e57 - in your quote:
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has monitored the electrolysis of metal systems, because a flow of current at a grounding electrode on dc systems can cause displacement of metal. The results of this monitoring have shown that problems are minimal.
It is mentioned that DC can cause minumal problems. Does the article mention anything about AC? For the record, I support using the qualifying water line as an electrode or bonding it if it's not qualified as an electrode. It does sound like the code panel don't trust the water pipe though because it's is in need of a suppliment. Other electrodes are probable more reliable.
