Chloride to Sulfate Mass Ratio (CSMR): Changes from Water Treatment and its Impact on Lead Leaching in Potable Water

The initial purpose of this project was to investigate the potential effects of coagulant changeover on lead release from plumbing components, with emphasis on changeover from aluminum sulfate to ferric chloride, ferric sulfate, polyaluminum chloride, and various polymer coagulants. The research also examined the finished water chemistry resulting from coagulant changeover, how distribution system scales are affected and how this affects lead release, and the magnitude of lead release after different stagnation times. This investigation was published in 2010 as Order #4088, Chloride to Sulfate Mass Ratio (CSMR): Changes from Water Treatment and its Impact on Lead Leaching in Potable Water. WaterRF then extended that project to examine effects of CSMR and galvanic corrosion on lead leaching to potable water after partial lead service line replacements. This project, 4088b, was also published in 2010 and titled, Contribution of Galvanic Corrosion to Lead in Water After Partial Lead Service Line Replacement. Research partner for 4088: USEPA.