Investigating the indicators of corrosiveness and sedimentation of drinking water in the villages of East Kakhk

This study investigated the corrosive and scaling potential of drinking water in the rural areas of eastern Kakhk, southern Khorasan Razavi, Iran. Corrosion and scaling are critical issues that lead to the deterioration of water distribution infrastructure and decreased water quality. The analysis was conducted using indices such as the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI), Ryznar Stability Index (RSI), Puckorius Scaling Index (PSI), Larson-Skold Index (LS), and the Aggressiveness Index (AI).

A total of 32 water samples were collected from 16 locations, including one city and 15 rural regions. Samples were drawn from springs, qanats, and distribution systems. Key physicochemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, and concentrations of calcium and magnesium were measured. Each sample was analyzed twice in accordance with APHA standards, and corrosion and scaling indices were calculated.

The LSI revealed that 100% of the samples had a tendency to form scale, while the RSI indicated that 68.75% were corrosive. Over 80% of the samples were confirmed to be corrosive by the Larson-Skold and Aggressiveness indices. However, the Puckorius Index showed that 62.5% of the samples were in a balanced state, without a strong inclination towards either corrosion or scaling.

These results emphasize the need for continuous monitoring of water quality and the adoption of preventive measures to mitigate corrosion and scaling in rural water systems. The findings provide important insights for decision-makers to develop strategies aimed at preserving water infrastructure and ensuring long-term sustainability.