Formation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) has long been a concern in potable water systems. CaCO3 formation is re-emerging as an important issue due to climate change, higher set-point temperatures in hot water systems, use of scaling and corrosion inhibitors, and self-repair of pipeline leaks. Ironically, actions we are taking to increase the lifespan of distribution systems via reduced corrosion (i.e., adding corrosion inhibitors) might have inadvertently worsened leaks and pipe lifespans, due to interference with natural self-repair from CaCO3 precipitation. These changes in practice, coupled with knowledge gaps over CaCO3 formation in water systems, make it important and timely to revisit this topic.
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