| New research confirms that lead can accumulate in copper & plastic pipes – just like galvanized pipe – with BIOFILMS & CALCIUM DEPOSIT able to release and contaminate drinking water and endanger water quality.
Prior to the release of Electro Scan’s SWORDFISH, water utilities were limited to digging, excavating, or potholing surface covers to locate and visually inspect pipe exteriors; a process now proven ineffective to accurately assess full-length pipelines or determine whether copper, plastic, or galvanized pipes have accumulated significant amounts of lead. |
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| Potholing & Visual Inspection
⛔️ Unable to confirm Galvanized, Copper or Plastic pipes with Lead. ⛔️ LCRI requires mandated customer notification and water flushing before water reuse. ⛔️ Only allows 6-18 inches of visual inspection of pipe. Not full length assessment. ⛔️ Unable to detect multiple pipe materials, fittings, or connectors. ⛔️ Additional verifications & testing may be required to certify lead-free homeowner pipe. ⛔️ Most expensive and disruptive method. ⛔️ Least accurate method. Electrical Resistivity – SWORDFISH ✅ Identifies multiple pipe materials in a single pipe – Copper, Galvanized, Plastic, & Lead. ✅ Confirms lead particles to determine Galvanized Requiring Replacement. ✅ About 45 minutes, start to finish, including flushing in accordance with AWWA C810-17. ✅ Cable length of 80ft. ✅ Both pressurized (meter-to-main) and unpressurized (meter-to-home). ✅ Least Cost. Averages 1/20th the cost of potholing. ✅ Most accurate. Able to certify water services as Lead-Free. EPA calls electrical resistance testing “only commercially available innovative solution that finds lead.” |
