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WaterTreatment
Orthophosphate Water Treatment
Orthophosphate is a commonly used corrosion inhibitor that is added to finished drinking water. Orthophosphate works by forming a protective coating inside pipes in the distribution system and in customer homes to prevent lead from leaching into drinking water. Orthophosphate is a food-grade chemical that is certified by NSF International, which is an independent testing organization that certifies and writes standards for products, including drinking water treatment chemicals, to help protect food, air, water and consumer goods.
Orthophosphate, also known as phosphoric acid, is a compound added to foods and beverages to control alkalinity/acidity. The Food & Drug Administration generally recognizes phosphoric acid as safe, though its use must conform to good manufacturing practices. Phosphoric acid is found in soft drinks (soda), acidified skim milk, and some cheeses.
The City began receiving orthophosphate treatment in August 2004 from the Washington Aqueduct, which owns and operates two water treatment plants (Dalecarlia and McMillan) in Washington, D.C. The Washington Aqueduct sells treated water to the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC WASA), Arlington County, Virginia, and the City of Falls Church, Virginia, which maintain their own distribution systems to deliver treated drinking water to their customers.
Region III of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for making sure that water produced and delivered to residents served by these distribution systems meets all federal drinking water regulations.
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