Why is monitoring pH levels in potable water crucial?

Monitoring pH levels in potable water is crucial primarily because it plays a significant role in ensuring proper disinfection efficiency. The effectiveness of various disinfectants, such as chlorine, can be significantly influenced by pH levels. For instance, chlorine is more effective as a disinfectant at lower pH levels, which can enhance its ability to kill pathogens in the water. If the pH is too high or too low, it can reduce the effectiveness of disinfection processes, potentially leading to the survival of harmful microorganisms, which is a health risk.

While other factors like taste and hardness are important in water quality, they do not directly relate to the efficacy of disinfection in the same way that pH does. Adjusting pH can be part of treatment processes to ensure that disinfection is done effectively, which is critical in providing safe drinking water.