Corrosion Control in Drinking Water Distribution Using Simple Methods — Properties and Corrosion of Copper and Copper Alloys

Due to its excellent processing properties and corrosion resistance, copper is a popular material for drinking water installations. Provided it is suitable for the specific water conditions and installed correctly, it can be used without issues for many decades—though a certain amount of copper release inevitably occurs. Furthermore, there are uncertainties regarding its suitability for use, which depends on the specific properties of the water. If used outside its recommended application limits, it may suffer from accelerated surface corrosion—resulting in elevated copper concentrations in the drinking water—or from pitting corrosion damage, either of which would necessitate the replacement of the installation. In contrast, brass and red brass—materials frequently used for faucets and fittings—exhibit greater corrosion resistance. While brass may occasionally be susceptible to dezincification, red brass demonstrates the lowest propensity for corrosion. When utilizing brass and red brass, it is essential to ensure that the alloys comply with the requirements set forth in the regulatory framework for metallic materials; this is crucial, in particular, to ensure that the permissible limit for lead in drinking water is not exceeded.