What term describes chemicals not added to prevent lead leaching?

• A. Lead Pipe Leaching
• B. Lead Pipes Treated with Anti-Corrosion Chemicals
• C. Chlorination and Fluoridation
• D. Safe Drinking Water Act

Answer: (A)

Lead pipe leaching is the process where lead dissolves into drinking water from pipes when protective corrosion-control chemicals are not added. In water treatment, additives like orthophosphate or other corrosion inhibitors are used to form a protective film inside lead-containing pipes, which helps keep lead from entering the water. When these inhibitors aren’t used, the water can be more corrosive to the pipe material, allowing lead to leach into the supply and pose health risks, especially to children. The other options describe approaches that actually prevent leaching, treat water in different ways, or refer to a regulation, rather than the situation where corrosion control chemicals are omitted.