What is the primary purpose of soda ash in the water treatment process?

The primary purpose of soda ash in the water treatment process is to adjust pH. Soda ash, or sodium carbonate, acts as a buffering agent that helps maintain a desired pH level in the water. Proper pH levels are crucial in water treatment as they affect the solubility of various compounds and the effectiveness of other treatment processes. For instance, when pH is too low, it can lead to corrosion of pipes and other infrastructure, while a high pH can lead to scaling and decreased effectiveness of disinfection processes.

By adding soda ash, operators can achieve a more neutral pH, which enhances the overall efficiency of the treatment process, making it easier to remove contaminants and improving water quality for distribution.