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Kim ey>>> Horn Page 6 • contact with dissimilar metals, • thin wall copper plumbing typically installed during strong economy periods, • workmanship, • contact with defective drywall, • plumbing techniques and inadequate flushing of lines after installation • temperature changes, • and quality of materials, to include just a few. There are many factors that can initiate corrosion of residential plumbing that are NOT water quality related that can contribute to household plumbing failures. After corrosion is initiated, water can propagate, or advance corrosion. To mitigate these effects, IRCU has implemented measures, constructed capital improvement projects and ded.cated resources towards enhancing their ability to protect water system infrastructure. IRCU is not alone in their efforts to strengthen consumer confidence through addressing complaints related to plumbing failures. Many municipalities throughout the USA are responding to plumbing failure customer complaints and are having to explain this very concept to their customers, some of which are in the Treasure Coast and Southeast Florida. In summary, the following important factors relating to corrosion should be noted: Water purveyors and municipa7private water utilities are not responsible after the customers water meter for the integrity of homeowner and customer plumbing and fixtures other than that prescribed under the lead and copper rule (LCR). There are many causal factors of pitting corrosion o Workmanship and installation o Dissimilar pipe interaction o Elevated flow velocities o Microbiological interactions o Stray Electrical Currerts o Lightning The key legal case Brynwood vs. Clearwater in 1980's relieved utility of responsibility of pitting in condo units serves as the base case for utility defenses in Florida. This TM also reviewed IRCU's compliance with regulations pertaining to disinfection byproducts and overall aesthetic quality of the finished water. In summary, the following key observations and recommendations are provided: IRCU remains compliant and below the MCL for TTHMs and HAA5s The Cal—Flo (lime slurry) system contributes to finished water turbidity for both Oslo and Hobart. Fluctuations in turbidity impact. the operational balance of maintaining consistent pH of 8.3. o Operational optimizations consisting of lime slurry feed reduction and caustic addition at both WTPs are recommended to maintain pH, reduce turbidity and achieve alkalinity of 70- 80 mg/L as CaCO3 o Operational testing confirmed feasibility of operational optimization. o Minimum WQP value of calcium hardness (60 mg/L as CaCO3) must continue to be maintained until LCRR is promulgated Turbidity is variable throughout the distribution system. o Elevated turbidity may be exacerbated in areas of low demand or areas that require flushing, including dead-end mains. o IRCU is exploring system -wide flushing plan to help resolve these issues. 66