What chemical is commonly used to make water more alkaline?

Sodium hydroxide is commonly used to make water more alkaline due to its strong basic properties. When dissolved in water, sodium hydroxide dissociates into sodium ions and hydroxide ions, significantly increasing the water's pH level. This chemical is particularly effective in neutralizing acidic conditions, thereby adjusting the alkalinity of the water.

Alkalinity is essential in various applications, including wastewater treatment, as it helps to stabilize pH levels, which is critical for the functioning of biological processes and chemical reactions in the water. Using sodium hydroxide allows for precise control over the pH adjustments needed to optimize treatment processes.

In contrast, hydrochloric acid is an acid that lowers pH, while potassium sulfate and calcium carbonate primarily serve different functions, such as providing nutrients or buffering capacity, but are not typically used specifically to increase alkalinity.