A Guide About How to Maintain the pH Level in Water!
What is the pH Level in Drinking Water?
The US EPA recommends keeping the pH level of drinking water at 7. On a scale of 0 to 14, if it falls below 6.5, it usually means that your water is acidic. Drinking acidic water increases the acidity in your body which can cause stress to your internal organs. In extreme cases, health problems can lead to fatigue or shortness of breath. Testing your water through home test kits or professional consultancy can help you understand the pH level in your home or office and take appropriate action.Acidic VS Alkaline Water: How Does It Affect Your Health?
If your home or office has drinking water with a high acidity level, it means it likely hasn’t gone through proper filtration and has pollutants and impurities that pose health risks. This can be a result of outdated piping systems or not having an effective home water filtration system. Furthermore, acidic water with a pH level below 7 can also carry an odor and doesn’t taste clean and fresh. Acidic water is highly corrosive and can damage your fixtures and appliances. Consecutively, alkaline water with a pH of 8 has shown a few health benefits. However, you have to be careful, as the pH scale on the higher side (greater than 8.5) leads to hard water. This hard water can erode your pipes, and exposure to magnesium, lead, and other impurities in high amounts can lead to skin problems. Hence, it is critical to balance the pH level at 7 and get a reliable drinking water filtration system for the best experience.How to Maintain the pH Level of Your Water?
After testing your water, if you notice that the pH level of your drinking is irregular, you can treat it through various methods. Let’s explore the following ways you can maintain the pH level of water:For Acidic Water
The most common way to treat acidic water is through acid neutralizers. This method usually uses calcite to elevate the acidic levels to a neutral and non-corrosive status. Like drinking water filtration systems, acid neutralizers use filtration media to alter the characteristics of water particles in contact with it.For Hard Water
If you are suffering from hard water problems, it is time to take appropriate action. High pH levels lead to water hardness that can cause mineral build-up. If your water source carries too many minerals, you can get rid of them using a water softener. A water softener is a home water filtration system that reduces excess minerals, such as magnesium and calcium, using an ion exchange process. As mentioned above, there are many popular ways to treat water problems in your home. However, before choosing, it is best to consult a professional and get the one that suits the requirements of your home.How to Conduct a pH Test?
Before delving into the importance of pH levels, it is crucial to understand how to conduct a pH test. pH testing kits are readily available and can be purchased from water treatment companies in Maryland or local hardware stores. These kits typically include pH test strips or liquid reagents that change color based on the pH of the water sample. By following the instructions provided with the kit, you can easily determine the pH level of your water.Relation Between pH and Health
pH Level and Digestive System
The pH level of water has a direct impact on our digestive system. The human body maintains a delicate balance, and the pH of our stomach plays a vital role in proper digestion. If the pH of water is too low or too high, it can interfere with the acidity levels in our stomach, leading to digestive discomfort and potential nutrient deficiencies.Enzymes and pH Level
Enzymes, which are essential for various biochemical reactions in our body, are highly sensitive to pH levels. If the water we consume has an imbalanced pH, it can hinder the functionality of enzymes, affecting our overall health and well-being.pH and Tooth Decay
Maintaining an optimal pH level in drinking water is also crucial for oral health. Acidic water can erode tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay and cavities over time. On the other hand, water with a high pH level can contribute to the formation of mineral deposits on teeth, causing discoloration and potential dental issues. Hence, an effective drinking water filtration system that can balance the pH in the water is crucial for your health.What Kind of Substances Can Cause a Drop in pH?
Several substances can cause a drop in pH, leading to acidic water. One common factor is the presence of dissolved carbon dioxide, which reacts with water to form carbonic acid. Other potential contributors to low pH include acid rain, certain industrial pollutants, and organic matter decomposition. It is essential to address these issues by utilizing an appropriate home water filtration system to neutralize acidity and protect your health.What Kind of Impurities Can Cause a Rise in pH?
A rise in pH levels can be attributed to impurities such as alkaline minerals and compounds. These minerals can be naturally occurring, such as calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide, which elevate the pH and make the water more alkaline. Bottled water labeled as alkaline is an example of water intentionally adjusted to have a higher pH level. While alkaline water has gained popularity, it is essential to maintain a balanced pH to avoid potential health risks associated with excessive alkalinity.Signs Your Water Has Low pH
If the pH level of your water is too low, you may notice certain signs indicating its acidity. These signs include a sour taste, corrosion of plumbing fixtures, and the presence of blue-green stains on sinks and drains. Additionally, low-pH water can cause skin and hair dryness and irritation and may contribute to a bitter or metallic taste in beverages.Signs Your Water Has High pH
On the other hand, high-pH water can present its own set of signs. You may notice a soapy or slippery feel when washing hands or clothes, white residue on dishes and glassware after washing, and a potential decrease in the effectiveness of certain cleaning products. Additionally, high pH water can affect the taste and odor of water, giving it a bitter or medicinal taste.Common Water pH Levels
To provide a better understanding of common water pH levels, here is a chart/table comparing various sources of water:|
Water Source |
pH Level |
| Tap Water | 6.5 – 8.5 |
| Bottled Water | Varies (typically 5 – 7) |
| Bottled Water (Alkaline) | Above 7 |
| Ocean Water | 7.5 – 8.4 |
| Acid Rain | Below 5.6 |