Alkalinity in water is measured by titrating a water sample with sulfuric acid and monitoring the pH. Alkalinity is caused by hydroxides, carbonates, and bicarbonates and is expressed in units of mg/L of calcium carbonate. The amount of acid needed to reduce the pH to 8.3 measures phenolphthalein alkalinity, while the amount to reduce to 4.5 measures total alkalinity. Different combinations of hydroxides, carbonates, and bicarbonates can be present depending on the initial pH. Alkalinity data provides information useful for water treatment processes like coagulation, softening, and corrosion control.