Hydrochloric acid, also known as Muriatic Acid, is used widely in water treatment as an effective neutralization agent for alkaline (high pH) effluent. It is regarded as a very suitable alternative to sulfuric acid in this application as a result of the inorganic by-products that are generated in this process. It’s also used in some swimming pool purification systems. O & G Helps dissolve minerals and initiate cracks in the rock.