本文讨论了80年来使用金属水管作为建筑物接地极系统的全部或部分的实践。本次讨论的主题包括:交流电（AC）和土壤和水中的腐蚀；直流电（DC）与交流电（AC）的比较；对供水设施客户、员工和承包商的电击危害；以及旨在收集有关水系统接地的腐蚀和安全相关问题信息的调查结果。包括38个参考文献、表格、图表。

This article discusses the 80 year practice of using metallic water piping as all or part of the grounding electrode system of a structure. Topics stemming from this discussion are: alternating current (AC) and corrosion in soil and water; a comparison of direct current (DC) to AC; shock hazards to water utility customers, employees, and contractors; and, results of a survey intended to gather information about corrosion and safety-related issues of grounding of water systems. Includes 38 references, tables, figures.