The addition of sodium bicarbonate will

The addition of sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, to water has the effect of raising the pH, making the water less acidic. This occurs because sodium bicarbonate is a weak base that dissociates in water to produce bicarbonate ions and sodium ions. The bicarbonate ions can react with hydrogen ions present in the water, effectively neutralizing them and resulting in a higher pH level.

In water treatment and environmental health contexts, managing pH levels is crucial as it affects various biological and chemical processes. A higher pH can lead to improved conditions for certain aquatic life and can also enhance the effectiveness of disinfectants used in water treatment. Therefore, the addition of sodium bicarbonate is a common practice in various applications to maintain or improve water quality by increasing the pH.