What the AWWA’s New
Corrosion Control Framework Means for Your Water at Home

Corrosion occurs when water interacts with metal pipes, slowly wearing them down over time. As pipes deteriorate, they can release metals into the water supply, such as iron, lead, copper, rust sediment, and other minerals that cause discoloration. Municipal systems work tirelessly to control corrosion, but aging infrastructure across the country increases the challenge. When corrosion isn’t properly managed, it can lead to noticeable changes in taste or odor, water that appears yellow or brown, elevated metal levels, damage to plumbing systems, and costly long-term infrastructure issues. The AWWA’s new framework aims to help water systems stay ahead of these problems.

The “Corrosion Control Implementation Framework” gives municipal water providers practical steps to prevent and manage corrosion more effectively. It emphasizes a thorough assessment of current pipe conditions, water chemistry, and potential corrosion risks. The framework outlines treatment strategies that include adjusting pH, incorporating corrosion inhibitors, and upgrading materials where needed. It also highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring to detect corrosion early and track changes in water quality over time. Communication with residents is another key component, helping utilities explain water conditions clearly when unexpected changes occur. This structured approach is especially valuable for older cities or regions with complex water sources.

While the new framework is an important advancement, homeowners should remember a few crucial points. Municipal treatment ends at the street, not inside the home. Water entering your home may meet standards set by the utility, but once it moves through your indoor plumbing, conditions can shift based on the age, materials, and condition of your pipes and fixtures. In addition, municipal guidelines are focused on compliance and infrastructure—not on removing every potential contaminant. Emerging micro-contaminants, trace pharmaceuticals, and certain chemical byproducts may still be present even after municipal treatment.

Water quality also varies from home to home. Homes at the end of a service line, older neighborhoods, condos, or high-rises may experience different water quality than homes closer to the treatment plant. While frameworks like this improve overall system reliability, they can’t control what happens within private plumbing or household fixtures.

This is where whole-home filtration becomes valuable. A dedicated filtration system can help remove chlorine, chloramine, sediments, metals released from in-home pipes, unpleasant tastes or odors, and scale-forming minerals. It adds a final layer of protection and consistency that municipal systems can’t provide on their own.

The AWWA’s new corrosion control framework is an encouraging step forward for public water systems and underscores how complex water safety is behind the scenes. However, improved municipal practices don’t eliminate the need for in-home protection. Especially in areas with aging plumbing or fluctuating water chemistry, homeowners benefit from having their own filtration system to keep water clean, balanced, and dependable from every tap.