High levels of aluminum in water can have a number of consequences, including:

 High levels of aluminum in water can have a number of consequences, including: 

 

Water quality

Aluminum can cause water to become discolored or turbid. It can also coat water mains, service lines, and water meters, which can lead to pressure losses and meter malfunctions. 

 

Health

Drinking water with high levels of aluminum can affect the nervous system. Aluminum can also be toxic to fish in acidic waters at concentrations as low as 0.1 mg/L. 

 

Brain disorders

Aluminum concentrations in water above 0.2 mg/L may be linked to brain disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. 

 

Contaminant accumulation

Aluminum can accumulate other contaminants like arsenic, chromium, manganese, and nickel. 

 

Alum sludge

The water treatment process uses aluminum sulfate as a coagulant, which produces a byproduct called alum sludge. This sludge can contain high levels of aluminum and be discharged into rivers if not treated properly. 

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the residual aluminum concentration in drinking water be lower than 0.2 mg/dm3. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends a Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level (SMCL) of 0.05–0.2 mg/dm3 for aluminum in

 drinking water.