Alkalinity, mainly from bicarbonate, measures water's acid-neutralizing capacity. It comes from rocks, soil, and plant decay. It affects taste and water treatment, not health.

Alkalinity, primarily from bicarbonate, is a natural property of water that develops as it flows over rocks and soil. It's measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L) of calcium carbonate. While not a health concern, alkalinity is crucial for water treatment processes and can influence the taste of drinking water. High alkalinity acts as a buffer against rapid pH changes, which is beneficial for aquatic ecosystems. Water treatment plants monitor alkalinity to optimize their purification methods and ensure stable water quality.