Implementation and secondary impacts of corrosion control treatment: Chicopee water supply and water pollution control

The city of Chicopee, Massachusetts implemented several drinking water treatment changes in response to the Lead and Copper Rule, and for improvements in aesthetic quality of the water. Historically, Chicopee used a zinc polyphosphate corrosion inhibitor for iron that provided some orthophosphate through reversion. The addition of sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate to raise the pH and enhance buffering of the water, coupled with lead service line replacement and the use of a sodium polyphosphate inhibitor, resulted in significantly reduced lead and copper levels at the tap. Concurrently, wastewater discharge and biosolids metal level problems were overcome, showing the positive secondary impact of corrosion control.