The pH of a wastewater is of paramount importance to a receiving stream and POTW.
Biological micro organisms, used in wastewater treatment, are sensitive to ext
reme
fluctuations in pH. Companies that are found to be the responsible polluter are fined and/or
ordered to shut down operations until their pH level meets acceptable values. Wastewater
discharge values that range from 5 to 9 on the pH logarithmic scale a
re usually acceptable.
Low pH values are more damaging to a receiving stream and POTW biological treatment
process.