In the context of water treatment, what does 'pH' measure?

The measurement of 'pH' is crucial in water treatment as it directly indicates the acidity or alkalinity of the water. A pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with values below 7 representing acidity, values at 7 indicating neutrality, and values above 7 signifying alkalinity. Understanding the pH level is essential because it influences various chemical reactions in water treatment processes, affects the solubility of minerals and metals, and determines the efficacy of disinfectants such as chlorine.

In contrast, measuring the amount of chlorine in the water focuses on disinfection effectiveness rather than acidity or alkalinity. Water temperature is important for several chemical processes and biological activities but is unrelated to pH. Finally, the level of dissolved solids deals with the concentration of minerals and other substances in water, which is a different concern from acidity or alkalinity. Thus, the correct understanding and measurement of pH are vital for water quality management.