Local News in Brief : Pipe Leaks Diagnosed

The chemical makeup of well water, not defects in copper tubing, has caused tiny leaks in pipes that have plagued more than 1,000 Duarte homeowners during the last seven years, a report by a corrosion engineer has concluded. The problem, which has cost some homeowners as much as $15,000, can be solved by treating the water with caustic soda, said Donald Reedy, owner of D. R. Reedy/P. E., an engineering firm in Alta Loma.

Although only a small amount of water may leak, the steady drip can cause serious property damage, homeowners say. Some have replumbed their entire homes at a cost of up to $15,000, said Christina Sidrow, a homeowner who conducted an informal survey to determine the extent of the problem.

California-American Water Co., which provides water to the 6,000 homes in Duarte, has admitted no liability and does not regard the use of caustic soda as a feasible long-range solution.