Tastes and odors in drinking water distribution systems related to the useof synthetic materials

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 9 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of the IAWQ. All rights reser ved.