DETERMINATION OF THE EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON THE CORROSION OF WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM BASED ON ANALYSIS OF ON-LINE CORROSION MONITORING RESULTS

Corrosion of water distribution system is a significant issue causing problems with quality, safety and continuity of distribution. The changes of corrosion rates of the water distribution systems in Cracow made of carbon steel were investigated by analysis of online corrosion monitoring system results. Corrosion rates were determined using the linear polarization method. The impact of rain, temperatures, conductivity, dissolved oxygen content on corrosion rate were characterized. The corrosivity of different water sources like mountain water, underground water or river water were indicated. The possible actions for reducing corrosion losses were characterized. Results show that pollution of the environment in the form of acid rain and runoff from agriculture as well as the type of the source water has significant influence on corrosion of water distribution system. Corrosion monitoring system gives possibility of controlling corrosion rate by mixing waters from different sources in the way to obtain less corrosive mixture.