Trace-metal leaching from plumbing materials exposed to acidic groundwater in three areas of the coastal plain of New Jersey
The US Geological Survey analyzed trace metal concentrations in tap water from domestic wells in newly constructed homes in Berkeley Township, Ocean County and Galloway Township, Atlantic County, N.J. The potable water distribution systems in all of the homes sampled are constructed primarily of copper with lead-based solder points. Home water treatment is used in Berkeley Township but not in Galloway Township. Tap water was collected after the water had been standing in the pipes overnight. In Berkeley, 6 to 11 samples exceeded both the US Environmental Protection Agency's primary drinking water regulation (DWR) for lead and the secondary drinking water regulation (SDWR) for copper. In Galloway, 12 of 14 samples exceeded the DWR for lead and 13 of 14 exceeded the SDWR for copper. After collecting the standing-water samples, the water was left running for 15 minutes and a second sample was collected. None of the running-water samples exceeded the regulations for lead or copper. Available data suggest a correlation between the residence time of soft, acidic groundwater in new home plumbing systems and elevated trace-metal concentrations in drinking water derived from domestic wells within the New Jersey Coastal Plain. 2 figs., 6 tabs.
- OSTI ID:
- 6653215
- Resource Relation:
- Related Information: USGS Water Resources Investigations Report 87-4146
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Health assessment for Beachwood Borough and Berkeley Township National Priorities List (NPL) Site, Ocean County, New Jersey, Region 2. CERCLIS No. NJD980654123. Final report
Health assessment for Beachwood Borough and Berkeley Township National Priorities List (NPL) Site, Ocean County, New Jersey, Region 2. CERCLIS No. NJD980654123. Final report
Related Subjects
COPPER
LEACHING
DRINKING WATER
CONTAMINATION
GROUND WATER
ACIDIFICATION
LEAD
NEW JERSEY
WATER POLLUTION
STANDARDS
TRACE AMOUNTS
DISSOLUTION
ELEMENTS
FEDERAL REGION II
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
METALS
NORTH AMERICA
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
SEPARATION PROCESSES
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
USA
WATER
540320* - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)