COPPER CORROSION IN WATER DISTRIBUTION-SYSTEMS - THE INFLUENCE OF NATURAL ORGANIC-MATTER (NOM) ON THE SOLUBILITY OF COPPER CORROSION PRODUCTS

The copper corrosion in drinking water distribution systems was invest igated by means of field measurements in different Swedish municipalit ies. The maximum copper content in the water is not reach until after several hours of stagnation. The results are compared with equilibrium calculations. Good correlation between measurements and calculations is achieved if the maximum copper concentration is assumed to be deter mined by the equilibrium with the meta stable solid cupric hydroxide. However, the correlation is greatly improved when the complexing actio n of natural organic matter (NOM) is considered in the calculations. T he results suggest that NOM is an important factor for the copper conc entration in drinking water distribution systems. (C) 1998 Elsevier Sc ience Ltd. All rights reserved.