What problem is most likely caused by water with a pH of 8.9 in a distribution system?

Water with a pH of 8.9 is considered alkaline, which can lead to scaling issues within a distribution system. When water has a higher pH, it can promote the precipitation of minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium, which are commonly found in hard water. This precipitation can form deposits on the interior surfaces of pipes and equipment, leading to scaling.

Scaling can create several problems, such as reduced water flow due to narrowed pipe diameters, increased energy consumption for pumping water through the system, and potential damage to water heaters and other appliances. Therefore, recognizing a higher pH level's potential for causing scaling is essential for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of a distribution system.

Other issues, such as corrosion, could be a concern at lower pH levels due to increased acidity, while staining is typically associated with the presence of specific ions or metals, not pH alone. Coring typically refers to an issue with pipe integrity involving material removal, which would not be directly linked to high pH as scaling would be. Thus, the primary problem associated with a pH of 8.9 is scaling.