A study on the comparison of corrosion in water supply pipes due to tap water (TW) and reclaimed water (RW)

Abstract

Among a wide variety of alternative water resources, reclaimed water from waste-water has drawn much attention, as it is considered a stable water resource to be substituted for agricultural, industrial, recreational, and public water. This study aimed to compare and evaluate the effects of tap water and reclaimed water on the corrosion of the inner surface of pipes. The investigated pipes included GSP (Galvanized Steel Pipe), CIP (Cast Iron Pipe), STSP (Stainless Steel Pipe), and PVCP (Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe). Assessment of corrosion impact on the different materials of pipes was conducted by analyzing the corrosion accelerators and inhibitors related to the characteristics of reclaimed water. Reclaimed water with higher ionic content showed a faster corrosion rate than tap water because corrosion accelerators have more of an effect on pipe corrosion than do corrosion inhibitors. In terms of pipe materials, the corrosion rate was fastest in CIP, followed by GSP, and STSP; PVCP exhibited no electrochemical corrosion.