Abstract
To investigate corrosivity characteristics of raw water in Korea, Langelier index (LI) of 30 multi-regional water treatment plants (WTPs) were evaluated. Annual average values of LI at 30 WTPs were all negative, which means raw water in Korea is very corrosive. LI results for 4 major rivers showed that raw water from Han and Nakdong had relatively high values compared to those of Sumjin and Keum. On the other hand, LI values of raw water from the tributaries of four major rivers were relatively low presumably due to geological characteristics, and in some cases the values were less than -4.0 which means increase of LI is urgently needed to minimize red water problem. Based on the correlation results among LI and water quality parameters, pH, water temperature, calcium concentration were confirmed as major components for LI. Therefore, pH and calcium concentration control is an effective method for the improvement of LI in water treatment processes.