Problems caused by potable water...

* Corrosion Damage to storage vessels, distribution systems and home piping leads to excessive maintenance and replacement costs and consumer complaints.

* Scale develops when temperature and mineral content cause calcium and magnesium to precipatate as insoluble salts. This problem leads to reduced flow capacity, increased operating costs and often pluged distribution lines.

* Red Water, resulting from the oxidation and precipitation of soluble iron in raw water, stains consumers' laundry and fixtures. Corrosion products can cause a similar color problem. Both of these conditions will lead to numerous complaints.

* Black Water is an unsightly conditions that always spells consumer complaints. It is caused by the oxidation and precipitation of manganese salts, but can be prevented.

Many problems with drinking water stem from corrosion, scale and color. These problems can be eliminated through water treatment. "Stable water" can be achieved by adding chemicals which either provide corrosion control, prevent iron and manganese drop-out or prevent the precipitation of minerals present in water supplies. There is a group of compounds that will do the job of stabilizing effectively--- the polyphosphates. There are many different polyphosphate compounds used to stabilize water. Each has its own particular performance characteristics, which will vary with system conditions. Those most effective as corrosion inhibitors are sometimes ineffective in scale prevention, and vice versa. It has been proved that performance can change due to variations in time, temperature and pH. The best treatment is usually a combination of polyphosphates because effectiveness can be "built into" this type of single product. Small amounts of synergistic chemicals also often help the polyphosphates work more efficiently.