Copper deterioration in a water distribution system of a county hospital in Germany caused by microbially induced corrosion – I. Description of the problem

Abstract A severe copper corrosion process in the water distribution system of a County Hospital has been detected in the cold and warm water sections shortly after the opening of the Hospital. The damaged copper pipes showed pitting corrosion phenomena that could not be attributed to known types of pitting. The results of a first sampling revealed the same kind of corrosion in all installation areas. A thorough examination of the samples (perforations and hole depths) proved an influence of design and operating conditions on the extent of corrosion. The analysis of the corrosion products showed that some products could be attributed to microbial activities in the copper pipes. A polymeric layer, the so‐called “biofi”, could be detected beneath the corrosion products. The presence of a biofilm indicates microbially induced corrosion. First countermeasures are being taken in the County Hospital to prevent further damages.