Which water quality characteristic is indicated by a low pH level?

A low pH level in water indicates that the water is acidic. pH is a measure of the hydrogen ion concentration in a solution, and it ranges from 0 to 14. A pH level lower than 7 indicates acidity, with values closer to 0 representing stronger acidity. Acidic water can have various effects on ecosystems, including potential harm to aquatic life and increased corrosion of pipes and infrastructure.

Understanding pH is essential for water quality monitoring because it can influence microbial activity, chemical interactions, and overall ecosystem health. If water is found to have a low pH, it may signal the presence of contaminants or natural processes such as the leaching of minerals that contribute to acidity.