Salem Takes Steps to Reduce Corrosion in Household Plumbing

Photo Courtesy: swissre.com

(SALEM) - Salem is adding a new step in its drinking water treatment process, but a city official says most customers won't notice any difference.

New corrosion control equipment is being installed at Salem's Geren Island Water Treatment Facility. Soda ash (Na2CO3) will be added in very small doses to help raise the pH of the drinking water delivered to Salem's customers. The reason is to reduce the potential for lead and copper leaching from household plumbing.

The new corrosion control system is currently under construction. Equipment will be installed and tested in spring 2006. The system is scheduled to be in operation by summer.

The exceptionally low mineral content in Salem's drinking water makes the water "soft," but also makes household plumbing vulnerable to lead and copper corrosion.

Salem's drinking water is of the highest quality, and lead has never been detected in our source water. Unfortunately, plumbing and piping inside some homes have lead solder and other sources of lead that can get into the drinking water. Testing of water from the taps of homes in Salem has consistently revealed the drinking water in a very few homes has a lead content above the standard set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

EPA and Oregon's Drinking Water Program are taking action to address even these very low levels of lead. They have mandated that the City of Salem install corrosion controls to lessen the potential for lead and copper to leach from household plumbing.

A few facts customers may want to know about these changes:

• Soda ash its chemical name is sodium carbonate is a relatively harmless chemical that is an important ingredient in many household products: toothpaste, skin care lotions, food, and beverages.
• The average pH of Salem's drinking water is expected to change from 7.1 to 7.8, making it slightly more basic. The pH will remain well within EPA standards of 6.5 to 8.5 for drinking water.
• These modifications to the water treatment process will reduce the amount of lead and copper in customers' drinking water.
• The change in water chemistry will not affect human health. The soda ash will add a very small amount of sodium. However, according to guidelines set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Salem's water will still be rated as "sodium free" after corrosion controls are installed.
• Fish and other pets will not be harmed.

A small number of businesses may be affected by the changes in water chemistry. Salem's Public Works Department is contacting selected business and institutional customers, including food processors, bottlers, wineries and breweries, kidney dialysis centers, hospitals and clinics, and aquarium shops.

Installation of the corrosion control system will cost approximately $700,000. Operating costs are estimated to be $200,000 per year. These costs are included in Salem's current water rates, and will be shared by all residential and business customers. Salem's water system now serves an approximate population of 183,000.

Customers who have questions about corrosion control or changes in Salem's drinking water chemistry should contact the Salem Public Works Department, Jason Pulley, Water Quality Supervisor, at 503-588-6398, or e-mail jpulley@cityofsalem.net. Further information about Salem's new corrosion controls is also available on the City of Salem's website at www.cityofsalem.net/~swater.