A finished water with a negative Langelier index may be considered what?

A finished water with a negative Langelier index indicates that the water is undersaturated with calcium carbonate. This means that the water has a tendency to dissolve calcium carbonate, which can lead to corrosion of infrastructure such as pipes, fittings, and treatment equipment. When the Langelier index is negative, it suggests that the water will actively seek to equilibrate its chemical balance by leaching out minerals. This property makes the water corrosive, posing potential risks to both public health and the longevity of water distribution systems. As a result, it's crucial for water utilities to monitor and adjust the chemistry of water to mitigate these corrosive effects and ensure its safety for consumption and infrastructural integrity.

In contrast, other possible options do not accurately describe the implications of a negative Langelier index. Water being considered "safe for consumption" requires more than just its Langelier index; it must also meet microbial and chemical safety standards. "High in minerals" refers to a different characteristics and is not directly associated with a negative index. Lastly, "stable" usually applies to water with a neutral or positive Langelier index, indicating that it is less likely to corrode or scale in pipes, which does not align with the corrosive nature suggested by a