Effect of Residual Chlorine Concentration on Water Pipe Corrosion and Corrosion Control Plan

Langelier Index (LI) is used as a tap water corrosiveness index. Residual chlorine in tap water induces corrosion inside water pipes. This study takes a deeper look into the effect of residual chlorine in water pipes. Comparison between tap waters of Y and K water treatment plant (WTP) shows that the LI index of K WTP is lower than that of Y. However, the corrosion rate of Y WTP is higher than that of K WTP. This means that the higher the concentration of residual chlorine in tap water, the higher the corrosion rate of pipe materials. When calcium hydroxide was added to tap water, the corrosiveness index was improved and thus the corrosion rate reduced. It is possible to increase the disinfection efficiency by increasing the duration of residual chlorine and suppressing the rust generation of water pipes and to supply minerals. A guideline for corrosion control with residual chlorine should be set up. The effects of residual chlorine should be included in the corrosiveness index of tap water.