Under NC PWSS rules, what action is required if drinking water pH is below 6.5?

Under NC PWSS rules, what action is required if drinking water pH is below 6.5?

• A. Increase the pH to 6.5 or higher
• B. Decrease the pH to below 6.0
• C. Add acid to lower pH
• D. Do nothing

Answer: (A)

When drinking water is too acidic, it can corrode pipes and release metals into the supply. North Carolina PWSS rules require the water’s pH to be raised to 6.5 or higher to reduce that corrosivity and protect the distribution system and consumers. So, the action taken is to increase the pH to at least 6.5, not to lower it or leave it as is. Adding acid would make things worse, and doing nothing would fail to meet the regulation.

When drinking water is too acidic, it can corrode pipes and release metals into the supply. North Carolina PWSS rules require the water’s pH to be raised to 6.5 or higher to reduce that corrosivity and protect the distribution system and consumers. So, the action taken is to increase the pH to at least 6.5, not to lower it or leave it as is. Adding acid would make things worse, and doing nothing would fail to meet the regulation.