Migration of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from PEX-a Pipes into the Drinking Water during the First Five Years of Use

A brand-new office building in Rauma, Finland, was used to study the first five years of PEX-a drinking water pipes in normal use. Both pipe material and water samples from hot and cold-water pipelines were analyzed. Migration of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from the PEX-a pipes into the drinking water was observed to decrease rapidly during the first months. Deterioration of the PEX-a material was observed to take place due to the wearing down of organic antioxidants added into the PEX-a material during the manufacturing of the pipes. Tert-butyl alcohol (TBA) concentrations were high during the first months after commissioning of use. The stagnation time of the drinking water in contact with the PEX-a material before the actual water sample was taken had a major impact on analyzed migration of organic compounds. Hence, the amount of organic compounds able to migrate from materials into the drinking water will increase when the stagnation time increases. In this study, the water samples were taken after overnight stagnation, whereas in normal use it is advisable to run water properly before drinking it. Instructions will be needed for the average user to avoid harmful health effects.