Published reports linking corrosion within distribution systems to bacterial growth date back to the 1930s. Due to high lead levels and biofilm problems in Utica, New York, the water quality department undertook a study to determine which steps would be necessary to control the growth of biofilms and reduce lead levels. A series of pipe loop studies was carried out in which various phosphates, silicates and pH/alkalinity adjustment chemicals were tested. This paper discusses the results of the study which concluded that pH/alkalinity treatment was the most effective method by which to achieve optimum corrosion control.