What chemical reaction can lead to a significant corrosion issue in a water supply system?

The correct answer relates to the migration of metal ions into water, which can lead to significant corrosion issues in a water supply system. When metal ions, such as lead or copper, dissolve into the water, they can cause contamination and deteriorate the quality of the water being supplied. This situation often occurs when the water is too acidic or lacks sufficient alkalinity, leading to the leaching of metal ions from the pipes or fixtures into the drinking water.

Corrosion not only affects the safety of the water but can also result in increased maintenance costs for the water utility because it damages the infrastructure over time. It is important to monitor and control the factors that contribute to the migration of metal ions to mitigate corrosion and protect public health.

In contrast, while the oxidation of sulfides and acid reactions with metals can influence corrosion, they do not directly explain the process of metal ions migrating into the water supply in the same significant way. The formation of scale from hard water is a different issue, related to mineral buildup rather than the direct corrosion related to metal ion migration.