What can low pH levels in water cause?

Low pH levels in water indicate high acidity, which can lead to the corrosion of metals. When water is acidic (pH below 7), it can leach metals from plumbing systems and fixtures, particularly those made from copper, lead, and iron. This process occurs because the acidity can break down protective oxide layers on metal surfaces, allowing for easier dissolution and release of metal ions into the water. Over time, this can not only damage plumbing infrastructure but also result in harmful metal concentrations in potable water, which poses health risks.

While scaling on plumbing fixtures, staining, and increased hardness can be concerns in water treatment, they are typically associated with high pH levels or the presence of certain minerals and not low pH. High calcium or magnesium concentrations often lead to scaling and hardness issues, whereas staining might be attributed to iron or manganese in high pH conditions.