Waterloo Water Works Implements Corrosion Control Program

In accordance with the EPA corrosion control program, Waterloo Water Works will begin adding phosphate to the water as part of our corrosion control effort on November 1, 2022.  The EPA requires all cities larger than 50,000 to implement this program. The Waterloo Water Works has been coordinating with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources on our corrosion control program.

 “Waterloo had been able to delay compliance with these requirements for many years due to the high quality of our natural water and the lack of corrosion issues,” says Chad Coon, General Manager Waterloo Water Works. “While we still have no corrosion issues, we will adhere to the regulations out of an abundance of caution.”

Phosphate added to the water supply will form an extra layer of protection on the inside of customer pipes and plumbing to prevent corrosion.  The phosphate reacts with the pipes to form an insoluble coating to protect the pipes.  The amount of phosphate added to the water is a minimal amount that will not impact the quality or taste of the water, and will be well within the guidelines approved by the Iowa DNR.

Waterloo Water Works will continue with semi-annual testing looking at lead and copper levels in accordance with EPA and Iowa DNR standards and will report our results to federal and state regulators, as well as our customers through our annual water quality report.

For more information about this program and water quality in Waterloo, contact Chad Coon, General Manager Waterloo Water Works at Chad.Coon@waterloo-ia.org or by calling 319-232-6280.

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Additional Resources

Lead and water  (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Current EPA regulations for lead and copper in drinking water (USEPA)