First timer here. Any suggestions on how to write this in a report? Thank you.
Corrosion/leaking at the hot water tank connection. I recommend repair or replacement by qualified contractor.
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It should have been connected with a dielectric union, but obviously has been leaking. I would call out the obvious, supply line has been leaking above the water heater recommended a qualified plumber make the necessary repairs.
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Thanks Andrew!
Thanks Randy!
Yes it is galvanic corrosion, to answer your 1st question.
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In Minnesota we would simply exclaim… “Uff da!”
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I’m going to use that professional term in my next report. 
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It’s a leak, galvanic corrosion, both, or galvanic corrosion leading to a leak.
It’s also hard to imagine how that improper joint was ever tightened. Anyway it also appears to violate
CPC 609.5 Unions
Unions shall be installed in the water supply piping …water heating, conditioning tanks, and similar equipment that requires service by removal or replacement in a manner that will facilitate its ready removal.
Direct copper to iron plumbing connections are vulnerable to galvanic corrosion like you see in the OP’s photo, but not all are corroded. I think, but do not know, that sometimes the Teflon wrap is so effective that there is little to no contact between the dissimilar metals. But, I still call out these even if there is no corrosion. They should have a dialectic union.
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Thank you for the information!
Out here in the SW copper to steel will always lead to galvanic corrosion. I would also add some information along the lines of potential imminent active leak, as the steel is weakened at that junction.
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Thanks John!
See #6…
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