Copper Pipe and Chlorine Residual  

April, 2002

We recently experienced a plumbing problem in our new administrative headquarters and service center that impacted our internal water quality.

What we have learned is that new copper water pipe has the potential for destroying chlorine residual, which is necessary for maintaining adequate disinfection levels.  This is a phenomenon that has only recently been discovered in the industry, and has the most potential for occurrence in new commercial buildings.  The problem diminishes over time with continuous flushing of the water system.

Following are answers to common questions you may have concerning this issue:

  1. IS OUR WATER SAFE?

The water produced and delivered by WaterOne is absolutely safe and meets or is superior to all state and federal drinking water regulations.

  1. WHAT EXACTLY IS THE PROBLEM?

Internal plumbing problems associated with new copper pipe.  What we found is that new copper plumbing consumes chlorine, which can result in low or no chlorine residual in the water.  Chlorine is necessary to maintain safe water.

  1. IS THIS A COMMON PROBLEM?

After consulting with nationally recognized experts in this field, it became apparent that the issue of new copper pipe consuming chlorine has only been recently discovered.  Experts have confirmed that this has been discovered in other new buildings across the country.

  1. WHAT DID WE DO TO RESOLVE IT?

After consulting with an interdisciplinary team of experts, it was decided that the best course of action was to continually flush the plumbing system until a protective coating develops on the inside of the copper pipes.  This coating is formed by a natural process, which occurs after prolonged contact with water.  The protective coating prevents the copper from further consuming chlorine.

  1. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO FORM THE PROTECTIVE COATING?

The team of experts we contacted are currently performing studies to determine how long it takes for the protective coating to form.

  1. DOES THIS PROBLEM OCCUR IN RESIDENTIAL HOMES AS WELL AS COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS?

Based on what we have learned from the experts, we believe it is more of an issue in commercial buildings.  The amount of chlorine consumed by copper depends on the amount of  time and volume of water in the plumbing system.  Typically, residential homes have much smaller volumes of water and use the water fast enough that the chlorine residual doesn't have time to be depleted.

  1. WILL A HOME FILTER HELP IF MY HOME HAS THIS PROBLEM?

Home water purification systems will have no effect on whether or not the chlorine is consumed by the copper.

  1. WAS THE WATER SAFE FROM THE TIME THE BUILDING WAS OCCUPIED UNTIL THE PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED?

Based on the numerous tests we have performed, the water has been safe at all times.  Our decision to refrain from drinking the water in the new building was strictly precautionary until we determined the case of the lower chlorine levels.

  1. WHAT DO CUSTOMERS DO IF THEY SUSPECT THEY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM?

As with any water quality concerns, please contact our Customer Service Department at 895-1800.