What is the primary purpose of monitoring pH levels in water treatment?

Monitoring pH levels in water treatment is vital primarily to ensure optimal chemical dosages. The pH of water can significantly influence the effectiveness of chemicals used in various treatment processes, including disinfection, coagulation, and flocculation. For instance, certain coagulants, like alum, function best within a specific pH range. If the pH is too high or too low, the coagulation process may not work effectively, leading to poor water quality.

Additionally, pH levels also affect the solubility and availability of nutrients and contaminants, which can impact treatment efficacy. Accurate monitoring allows operators to make timely adjustments to chemical dosages to maintain the appropriate pH for the desired water quality outcome.

Controlling water temperature, assessing total dissolved solids, and measuring turbidity are not directly related to the specific adjustments of chemical doses. While these factors are important in water treatment, they do not serve the primary purpose of monitoring pH levels.