Every test I have done, and most of the tests that the City did, showed that copper levels were reduced below the EPA threshold with 1 minute of flushing. After I flush a tap thoroughly, the water standing in the pipes will slowly leach into the water. How long before the copper level rises above the threshold?
Today I tested a tap (not in use) that typically yields cold draw copper levels about ten times higher than the EPA 1.3 ppm threshold. I flushed that tap for 5 minutes, which lowers the copper level below my ability to measure it (<1ppm). I re-tested 6 hours later. The level was approx 4 ppm. This is significant, as one of the management tools Administration has implemented has been to have custodians flush in the evening. I doubt that they have tested the efficacy of this measure. Caveat: The flushing protocol is probably a fiction in any case. My own tests indicate that it does not occur. Ms. Thompson has indicated that she know this.
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AuthorDavid Cappaert, Resident Scientist, Environmental Sciences Magnet school Entries in order
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