Distribution System Inventory, Integrity and Water Quality
As part of the revision of the Total Coliform Rule, USEPA published a series of issue papers to present available information on topics relevant to possible TCR revisions. The objectives of the issue papers were to review the available data, information and research regarding the potential public health risks associated with the distribution system issues, and where relevant identify areas in which additional research may be warranted. The issue papers serve as background material for EPA, expert and stakeholder discussions. The papers only present available information and do not represent Agency policy. Some of the papers were prepared by parties outside of EPA; EPA does not endorse those papers, but is providing them for information and review.
Distribution System Inventory, Integrity and Water Quality
This paper provides a national picture of the susceptibility of distribution system infrastructure by providing information on different materials used for infrastructure, and an assessment of their conditions (e.g., age, degree of corrosion). Different types of pipe and other infrastructure materials have different susceptibilities to unexpected contamination, and to various infrastructure degradation processes. The paper examines information from multiple surveys, databases, studies, and publications, and identifies data gaps relative to certain types of infrastructure and materials. While the intent of the paper is to address distribution system integrity many of the surveys do not include information on the conditions of the infrastructure.