Utilizing A Phosphate Analyzer To Monitor And Control Chemical Feed Reduces Operating Costs And Improves Reliability

By Randy C. Turner, Technical Director, Swan Analytical USA

Phosphates have many uses in the treatment of potable (drinking) water.  They are used to prevent:

1. Colored water such as "red" water from iron and "black" water from manganese.
2. Prevent and/or remove scale formed from minerals.
3. Prevent corrosion due to low pH and/or dissimilar metals in the distribution system.
4. Reduce soluble lead and copper in potable water delivered to the consumer's tap.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administers the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), which provides for the enhancement of the safety of public drinking water supplies through the establishment and enforcement of nationwide drinking water regulations. Congress gave the primary responsibility for establishing regulations to the U. S. EPA.   Until 1990, the EPA administered a certification process for chemicals, including phosphates, to be used for potable water treatment.