Which pH level could represent a solution that is close to neutral?

A pH level of 6.5 is close to neutral, which is typically defined as a pH of 7. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, where values below 7 indicate acidity and values above 7 indicate alkalinity. A pH of 6.5 is just slightly acidic, making it relatively close to neutral compared to other options presented.

Neutral pH is important in water treatment because it indicates a balanced state, which is crucial for safe water distribution and treatment processes. When working with chemicals, maintaining a pH close to neutral often ensures more efficient chemical reactions and reduces the risk of corrosion in pipes and equipment.

In contrast, the other options represent either strong acidity or extreme alkalinity, which are far removed from the neutral range and are less suitable for most treatment scenarios. A pH of 1 and 2 signifies strong acidic conditions that could result in corrosive environments, while a pH of 15 indicates a highly alkaline condition that could also lead to adverse reactions. Thus, 6.5 is the most appropriate choice for a solution close to neutral pH.