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Clarksburg Water Board starts implementation of additional corrosion control treatment
City of Stonewood, Stonewood, W.Va. – The Clarksburg Water Board is moving forward with plans to implement additional corrosion control measures in its system. City of Stonewood currently purchases their drinking water from the Clarksburg Water Board.
Corrosion is a common issue in water pipes. It is of particular importance for older pipes that contain lead, such as those serving homes built before 1987. To avoid corrosion, it is important that minerals in the water supply build up inside the pipes to coat them with what is known as “scale”. If there is not enough scale in the pipes, elements from the pipe, like lead, can get in the water.
To create additional scale in its water pipes, the Clarksburg Water Board will be adding a chemical called phosphoric acid to its water. A common food ingredient – often found in colas and juices – the phosphoric acid will quickly dissolve in the water, breaking into hydrogen and phosphate. The hydrogen will become a part of the water and the phosphate will stick to the walls of the pipes to add to the amount of scale.
Customers may notice staff members of the City of Stonewood in the community next week as they flush fire hydrants to get the phosphate into the system in a uniform fashion.
Those with any questions about the phosphorous addition may contact the City of Stonewood at (304) 623-2919, or the West Virginia Division of Health and Human Resources at 1-800-642-8589. Contact your physician if you have specific health concerns regarding this change to your drinking water.