Corrosion Control FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

• What changes are planned for Salem’s water treatment?
• Why is Salem installing a corrosion control system?
• Were other corrosion control methods considered?
• When will the corrosion control be installed?
• Will Salem customers still need to worry about lead in their drinking water?
• What is soda ash? Will adding soda ash affect the taste—smell—odor of Salem’s drinking water?
• Will the added sodium pose any human health risk?
• Could the change in drinking water harm fish or pets?
• How much will the corrosion controls alter the pH of Salem water? What are the effects?
• How much will the new corrosion controls cost? Will the project increase current water rates?
• How can I get more information about lead in drinking water?
• How can I find out more about Salem’s corrosion control program?

What changes are planned for Salem’s water treatment?

New corrosion control equipment is being installed at Salem’s Geren Island Water Treatment Facility. Soda ash (Na₂CO₃) will be added in very small doses to help raise the pH of the drinking water delivered to Salem’s customers, reducing the amount of lead and copper leaching from household plumbing. Top

Why is Salem installing a corrosion control system?

The exceptionally low mineral content in Salem’s drinking water makes the water "soft", but also makes household plumbing vulnerable to lead and copper corrosion. Salem’s drinking water is high quality, and lead has never been detected in our source water. Unfortunately, plumbing and piping inside some homes have lead solder and other sources of lead that can get into the drinking water. Testing of water from the taps of Salem homes in Salem has consistently revealed the drinking water in a very few homes has a lead content above the standard set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In 2003, the percentage of homes with elevated lead content exceeded the EPA "Action Level."

EPA and Oregon’s Drinking Water Program are taking action to address these very low levels of lead. They have mandated that the City of Salem treat its drinking water, installing corrosion controls to lessen the potential for lead and copper to leach from household plumbing. Top

Were other corrosion control methods considered?

Yes. Water treatment with lime and caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) were considered—and rejected—because these chemicals are dangerous and hard to handle. Another option, using corrosion inhibitors, can be effective in water transmission lines—but doesn’t work well in home plumbing, where lead enters Salem’s water. Top

When will the corrosion controls be installed?

The new corrosion control system is currently under construction. Equipment will be installed and tested in spring 2006. The system is scheduled to be in operation by summer. Top

Will Salem customers still need to worry about lead in their drinking water?

These modifications to Salem’s water treatment system will drastically reduce the amount of lead and copper in Salem’s drinking water. Top

What is soda ash? Will adding soda ash affect the taste—smell—or color of Salem’s drinking water?

Soda ash (Na₂CO₃)—its chemical name is sodium carbonate—is a relatively harmless chemical that is an important ingredient in many household products. It is used in cosmetic products ranging from toothpaste to skin care products and lotions, and in food and beverages for the adjustment of acidity and as a stabilizer. It is also a component of over-the-counter and prescription medications such as antacids. Soda ash can be handled easily, safely and cleanly, and stored in bulk. Soda ash will not affect the taste, smell, or color of Salem’s drinking water. Top

Will the added sodium pose any human health risk?

Knowing how much sodium is in your water may be important to your health—particularly for people who need to watch their sodium intake. Too much sodium has been identified as a risk factor for high blood pressure, which affects one in four Americans. To prevent or reduce high blood pressure, a low sodium diet is usually recommended, along with exercise, weight control and medication.

Sodium content in drinking water is measured in milligrams (mg) per liter (L). Current (2004) sodium levels in Salem’s drinking water are 4.18 mg/L. The soda ash will add 3.2 mg/L of sodium, for a total of 7.4 mg/L. The American Heart Association’s recommended maximum level is 20 mg/L for persons on a restricted low sodium diet. Here’s another way to measure the sodium content: Salem’s drinking water currently contains 1.05 mg of sodium per 8 oz. serving. After soda ash is introduced, the sodium level will rise to 1.85 mg per serving. For comparison, milk has 125 mg of sodium per cup, fish or meat has about 75 mg per serving, fresh vegetables have 35 mg. According to guidelines set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Salem’s water will still be rated as "sodium free" after corrosion controls are installed. Top

Could the change in Salem’s drinking water harm fish or pets?

Fish and other pets will not be impacted. Fish can be vulnerable to chlorine and pH changes. For Salem’s corrosion control program, chlorine levels will not change. The pH of Salem’s drinking water will change only slightly. Research shows that fish will not be harmed. Top

How much will the corrosion controls alter the pH of Salem water? What are the effects?

The average pH of Salem’s drinking water is expected to change from 7.1 to 7.8—making it slightly more basic. The pH will remain well within EPA standards of 6.5 to 8.5 for drinking water. Certain water-related activities or hobbies may be affected by changes in pH—swimming pools, hot tubs, beer or winemaking, and aquariums, for example. Salem water customers should follow instructions from product manufacturers and professionals. Top

How much will the new corrosion controls cost? Will the project increase current water rates?

Installation of the corrosion control system will cost approximately $700,000. Operating costs are estimated to be $200,000 per year. These costs are included in Salem’s current water rates, and will be shared by all residential and business customers. Salem’s water system now serves a population of about 180,000. Top

How can I get more information about lead in my drinking water?

Customers can find information about lead and drinking water by visiting www.cityofsalem.net/spubwork/water_quality. For additional information, go to http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead/index.html or call:

Consumer Information: 1-800-424-LEAD

Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791 Top

How can I find out more about Salem’s corrosion control program?

Customers who have questions about corrosion control or changes in Salem’s drinking water chemistry should contact Jason Pulley, Water Quality Supervisor, at 503-588-6398 or e-mail jpulley@cityofsalem.net. Top