Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide is a gas that dissolves in water from air and underground sources. It can make water slightly acidic but is not harmful at typical levels in drinking water.
Carbon dioxide naturally enters water from the air and underground sources like decomposing organic matter and volcanic activity. It readily dissolves, forming carbonic acid which slightly lowers water pH. While not typically a health concern in drinking water, high levels can affect taste and potentially corrode plumbing. Water treatment plants monitor CO2 indirectly through pH testing and may adjust acidity if needed. The presence of CO2 in water is a normal part of the natural carbon cycle.
- People affected
- 2.6M
- Utilities with this contaminant
- 161
- States with this contaminant
- 5
Utilities with the highest levels of this contaminant
| Utility | Service Areas | Level | Population Served |
|---|---|---|---|
EU Eufaula Water Works | Eufaula, AL | 159.000 ppm | 17,958 |
LO Loachapoka Water Authority | Loachapoka, AL | 60.950 ppm | 12,657 |
PR Prattville (Water Works Board Of) | Prattville, AL | 49.000 ppm | 45,444 |
NE Ne Morgan Co Water And Sewer Authority | Somerville, AL | 46.600 ppm | 25,227 |
DE Dekalb-Jackson Water Supply District | Jackson County, AL | 37.600 ppm | 15,531 |
FL Florence (Water Department), City Of | Florence, AL | 37.200 ppm | 77,766 |
DE Decatur (Municipal Utilities Board Of) | Decatur, AL | 37.000 ppm | 77,100 |
OP Opelika Utilities | Opelika, AL | 28.850 ppm | 45,621 |
SC Scottsboro Water Works | Scottsboro, AL | 25.700 ppm | 22,119 |
CH Cherokee County Water Authority | Piedmont, AL | 23.500 ppm | 11,013 |