Contaminant Migration From Polymeric Pipes Used in Buried Potable Water Distribution Systems: A Review

Abstract

Polymeric pipes are increasingly being installed in water distribution systems because of their many advantages. Contaminant migration from polymer pipes into drinking water is a growing concern in the United States and environmental engineers are evaluating the role of these materials on water quality, system operation, and regulatory compliance. To aid these efforts and serve as a source of background information, the authors critically review available literature on polymeric potable water pipes in use, known contaminants released from in-service and new piping, and their perceived sources, and outline future challenges in the United States and abroad.

KEY WORDS:

• contaminants
• leaching
• migration
• pipe
• polymer
• plastics
• water

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This work was partly conducted while Dr. Whelton held a National Research Council Research Associateship from the National Academy of Sciences at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Certain commercial equipment, instruments, or materials are identified in this article to foster understanding. Such identification does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the NIST, nor does it imply that the materials or equipment identified are necessarily the best available for the purpose. The authors are grateful to Drs. Joannie Chin, Douglas Fox, Jonathan Martin, Stephanie Watson, and Lee Yu, NIST, who graciously provided feedback on this manuscript. The authors also appreciate the constructive feedback provided by the three anonymous peer reviewers.

This article not subject to US copyright law.

Notes

1. Certain commercial equipment, instruments, or materials are identified in this article to foster understanding. Such identification does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, nor does it imply that the materials or equipment identified are necessarily the best available for the purpose.