Which substance may be used to treat water with low pH?

When dealing with water that has a low pH, an effective treatment option is soda ash, which is chemically known as sodium carbonate. This substance functions to raise the pH levels of water, making it less acidic. Soda ash can react with acids in the water, neutralizing them and thus increasing the alkalinity. Its application is particularly valuable in various settings, including drinking water treatment, industrial processes, and swimming pools, where maintaining a balanced pH is crucial for safety and efficiency.

Calcium carbonate and hydrated lime can also be used to elevate pH, but soda ash is often preferred for rapid adjustment in various scenarios due to its ability to dissolve quickly in water and its effectiveness in achieving the desired pH level without significantly altering other water chemistry parameters. Meanwhile, alum is primarily used as a coagulant in water treatment processes rather than for pH adjustment, making it unsuitable for the specific need of treating low pH conditions.