Acid water/Low pH

On private water systems, one of the most common causes of pipe and fixture corrosion is from low pH, which can be defined as acidic water with a pH of less than 7.0 pH. Signs of acid water are corrosion of fixtures, blue staining (from copper pipes) or rust staining (from iron pipes).

Common causes for acidic water are acid rainfall due to atmospheric carbon dioxide and other airborne pollutants, runoff from mining spoils, and decomposition of plant materials.

Corrosion is a natural process involving chemical or electrical degradation of metals in contact with water.

Acidic water with pH values in the range of 6 to 7 is more corrosive to the metals used in plumbing systems than alkaline water. Both ground waters (wells) and surface waters (such as spring water or creeks) can be acidic.

Acidic waters are typically low in buffering calcium minerals, but are high in dissolved carbon-dioxide gas, which can cause the low pH or acidity.

Calcite neutralizer tanks with natural crushed and screened pure calcium carbonate easily neutralize acidic waters from 6.0 to 6.9. Below 6.0 a blend of calcite and 'Corosex©" is recommended.

Common systems used to treat low pH:

• Calcite Neutralizer
• Calcite & Corosex Blend Neutralizer
• Upflow Neutralizer
• Soda Ash/Potassium Carbonate Feed Pump Injection System