A 12-18 month project will start in 2024 to improve corrosion control treatment for our water system. Studies conducted over the last several years have identified the type of treatment that will be most effective based on the chemistry of Kalamazoo's ground water and water system, and 12 water facilities will be updated to use this optimized treatment.
Corrosion control treatment works by coating the inside of the pipes so that water does not come into direct contact with metal. This reduces the likelihood of metal leeching into the drinking water, including lead where it may still be present in solders or old fixtures and service lines. Corrosion control treatment with phosphate is common in water systems, and its been in place in Kalamazoo since 1956.
This project follows seven years of study, which include chemical analysis (2017), two rounds solubility testing (2020 and 2021), and coupon rack testing (2022). Effectiveness of treatment options was tested against steel, brass, galvanized, lead, and all types of metal that are present in the water system to determine the optimal treatment.
Corrosion control treatment also has a iron sequestration benefit, which is expected to reduce iron in water and increase the aesthetic quality of water in some areas.