Corrosiveness or scaling is an inherent property of some groundwater and is related to the type of rocks or sediments in contact with the groundwater. Corrosion is caused when water reacts with and dissolves metal plumbing. This can add toxic levels of metals like copper and lead to your water. Other problems associated with corrosive water include:
• Deterioration and damage to the plumbing
• Water damage caused by leaks
• Staining of laundry
• Bitter taste
• Staining of plumbing fixtures
Scaling occurs when water has high levels of minerals like calcium carbonate, which can build-up on surfaces. Slight scaling can be considered beneficial because the inside surfaces of metal pipes become coated with harmless minerals that act as a barrier to corrosion. Increased levels of scaling, however, can be harmful. Hot-water heaters are the most common place for scale formation in a home water system. Problems caused by scaling include:
• Reduced efficiency of the hot-water heater
• Reduced or blocked flow to fixtures or appliances
• Leaky valves
The degree of either corrosiveness or scaling can be predicted using a Saturation Index (SI). The following information contains a description of the SI, non-treatment strategies for reducing problems, and treatment methods to reduce the corrosion or scale caused by your water.
Status and Revision History
Published with Minor Revisions on Oct 16, 2020