Which factors affect the rate at which inorganic metals leach into drinking water?

• A. pH
• B. Weather
• C. All of the above factors affect leaching
• D. None affect leaching

Answer: (C)

Leaching of inorganic metals into drinking water is governed by the chemistry of the water and the environment it moves through. pH is a major driver because it changes metal solubility: when water becomes more acidic (lower pH), metals are more likely to dissolve from pipes, fixtures, and sediments into the water. Weather influences leaching indirectly by shaping water chemistry—things like rainfall, temperature, and groundwater interactions can alter pH, dissolved oxygen, and corrosion rates. Warmer temperatures can speed up corrosion reactions, and rain or runoff can change the overall chemistry of the water entering the system. Because both pH and weather-related water chemistry affect how readily metals enter drinking water, all factors listed play a role. Saying none affect leaching ignores these well-established chemical and environmental influences, while focusing on only one factor would miss the other.