What is the treatment process that controls corrosion or scaling known as?

The treatment process that controls corrosion or scaling is known as stabilization. This method is essential in maintaining the integrity of water distribution systems and ensuring the safety of drinking water. Stabilization typically involves adjusting the pH, alkalinity, or adding specific chemicals to the water to create a more stable condition that minimizes both corrosion of pipes and subsequent scaling.

When water is left untreated, it may become aggressive, which can lead to corrosion of metal pipes as it attempts to reach a balance. On the other hand, if water has a high mineral content, scaling can occur, where minerals precipitate and form deposits on surfaces. By stabilizing the water chemistry, utilities can prevent these issues, promoting both the longevity of infrastructure and the health of consumers.

Chemical control could refer to the broader application of various chemicals, without specifically addressing the balance necessary to prevent scaling or corrosion. Passivation is a specific type of corrosion process that involves forming a protective layer over a surface but doesn't holistically encompass the broader stabilization concept. Corrosion kinetics delves into the rates of corrosion reactions rather than the treatment processes aimed at controlling those reactions. Thus, stabilization is the most accurate term for the method that systematically controls corrosion and scaling in drinking water treatment.