What is a common effect of chlorine being in excess of water treatment needs?

When chlorine is present in excess during water treatment, one of the most significant effects is the potential for corrosive impacts on pipes and infrastructure. Chlorine is a strong oxidizing agent, and when it is used more than necessary, it can lead to the degradation of various materials that make up the plumbing systems, such as metals and certain types of plastics.

Chlorine can react with metals like copper and lead, creating corrosion that can not only damage the infrastructure but also lead to the leaching of harmful substances into the water supply. The corrosive effects are particularly concerning because they can pose health risks and lead to increased maintenance costs for water treatment facilities due to the need for repairs or replacements of damaged pipes.

Other options, such as lower pH or increased acidity, may not be directly linked to an excess of chlorine. While chlorine can affect pH, it typically does not solely cause a substantial drop in pH that would classify as increased acidity. Likewise, residual odor can occur with improper chlorine use, but it is not as direct an effect as the corrosive nature of excess chlorine on water distribution systems.