Lead (Pb) and Copper (Cu) Research
Corrosion and solubility play major roles in controlling the release of lead and copper from lead service lines and other plumbing materials into drinking water. Key water quality parameters, such as pH, alkalinity, dissolved organic carbon, disinfectants, and corrosion inhibitors, interact with lead and copper materials in complex ways that can result in corrosion and release into drinking water sources. Lead that is released into drinking water supplies can pose serious risks to public health, especially to children. The release of copper from distribution materials can lead to excessive localized or pitting corrosion, which is typically not associated with elevated copper levels or regulatory considerations but can be a major financial burden as well as an inconvenience to homeowners.
EPA researchers are expanding practical understanding of corrosion concerns and developing resources and tools for characterizing and mitigating lead and copper in drinking water distribution systems and premise plumbing. Examples of the research include the following:
- Development of improved lead and copper sampling and detection strategies, including those to identify lead service lines.
- Development of treatment strategies to reduce lead and copper in drinking water, such as point of use (POU) water filters to effectively reduce lead in drinking water.
- Development of corrosion control strategies for minimizing pitting and release of contaminants in water-delivery systems.
- Development of sampling methodologies and modeling approaches to inform strategies to eliminate lead exposure from drinking water.
- Characterization of lead and copper in distribution systems and premise plumbing to assess lead release mechanisms and corrosion control effectiveness.
The research is being integrated into models and tools that estimate lead and copper exposure and remediation strategies to reduce lead and copper in consumer’s tap water and, as a result, reduce human exposure.