Tag: Corrosion control

Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is a natural compound found in mineral springs and evaporated lake basins around the world. The presence of sodium bicarbonate in my drinking water is a common occurrence, often due to natural sources or intentional addition during municipal water treatment processes.

Public water systems in many areas add phosphates to drinking water for safety, a practice that introduces phosphorus into the supply. Specifically, utilities routinely add a form of phosphorus known as phosphate to prevent lead from corroding old pipes and entering the water supply. This intentional addition, alongside naturally occurring levels, directly answers the question: does drinking water contain phosphorus?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a pH range of 6.5 to 8.5 for drinking water, a stability that is heavily influenced by alkalinity. Understanding why is alkalinity in drinking water important is key to appreciating this crucial aspect of water quality, which often goes unnoticed by the average consumer.