Leaded brass has historically been used in potable water systems, however it has been found to leach lead under certain circumstances and therefore alternative non-leaded brass has been developed. Non-leaded brass is defined as brass with no lead added, which typically equates to a lead content of 0.1 percent to 0.25 percent by weight. There are several knowledge gaps associated with the manufacture and performance of in-line and premise plumbing components made using these new non-leaded materials, including operations and maintenance issues that may arise with their use, and their potential for leaching other compounds into the drinking water.? The project developed a series of topic papers that identified the issues and knowledge gaps related to the implementation of non-leaded components in the distribution system. Based on information from the topic papers, research needs were identified and a research agenda for non-leaded brass was developed, with projects identified in the following major issue areas:? Leaching, Performance, and Product Acceptance Criteria? Costs? Plumbing Code Revisions and Marketplace Enforcement? Education and Technology Transfer? Manufacturing Issues? Regulatory Impact and Implementation ? ?

This study has shown that higher levels of carbon supported greater biofilm growth and planktonic populations on the materials that were tested, although the effect was most pronounced on iron pipe. Utilities with significant amounts of iron pipe in their distribution systems may be faced with the greatest regrowth potential. For utilities that also distribute water that is high in natural carbon, this problem may be compounded. Therefore, reducing the organic carbon in the finished water may be effective for any utility wishing to reduce regrowth problems in their distribution system. Other alternatives for utilities wishing to reduce biofilms in the distribution system can include any or all of the following: replacing or relining iron pipe in the system, increasing disinfectant, and implementing effective corrosion control.? Originally published by AwwaRF for its subscribers in 2003 ? ?

Leaded brass has historically been used in potable water systems, however it has been found to leach lead under certain circumstances and therefore alternative non-leaded brass has been developed. Non-leaded brass is defined as brass with no lead added, which typically equates to a lead content of 0.1 percent to 0.25 percent by weight. There are several knowledge gaps associated with the manufacture and performance of in-line and premise plumbing components made using these new non-leaded materials, including operations and maintenance issues that may arise with their use, and their potential for leaching other compounds into the drinking water.? The project developed a series of topic papers that identified the issues and knowledge gaps related to the implementation of non-leaded components in the distribution system. Based on information from the topic papers, research needs were identified and a research agenda for non-leaded brass was developed, with projects identified in the following major issue areas:? Leaching, Performance, and Product Acceptance Criteria? Costs? Plumbing Code Revisions and Marketplace Enforcement? Education and Technology Transfer? Manufacturing Issues? Regulatory Impact and Implementation ? ?

This study has shown that higher levels of carbon supported greater biofilm growth and planktonic populations on the materials that were tested, although the effect was most pronounced on iron pipe. Utilities with significant amounts of iron pipe in their distribution systems may be faced with the greatest regrowth potential. For utilities that also distribute water that is high in natural carbon, this problem may be compounded. Therefore, reducing the organic carbon in the finished water may be effective for any utility wishing to reduce regrowth problems in their distribution system. Other alternatives for utilities wishing to reduce biofilms in the distribution system can include any or all of the following: replacing or relining iron pipe in the system, increasing disinfectant, and implementing effective corrosion control.? Originally published by AwwaRF for its subscribers in 2003 ? ?