S. Rigal et J. Danjou, Tastes and odors in drinking water distribution systems related to the useof synthetic materials, WATER SCI T, 40(6), 1999, pp. 203-208
Plastic pipes, organic coatings and membranes, and epoxy relining products
are progressively replacing existing traditional metallic or cementitious m
aterials. Despite existing controls, and for different reasons, additives,
solvents, or monomers can be leached into the drinking water. Until ten yea
rs ago,such problems frequently occurred. French regulations now oblige the
manufacturers to obtain approvals for their products for contact with drin
king water, and such problems now occur less and less. The objectives of th
is research were to investigate the causes of odor and flavor problems gene
rated in distribution systems, water towers, and lined systems. Four case s
tudies and an experimental study of taste and odor deterioration of water q
uality are presented to identify the responsible substances related to mate
rials. In each case study, organic components which characterized the cause
of the problems were measured experimentally. Components (e.g., styrene an
d chlorinated by-products) resulting in a high TON/TFN were identified as t
he chemicals responsible for the cause of odor and flavor problems. (C) 199
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