Effect of Calcium on Lead in Soft-Water Distribution Systems

Meeting the lead rule action level for drinking water can be difficult for soft-water systems. One concern in these systems is the formation of particulate or colloidal lead that is difficult to remove from the aqueous phase. In this preliminary study, batch and pipe-loop systems are used to assess the effect of calcium addition on lowering the concentration of particulate or colloidal lead. The addition of calcium at levels as low as 5 mg/L reduced zeta potential of lead-bound colloids and in some cases resulted in a reduction of total Pb concentration.