Which substance is known to increase pH, hardness, and alkalinity?

Lime is recognized for its ability to increase pH, hardness, and alkalinity in water. This is primarily due to its chemical composition, which typically includes calcium hydroxide or calcium carbonate. When lime is added to water, it reacts with the acidic components, raising the pH level, making the water more alkaline. This increase in pH is essential for counteracting corrosion in water systems and improving water quality for various uses.

Additionally, lime contributes to hardness. Hardness in water refers to the concentration of divalent cations, mainly calcium, and magnesium. The addition of lime provides a source of calcium ions, which directly enhances the hardness of the water supply.

Furthermore, lime significantly boosts alkalinity, which represents the capacity of water to neutralize acids. By elevating the alkalinity, lime helps maintain a stable pH level, making the water less susceptible to rapid pH changes due to environmental factors or wastewater discharges.

In contrast, other substances mentioned, such as sodium chloride and potassium nitrate, do not alter pH or contribute to hardness significantly. Magnesium sulfate may have some impact on hardness but does not raise pH as effectively as lime. Therefore, lime stands out as the substance that effectively increases pH, hardness