Abstract
Waters serving as sources of water supply in the central and northwestern Adirondack region were examined for alkalinity, pH, conductivity, and several major ions and trace metals. All waters from surface waters or shallow aquifers were corrosive. Elevated background concentrations of copper and lead were found sporadically but not at levels of significance to human health. Problems of copper dissolution and metallic taste existed in copper plumbing systems and were substantiated in the analyses. In about 10% of the individual systems with soldered copper pipes, volumes of first-flush water, ranging from 250 ml to one liter, contained amounts of lead equalling or exceeding the allowable daily intake from water for this element. Individual systems with lead service lines were not encountered in this study. Without appropriate treatment, such systems would pose a definitive health hazard with source waters of the type encountered.
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© 1985 Plenum Press, New York
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Fuhs, G.W., Olsen, R.A., Bucciffero, A. (1985). Alkalinity and Trace Metal Content of Drinking Water in Areas of New York State Susceptible to Acidic Deposition. In: Adams, D.D., Page, W.P. (eds) Acid Deposition: Environmental, Economic, and Policy Issues. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-8350-9_10
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-8350-9_10
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