Folsom water study talks PH, chlorine levels

As the number of reported copper pipe leaks continue to climb well past the 1,000 mark in Folsom, the city of Folsom has received and released the long-awaited pinhole leak report for public review. While the Water Quality Technical Memorandum issued from consultant Black and Veatch that was shared to the public by city officials late last Friday brings a good amount of technical information to the public eye, many more questions remain from residents as to what the next steps will be. Black and Veatch was hired by the city to assist with the analysis of the city's water supply. The firm with expertise in water quality and corrosion has been working with specialists at Virginia Tech University to conduct detailed forensic analysis on sample copper pipes with pinhole leaks from select Folsom locations that have been victim to the failing pipes. While further analysis and guidelines are expected from the city and its consultants, the recent report details a number of findings, from water safety to analysis of chemicals and/or contaminants found in the water being delivered to the greater area of the city. The analysis was quick to point out that the city meets all state and federal drinking water standards, including the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (US EPA) Lead and Copper Rule. It confirmed that there is no evidence of microbial activity in the city's water supply. The memorandum cites that the city's treated water is low in alkalinity, calcium, total organic carbon, turbidity and total dissolved solids. These characteristics are reportedly ideal in drinking water. However, the report notes that the water's purity combined with a pH above 9.0 and the use of chlorine "could contribute to pitting of copper pipe, especially at sites with impurities in the pipe material or where particulate has settled." Although water can be deemed safe for consumption, it does not necessarily ensure the longevity and integrity of the pipe or plumbing devices delivering it over time, only because it is "safe to drink." The study notes that impurities in copper pipe can be natural. They also can be caused during manufacturing, storage, transportation or installation of the pipes. The reported leaks in Folsom are in homes that are built by a broad range of builders over many years, making it difficult or near impossible to narrow such impurities down to a sole manufacturer, supplier or installer. The latest report confirms the previous recommendation from Black & Veatch and Virginia Tech University, which recommended the city begin adding orthophosphate to its local treatment process. According to city water officials, orthophosphate is a commonly-used corrosion inhibitor recommended by the US EPA for use in drinking water applications. The product is reportedly deemed safe for drinking water systems by the United States Food and Drug Administration. The addition of orthophosphate forms a protective layer on the interior of the copper pipe. This has shown to inhibit pit initiation and can help slow or even mitigate pit propagation. Based on an earlier verbal discussion with the consultant team, the city began adding orthophosphate to its treatment process on October 8, 2020, prior to the completion of the report. While the corrosion inhibitor will slow down future leaks, there are still many unanswered questions looming from concerned residents as well as city officials as they too continue to look for answers. Many homeowners who haven't had a leak yet are fearing them in the near future while those who have had leaks are fearing another, unless they have already gone to the extent of re-piping their homes which is costing residents several thousand dollars and day-to-day disruptions, a situation that some say the city could be responsible for. As of press time, city of Folsom officials have not commented on further analysis of the recent report or its next steps ahead but have confirmed the topic is set to be discussed at next Tuesday's City Council meeting. "The Council will review the report from Black and Veatch and Virginia Tech at our Oct. 27 meeting and talk about possible next steps," confirmed Folsom Mayor Sarah Aquino. Concerned residents are urged to attend the meeting in person at City Hall or virtually through the city's website to learn more about this ongoing situation in the city. Those who have a leak or concerns are also urged to contact the city of Folsom Water Quality Division at 916-461-6190 or waterquality@folsom.ca.us with questions or for more information.