GLWA Announces Plan to Increase Orthophosphate Additive for Corrosion Control

The Great Lakes Water Authority recently announced it will increase the level of the anti-corrosion additive orthophosphate that it feeds into the water produced by its five water treatment plants in southeast Michigan. GLWA plans to slowly increase the dosage of orthophosphate from 1.2 milligrams per liter to 2.4 milligrams per liter between October 2024 and February 2025. Orthophosphate acts as “water’s bodyguard,” forming a protective layer within pipes to prevent metals such as lead, iron and copper from dissolving in the water. GLWA has been adding orthophosphate into its water to control both corrosion and its effects on water quality