What role does pH play in water treatment?

pH plays a crucial role in water treatment, particularly in its interaction with disinfectants like chlorine. The effectiveness of chlorine as a disinfectant is highly dependent on the pH level of the water. When the pH is too high or too low, the form of chlorine present changes, which can diminish its ability to kill pathogens effectively. For instance, at lower pH levels, a greater percentage of chlorine exists in its more effective form, hypochlorous acid, whereas at higher pH levels, the less effective hypochlorite ion dominates.

This relationship signifies that maintaining an optimal pH level is essential for maximizing the efficacy of chlorination in water treatment processes. Therefore, understanding and controlling pH is an integral aspect of ensuring safe drinking water.