Water Infrastructure Decontamination
Intentional or unintentional contamination of a drinking water distribution system could affect human health and result in high costs to return the water system to service. Many contaminants can adhere to or become embedded in rusty or corroded pipes or in biologically active layers (biofilm) on the pipe walls. Chemicals and biological organisms also react with substances in the water and on the pipe walls.
EPA examines techniques to clean, or decontaminate, contaminated water infrastructure including, pipes, valves and tanks. Of special interest to the Agency are chemical, biological and radiological contaminants that can be adapted for use as weapons.
The approach that EPA takes to infrastructure decontamination research is as follows:
- Understand the persistence of contamination on water infrastructure by conducting bench- and pilot-scale studies and
- Conduct full-scale decontamination research on persistent contaminants.
Research Areas
Research Products
- Water Infrastructure Decontamination Bench and Pilot Scale Studies
- EPA Water Security Test Bed
- EPA Water-on-Wheels Mobile Treatment
- Radiological Contaminant Persistence and Decontamination in Drinking Water Pipes (Report)
Related Resources
- EPA's Testing and Evaluation Facility
- Video: EPA’s Water Security Test Bed (WSTB)
- Science Matters: Onshore Crude Oil Decontamination Using Water Security Test Bed
