The Measurement of Plumbosolvency Propensity to Guide the Control of Lead in Tapwaters

SYNOPSIS A laboratory-scale lead-pipe rig has been developed into an accelerated test for ‘plumbosolvency propensity’. High alkalinity water supplies from Anglian Water show either relatively high or low propensity characteristics which appear to be related to the form of the crystal deposit. These have been examined by scanning electron microscopy. The paper describes the uses of the test to (1) supplement random survey data, (2) investigate mixed waters, and (3) optimize orthophosphate dosing.