What is a consequence of high sulfate concentrations in water?

High sulfate concentrations in water can lead to increased corrosiveness in plumbing systems. Sulfates can react with metals such as iron, copper, and lead, which are commonly found in plumbing materials. This reaction can cause the metal to corrode, leading to potential leaching of harmful metals into the water supply, ultimately affecting drinking water quality and infrastructure durability.

In contrast, while increased water clarity, improved taste in drinking water, and enhanced aquatic biodiversity may be perceived positively, they are not associated with high sulfate concentrations. In fact, high levels of sulfate can often lead to a decrease in water quality and disrupt aquatic ecosystems rather than support biodiversity.