M.S. Applied Data Science - Capstone Chronicles 2025

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Figure 12 Zinc Forecast in the next 10 years

The Zinc forecast displays a slow but steady upward drift from about 500 µg/L in 2025 to roughly 1,000 µg/L by 2035, with limited seasonality. Historical spikes (some samples >20,000 µg/L) inflate the early ‐ period confidence band but quickly phase out as the model learns the cyclic but moderate long ‐ term trend. Since California’s secondary MCL for zinc is 5,000 µg/L, most systems will remain in compliance, but the upward trajectory suggests utilities should watch for potential taste and staining complaints. This gradual increase may reflect aging infrastructure release or changes in corrosion control, and it argues for periodic post ‐ treatment monitoring and targeted pipe replacement in older distribution networks.

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