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Acid Water and Corrosion

Low pH acid waters clearly accelerate corrosion by providing a plentiful supply of hydrogen ions. Although even absolutely pure water contains some free hydrogen ions, free carbon dioxide in the water can multiply the hydrogen ion concentration many times. When carbon dioxide dissolves in water, it reacts with the water to form carbonic acid, a so-called weak acid, but an effective source of acidity.


See also: Iron corrosion products, pH and Corrosion, Rust chemistry