Sodium bicarbonate is commonly added to water not because it's always naturally present in significant amounts, but as a crucial part of the water treatment process. The addition serves several important purposes to improve water quality and safety for consumption and use.
Based on water treatment practices, sodium compounds like sodium bicarbonate are added during the water treatment process to raise the pH level of the water by chemically neutralizing the acidity as well as to soften the water. This intentional addition helps manage the water's chemical balance and properties.
Here's a breakdown of the key reasons for adding sodium bicarbonate during water treatment:
Key Purposes of Adding Sodium Bicarbonate to Water
Adding sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, to water is a standard procedure in many municipal and industrial water treatment facilities. Its primary functions are related to adjusting the water's pH and alkalinity.
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Raising pH Levels:
- Naturally acidic water (with a low pH) can be corrosive to pipes and plumbing fixtures, potentially leading to the leaching of harmful metals like lead and copper into the water.
- Adding sodium bicarbonate helps increase the pH, making the water less acidic and thus less corrosive. This protects infrastructure and ensures the safety of the drinking water by preventing metal contamination. The reference explicitly states it is added "to raise the pH level of the water".
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Neutralizing Acidity:
- Sodium bicarbonate acts as a buffer, meaning it helps stabilize the pH. It neutralizes acids present in the water, which can arise from various sources like dissolved carbon dioxide or acidic rainfall impacting source water.
- Chemically neutralizing the acidity prevents rapid pH swings and helps maintain a consistent, desirable pH range for distribution. The reference notes its role "by chemically neutralizing the acidity".
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Softening Water:
- While not its primary function compared to dedicated water softeners, sodium bicarbonate can contribute to water softening.
- Softening involves reducing the concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium that cause "hardness." In certain conditions, sodium bicarbonate can interact with these minerals, aiding in their precipitation or making them less reactive, as stated in the reference: "as well as to soften the water".
In summary, sodium bicarbonate is a beneficial additive in water treatment, primarily used to adjust pH, neutralize acidity, and contribute to softening, ensuring the water is safe, non-corrosive, and suitable for distribution.
