Corrosion Solutions
“We Hear This All the Time…”
From red water complaints to THM spikes, here’s how Sterling solves the problems utilities face daily.
"THM levels rose after we added caustic to fix corrosion."
Our non-alkalinity-altering inhibitors (like zinc orthophosphates) maintain corrosion control without raising pH, allowing you to lower chlorine demand and minimize disinfection by-product formation.
Sterling Solution:
Recommended Products: Zinc Orthophosphates
Better Than: Caustic, soda ash, lime-only treatment
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"Red water after hydrant flushing won’t go away."
Indicative of biofilm and dislodged scale. Our zinc polyphosphates reduce biofilm-based iron cycling and scale reformation. Over time, they stabilize iron and reduce corrosion-generated color events.
Sterling Solution:
Recommended Products: Zinc Polyphosphate Series
Proven Benefit: Reduced customer complaints and service calls
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"We're close to exceeding lead limits, but full service line replacement isn’t in the budget."
Our NSF 60-certified orthophosphate inhibitors form stable complexes with lead ions, dramatically reducing lead solubility even in low-alkalinity systems. With proper dosing, many systems see significant improvement within weeks, without needing to adjust pH.
Sterling Solution:
Recommended Products: Liquid Orthophosphate Series
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"We tried phosphate blends before and they didn’t help, just more red water."
Many “blends” on the market use generic or unstable formulations. Sterling’s products are formulated for dose stability and long-chain retention, designed for real-world distribution system behavior, not just bench chemistry.
Sterling Solution:
Recommended Products: High-Purity, Stable Blends
What’s Different: Defined molecular weights, not mixed on the truck
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"We’re seeing higher iron pickup in dead-end zones and low-flow branches."
Low-velocity areas allow iron and biofilm to accumulate, increasing corrosion potential and discolored water complaints. Our polyphosphate and ortho-poly blends inhibit iron oxidation and reduce sediment formation by keeping Fe²⁺ stabilized in solution even under stagnant conditions.
Sterling Solution:
Recommended Products: Ortho-Polyphosphate Blends
Ideal For: Loopless branches, cul-de-sac zones, low-usage distribution legs
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"The state is asking us to lower phosphate residuals, can we still control corrosion?"
Sterling offers low-dose optimized formulations (e.g. high-purity ortho blends with film-forming additives) that remain effective at ≤0.3 mg/L PO₄. We also offer zinc-silicate hybrids for phosphate-restricted areas or systems under increased environmental scrutiny.
Sterling Solution:
Recommended Products: Zinc-Enhanced Ortho or Silicate-Phosphate Blends
Compliance Note: Formulated to meet reduced nutrient loading goals without sacrificing asset protection
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"Our system has fluctuating pH from multiple source waters, and it’s impacting corrosion control."
Our buffer-tolerant phosphate blends are effective across a wider pH range (6.5–8.5) than traditional single-agent treatments. For blending zones, we provide dose-flexible formulations that remain effective under shifting pH and temperature conditions.
Sterling Solution:
Recommended Products: Ortho-Polyphosphate Blends
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"We’re not seeing a stable film form even after months of phosphate feed."
This is often due to poor surface preparation or product instability. Sterling’s high-purity orthophosphate and zinc orthophosphate products promote faster, self-limiting film formation on pipe walls when dosed consistently, especially in systems where metals are in active release.
Sterling Solution:
Recommended Products: Liquid Orthophosphate or Zinc-Ortho Series
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"We can’t use zinc due to discharge permit limits, what are our options?"
Sterling offers phosphate-only and silicate-phosphate options for zinc-restricted systems. These formulations still provide corrosion control and sequestration, especially when paired with source-specific feed tuning.
Sterling Solution:
Recommended Products: Ortho-Polyphosphate or Silicate/Phosphate Blends
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"We're unsure what corrosion type we're dealing with, how do we know what to feed?"
Sterling provides system evaluations, including review of historical water quality data, distribution material inventories, and corrosion indicators. From there, we recommend targeted products matched to specific corrosion mechanisms: galvanic, pitting, or underdeposit.
Sterling Solution:
Recommended Products: Based on corrosion profile analysis
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"Copper pitting in newer subdivisions despite stable pH."
Likely soft-water-induced Type I corrosion. Our ortho-poly blends form protective films in low-alkalinity water without raising pH, helping prevent pinhole leaks and blue-green staining.
Sterling Solution:
Recommended Products: Custom Ortho-Polyphosphate Blends
Compatibility: Galvanized, copper, PVC distribution lines
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"Seasonal manganese and iron complaints spike after reservoir turnover or flushes."
Sterling polyphosphates sequester Mn²⁺ and Fe²⁺, preventing oxidation and precipitation. They stabilize soluble metals through stagnant zones and revert to orthophosphates in the system for additional protection.
Sterling Solution:
Recommended Products: Long-Chain Polyphosphates
Ideal For: Source blending systems, reservoir-fed zones
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