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LEAD AND COPPER REDUCTION TREATMENT INFORMATION
PHOSPHOROUS TREATMENT
In an attempt to reduce lead and copper levels in the drinking
water, the city of ____________ will soon begin treating the water with a
phosphorous based additive called Calgon 9.
The city hopes the additive will make its water less corrosive
and as a result less likely to absorb lead and copper from materials in
consumer's plumbing systems.
Phosphates, the usable form of phosphorous, have been added to
drinking water for more than 50 years in order to control corrosion, scale,
deposits, and discoloration, without causing any adverse health effects.
Phosphorous is an element found in the environment which is also
a nutrient essential to all life. It is naturally present in foods such as
milk and bananas and is added to some foods including: beverages, cheeses,
meat, poultry and baked goods.
The City will be adding only a small amount of Calgon-9 to the
water system. For an adult, the National Research Council recommends 800
milligrams of phosphorous per person per day. The amount added would mean
the average adult would need to drink 800 gallons of water to reach the
recommended level.
The addition of a phosphate to the city water system should not
affect the taste or odor of the water and may make the water clearer.
Initially, however, the phosphate additive may soften old mineral deposits in
the distribution system causing them to discharge. As a result, consumers
may see rusty particles in the water coming out of their taps. If this
happens, the taps should be flushed by letting the water run until it clears up.
If consumers should have any questions or concerns, please
contact the city water department at ___________.
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