Corrosion and scaling potentials of rural water distribution network in different climate zones of Kermanshah province, Iran

Corrosion control is an important parameter to supply safe drinking water considered by the World Health Organization. This study is intended to determine the scaling and corrosion potentials of drinking water in rural distribution networks during 2009-2017 in different climate zones of Kermanshah province, Iran. The most commonly used corrosion indices, Langelier saturation index (LSI), Ryznar stability index (RSI), Puckorius scaling index (PSI), aggressive index (AI), and Larson–Skold index (L-SI), were calculated. Statistical analysis was executed to examine the significant differences in water corrosion and scaling indices between different climate zones. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in water chemical characteristics related to corrosion and scaling potentials between different climate zones (except temperature). Statistical analysis also indicated significant differences in water corrosion and scaling indices (P <0.001) between different climate zones. The lowest average amounts of LSI (0.06), AI (12.13), and L-SI (0.06), and the highest values of RSI (7.44) and PSI (7.11) were observed in moderate humid climate zone. Also, the highest values for LSI (0.39), and L-SI (0.15) were related to warm semi-arid climate zone. Based on water characteristics in various climate zones, LSI and RSI were chosen as good indices for corrosion or scaling of water corrosion potential in different climate zones. The results indicated that there is a weak tendency towards corrosion for warm semi-dry climate zones in contrast to the other climate zones that have higher corrosion potentials for Kermanshah Province under the conditions of this study, or maybe related to local water quality characteristics among climate zones.