Ions are electrically charged particles that form when any mineral is dissolved in drinking water. When common salt, NaCl, is dissolved in water, it forms positively charged ions (Na+) called cations and negatively charged ions (Cl-) called anions. Many chemical reactions take place between ions in solution. The concentrations of ions affect the quality and use of water, and chemical reactions that may occur in plumbing.
Common cations include Aluminum: Al3+, Calcium: Ca2+, Copper (II): Cu2+, Iron (II): Fe2+, Iron (III): Fe, 2+, Magnesium: Mg2+, Mercury (II): Mg2+,, Potassium: K+, Silver: Ag+, Sodium: Na+. Common anions include Chloride: Cl-, Carbonate: CO3, Fluoride: Fl-, Oxide: O2-, Nitrate: NO-3, Nitrite: NO-2, Phosphate: PO3-4, Sulfate: SO2-4
