Technical Note: Electrochemical Generation of Perchlorate in Municipal Drinking Water Systems

This article documents the first known in situ electrochemical production of perchlorate within a public water distribution system. In this detailed incident, perchlorate (ClO 4 -) was detected in the distribution system of Levelland, Texas, and was eventually isolated to one elevated storage tank. Theoretical considerations supported the production of ClO 4 - by an electrochemical process within the tank. ClO 4 - was produced (64-113 μg/L in 338 h) in laboratory experiments that simulated the cathodic protection system in place in the storage tank. Because cathodic protection systems are widely used, this research confirms a potentially troubling mechanism of ClO 4 - generation.