Levels
Associated Project
Lead sources in contact with drinking water have the potential to release lead to the tap. A variety of techniques can be employed to reduce lead levels, including removing sources of lead (e.g., lead service line replacement), adjusting the water chemistry, and manipulating water velocity and usage patterns. A recently completed project, Evaluation of Flushing to Reduce Lead Levels (#4584), evaluated the impact of high velocity flushing (HVF) inside the household on lead levels in water samples collected from household water taps. HVF is accomplished by opening all interior taps and allowing the water to flow from all open taps. Sampling was conducted at 32 homes at six participating water systems. The impact of HVF on lead levels was evaluated for homes that had a partial lead service line replacement (PLSLR), full lead service line replacement (FLSLR), and in homes containing lead service lines but without any intentional disturbance. This webcast presented a comprehensive overview of the project objectives, results, and recommendations for utilities.
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