The formation and distribution of HAAs in copper pipe during chlorination was investigated. To determine the material influence of copper pipe, parallel experiments were performed in glass pipe. Results showed that there was no obvious difference between the sum of haloacetic acids (HAAs) and trihalomethanes (THMs) produced in copper pipe compared to that produced in glass pipe over a 12 h period. However, significant differences were observed about the distribution of five haloacetic acids in copper pipe and in glass pipe. Relatively less trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) and more monochloroacetic acid (MCAA), dichloroacetic acid (DCAA), dibromoacetic acid (DBAA) and trihalomethanes (THMs) were produced in copper pipe than those in glass pipe. Corrosion scale on the wall of copper pipe was analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results showed the scales on the pipe surface mainly consisted Of Cu2O, CuO and Cu (OH)(2) or CuCO3. During 24 h stagnation, copper released gradually from copper pipe. The influences of copper (11) and copper oxides on the distribution of HAAs were investigated in designed experiments. Results showed that less amount of TCAA, more amounts of DCAA and MCAA were formed with increasing concentration of copper (11). It was because the accelerative effect of copper (H) on the depletion of chlorination restricted the formation of TCAA precursor and the further formation of TCAA. Owing to the transformation of DCAA precursor to TCAA precursor was limited, more DCAA precursor could yield DCAA. The influences Of Cu2O and CuO on the distribution of TCAA and DCAA were the result of copper released at higher content. (c) 2007 Published by Elsevier B.V.