How widely are phosphates used in drinking water systems?
Estimates suggest that 15-20% of public and private water systems use some form of phosphate in the treatment of their drinking water. Groundwater supplies use polyphosphate to sequester iron, manganese, calcium, and magnesium, while surface plants use orthophosphates, ZOP, or blends of phosphates to inhibit corrosion in the distribution system. All systems can use phosphates to meet the EPA regulations on Lead and Copper.
