HomeMy Public PortalAboutTOL NR 2019-04-25 Orthophosphate Use
Town of Leesburg
News Release
For Immediate Release
April 25, 2019
Media Contact:
Leah Kosin, Public Information Assistant
lkosin@leesburgva.gov 703-771-2781
Department of Utilities to Begin Use of Orthophosphate in
May
The food-grade additive will help stop corrosion in water pipes.
Leesburg, VA (April 25, 2019) – In a continuing effort to provide the highest quality drinking
water possible, the Town of Leesburg’s Department of Utilities will begin adding
orthophosphate to the Town’s drinking water beginning May 6, 2019.
This additive is used to create a thin protective coating in water pipes and home fixtures to
reduce the chance that corrosive elements find their way in to the water. This protective
barrier is especially helpful for older homes that may have original lead solder or lead fittings in
faucets or other plumbing features. The decision to use orthophosphate comes after a year-
long study conducted by the Town’s consultant, Hazen, as well as approval from Town Council
and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).
Orthophosphate, the phosphate-based treatment being used, is a food-grade additive that is
effective in stopping corrosion of the pipes and is approved by the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and used in water systems across the United States. An average person would
need to drink more than 330 glasses of tap water treated with orthophosphate to get the same
amount of phosphate that is in one glass of milk.
Over the next few months, customers may see crews opening hydrants and performing water
quality monitoring. Water supply staff will analyze hundreds of water samples during the
implementation of orthophosphate. The Department of Utilities is working closely with the VDH
to ensure the implementation of orthophosphate goes smoothly. The addition of
orthophosphate will result in no perceptible change to the taste, smell or appearance of the
water delivered to customers.
Customers who have questions about their drinking water quality can contact the Town’s
Department of Utilities Water Supply Division at 703-737-7110.
# # #