Abstract
A preliminary study to assess tetrachloroethylene contamination of drinking waters flowing in vinyl-coated asbestos-cement pipes was conducted in Falmouth, Massachusetts. Tetrachloroethylene is used as the solvent during application of the vinyl coating to the piping in order to prevent asbestos fibers from entering the water. Data was obtained from a survey of the town 's water distribution system in a pipe flushing and recovery experiment. Levels of tetrachloroethylene ranged from 140 to 18,000 ppb in unflushed pipes, yet were less than 2 ppb in other parts of the town 's system. As long as tetrachloroethylene contamination was occurring, no amount of flushing reduced contamination downstream. Measurements at one sampling area suggest that tetrachloroethylene may continue to leach out of pipes for 5 to 8 years after installation. (Titus-FRC)