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Overview

The Masters Group focuses on drinking water treatment, distribution system water quality, disinfection byproducts and water pipeline corrosion.��

Current Projects

Saltwater Threats to Drinking Water: Evaluating Risks of Corrosion and Disinfection Byproducts, Water Research Foundation��

Freshwater salinization was originally thought to be a problem limited to arid areas, but it is now acknowledged as a worldwide environmental issue affecting both arid and humid regions. Salinization concerns in warm and humid areas are illustrated by the events in the Mississippi River where a prolonged drought caused significantly decreased river flows resulting in increased salinity because of reduced dilution and the formation of a saltwater “wedge” that is moving upstream and contaminating freshwater supplies.

The first task of this project is to evaluate the impact of increased salinity on corrosion control efficacy. An increase in the salinity of drinking water supplies has widespread implications for corrosion of drinking water infrastructure. Of particular concern is the potential for lead to leach from lead service lines, brass fittings, and copper with lead solder. The second task is to assess the changes in regulated and unregulated disinfection byproducts (DBP) risks. Seawater contains much higher levels of bromide and iodide than freshwater, which leads to the formation of brominated and iodinated DBPs, many of which are more toxic compared to regulated DBPs. ��

Unlocking the Nationwide Potential of Water Reuse, Water Research Foundation

This research aims to unlock the full potential of water reuse in the United States by aligning science and technology with a sociological understanding of opportunities and barriers. The deliverables (including treatment process models, risk assessment and response tools, and case studies) are expected to provide diverse stakeholders with user-friendly materials to advance water reuse in their communities. .��

Previous Projects

Evaluating Key Factors That Affect the Accumulation and Release of Lead from Galvanized Pipes, Water Research Foundation��

Galvanized iron pipe (GIP) has unpredictable corrosion performance relative to other materials used in potable water distribution systems, posing additional challenges for utilities assessing risk or trying to implement corrosion control treatment for GIP. This project developed cutting-edge tools that evaluate links between GIP and lead (Pb) release by scientifically assessing customers’ concerns related to GIP corrosion and possible association with Pb in water, characterizing the nature of iron (Fe) and Pb release to drinking water from known sources, and examining Fe and Pb release from GIP using bench-scale testing. The research team developed relevant public education materials and guidelines for addressing GIP corrosion. .��

Water Conservation and Water Quality: Understanding the Impacts of New Technologies and New Operational Strategies, US EPA

This project combined��literature information with novel experimental results to develop and validate predictive models of the risk of failing to meet water quality goals for premise plumbing. .��

Customer Messaging on Opportunistic Pathogens in Plumbing Systems, Water Research Foundation��

The overall goal of this project was to develop and validate a series of messages for OPPPs, with a focus on��Legionella, to educate various customer groups on the steps they need to take to better protect themselves from��waterborne disease from their own premise plumbing. .��