What problem would you most likely encounter if corrosive water is constantly fed through a copper service lateral?

What problem would you most likely encounter if corrosive water is constantly fed through a copper service lateral?

• A. Increase in C factor
• B. Scaling
• C. High pH
• D. Copper will dissolve

Answer: (D)

In the context of water distribution, when corrosive water is consistently fed through a copper service lateral, the primary concern is the potential for the copper material to dissolve. Corrosive water typically has low pH levels or contains certain ions that can facilitate the corrosion process, leading to the leaching of copper into the water supply. Over time, this dissolution of copper can result in elevated levels of copper in the drinking water, which can pose health risks to consumers and can also lead to aesthetic issues, such as a metallic taste in the water. This process is a direct result of the interaction between the corrosive water and the copper pipe material, making it a critical issue for water quality management. Other options like an increase in the C factor, scaling, or high pH pertain to different water quality issues or pipe characteristics that are not directly associated with the corrosive effects on copper. For instance, scaling typically occurs with hard water or high mineral content rather than through a corrosive action, while high pH levels would generally mitigate, rather than promote, corrosion. Thus, the dissolution of copper is the most relevant and correct identification of the problem associated with the continual passage of corrosive water through copper service laterals.

In the context of water distribution, when corrosive water is consistently fed through a copper service lateral, the primary concern is the potential for the copper material to dissolve. Corrosive water typically has low pH levels or contains certain ions that can facilitate the corrosion process, leading to the leaching of copper into the water supply.

Over time, this dissolution of copper can result in elevated levels of copper in the drinking water, which can pose health risks to consumers and can also lead to aesthetic issues, such as a metallic taste in the water. This process is a direct result of the interaction between the corrosive water and the copper pipe material, making it a critical issue for water quality management.

Other options like an increase in the C factor, scaling, or high pH pertain to different water quality issues or pipe characteristics that are not directly associated with the corrosive effects on copper. For instance, scaling typically occurs with hard water or high mineral content rather than through a corrosive action, while high pH levels would generally mitigate, rather than promote, corrosion. Thus, the dissolution of copper is the most relevant and correct identification of the problem associated with the continual passage of corrosive water through copper service laterals.