Like total coliforms, iron can be an indicator of poor drinking water quality, but may not indicate an immediate health risk. Unlike total coliforms, states may choose whether or not to enforce iron water quality standards. In our investigations, we have come across several cases of small or rural water systems with high iron that met regulations, but were later found to have problems with lead and/or water pathogens. Flint, Michigan illustrated how the hidden premise plumbing problems of lead and <i>Legionnella</i> may have been worsened by the corrosion of unlined iron water mains. But similar cases across the nation are receiving less attention. In Louisiana, 400 water systems have excess iron, many of which serve rural, low-income communities. Monitoring of two of these compliant systems revealed conditions which can impact public health. How iron oxides concentrate and mobilize trace inorganics like lead; as well as deplete free chlorine residual, interfere with disinfection, and facilitate propagation of water pathogens is discussed. Regulatory weaknesses which contribute to failures in the prevention and detection of premise plumbing contaminants are reviewed; and an argument supporting enforcement of iron standards as a surrogate for compromised secondary disinfection is made. Solutions such as flushing, corrosion control, and pipe replacements are examined. The facts presented support the need to address regulatory gaps which can impact public health in communities served by small or rural water systems.<br/>

Iron as an indicator of water system corrosion and compromised disinfection: Argument for regulating iron and small system corrosion control

255th National Meeting (2018)

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