Essentials for Successful Lead Service Line Replacement
National Groups Publish Guidelines for Replacing Lead Pipes Toxic lead materials in plumbing systems are an unfortunate legacy from decades of lead pipe installation in homes and communities across the country. They continue to affect the safety of drinking water, with crises in cities like Flint, Michigan, and Newark, New Jersey, providing examples of the […]
How Does Plastic Cause Air Pollution?
There are many factors that contribute to air pollution: the burning of fossil fuels, the release of chemical pesticides, and now plastic pollution. But how does plastic cause air pollution?
Denver Acts on Health Concerns over Lead Service Lines, Begins Replacement Process Using Safe, Sustainable Materials
Denver Acts on Health Concerns over Lead Service LinesBegins Replacement Process Using Safe, Sustainable Materials The lead and copper rule was implemented in 1991 in response to the nearly 10 million lead water lines that existed in the US. Today, an estimated 6.1 million lead lines are still in service and are in dire need of replacement; […]
Are Plastic Pipes Safe?
Are Plastic Pipes Safe? Piping material within a building plays a more critical role in safety than one might think, and homeowners, building owners, and contractors need to be aware of how piping material directly affects the safety of building occupants. Cheap piping made of PEX and PVC have become increasingly popular, appearing in over […]
Humans Consume 39,000-52,000 Microplastics a Year
Humans Consume 39,000-52,000 Microplastics a Year Health Effects May Include Reproductive and Digestive Issues The rising concern around microplastics’ effect on water quality and human health has accelerated after a new study estimated humans consume 39,000 – 52,000 microplastics a year. According to the study, individuals that consume the recommended amount of tap water could […]
How Leaching Affects Water Quality
How Leaching Affects Water Quality When selecting pipes for drinking water systems, it’s critical to understand and evaluate the effect materials can have on water quality and human health. Clean water can become contaminated as it travels from a distribution facility, through a complex maze of pipes, and finally through a faucet. One lesser-known risk […]
Impacts of Pipe Leaching on Water
Impacts of Pipe Leaching on Water Chemical interactions between water and piping materials — typically oxidation — and the principles of osmosis mean all piping materials leach substances into water to some degree. Some materials are far safer than others, however. For example, lead pipes and fittings have emerged as a serious public health threat […]
Drinking Water and Plumbing After the Camp Fire
Drinking Water and Plumbing After the Camp Fire By Julie Jenks, active volunteer at the Camp Fire Zone Project and Biology Instructor at Butte College About the Event Experts in plumbing and engineering from Purdue University held a community event entitled “Drinking Water and Plumbing After the Camp Fire” on Thursday June 27, 2019 at […]
Codes Must be Responsive to Current and Future Hazards
Codes Must be Responsive to Current and Future Hazards By Jay Peters, Codes & Standards International In one of my recent articles, “Building Products, They Comply with Code But Are They Safe,”I insinuated that PVC and some plastics could become the next asbestos or lead and caught some flak from friends in the plastic piping […]
How Do Microplastics Enter the Water Supply?
How Do Microplastics Enter the Water Supply? Microplastics are small pieces of plastic less than five millimeters in length and represent a serious threat to the safety of our water. Microplastics release toxic chemicals, are consumed by both people and animals, and are prevalent throughout North America’s water infrastructure. How does all this plastic find […]