Which of the following is a potential consequence of corrosive drinking water?

Corrosive drinking water can significantly impact the integrity of plumbing systems, particularly in older infrastructure made of materials like lead. When water is corrosive, it tends to dissolve or react with metals found in pipes. As a result, lead from these pipes can leach into the drinking water supply. This is particularly concerning because lead is a toxic substance that poses serious health risks, particularly to children, affecting development and causing various health issues. The presence of lead in drinking water is a critical public health issue, emphasizing the need for proper material choices in plumbing and the importance of monitoring water chemistry to prevent corrosion and subsequent lead leaching.

This understanding is essential for maintaining safe drinking water quality and ensuring compliance with health standards. Other options, while they may relate to water quality, do not directly connect to the specific mechanisms and implications of corrosive water interactions with infrastructure.