What is a major concern regarding highly corrosive water?

The presence of lead is a major concern when it comes to highly corrosive water because corrosive water can leach metals from plumbing systems, specifically lead, which is harmful to human health. When water is corrosive, it can aggressively react with pipes and plumbing fixtures, especially those made of lead or soldered with lead, leading to significant lead contamination in drinking water. This is particularly alarming as lead is a known neurotoxin, which can cause serious health issues, especially in young children and pregnant women.

Bacteria, fluoride, and excessive chlorine levels might pose health risks, but these concerns are more dependent on the specific water quality issues rather than the property of corrosiveness. While the presence of bacteria can indicate contamination and may occur in poorly treated water, and high levels of fluoride and chlorine can cause other health problems, they are not directly linked to the corrosive qualities of water in the same way lead leaching is. Thus, the most significant concern tied to corrosive water is its ability to dissolve lead from pipes, making it crucial to monitor and mitigate lead exposure in drinking water systems.