pH and corrosion
Although pH usually has no direct impact on consumers, it is one of the most important
operational water quality parameters. Careful attention to pH control is necessary at all stages of water treatment to ensure satisfactory water clarifi cation and
disinfection (see the supporting document Safe piped water; Annex 1). For effective
disinfection with chlorine, the pH should preferably be less than 8; however, lower-
pH water (approximately pH 7 or less) is more likely to be corrosive. The pH of
the water entering the distribution system must be controlled to minimize the corrosion
of water mains and pipes in household water systems. Alkalinity and calcium
management also contribute to the stability of water and control its aggressiveness to
pipes and appliances. Failure to minimize corrosion can result in the contamination
of drinking-water and in adverse effects on its taste and appearance. The optimum
pH required will vary in different supplies according to the composition of the water
and the nature of the construction materials used in the distribution system, but it is
usually in the range 6.5–8.5 (see section 8.4.3). Extreme values of pH can result from
accidental spills, treatment breakdowns and insufficiently cured cement mortar pipe
linings or cement mortar linings applied when the alkalinity of the water is low. No
health-based guideline value has been proposed for pH (see section 12.1).