What pH level indicates that treated water may be corrosive?

Treated water is considered potentially corrosive when the pH level is below 6.5. This is due to the fact that water at a lower pH is more acidic, which can lead to increased corrosion of pipes and plumbing systems. Acidic water can react with metals and other materials found in distribution systems, leading to the leaching of metals into the water supply and causing possible health hazards.

Maintaining a pH above 6.5 is crucial as it helps to protect both the infrastructure used for water distribution and the quality of the water consumed by the public. Water treatment facilities often monitor the pH levels closely and utilize various treatment chemicals to stabilize pH and mitigate any corrosive effects. Therefore, a pH level below 6.5 is critical to assess in terms of water quality management and corrosion potential.