pH value or “potential of hydrogen” value is one of the factors that determine the quality of our everyday drinking water. Water with high or very low levels of pH are not conducive to the human body and can trigger health issues. While a pH of 7 is usually the perfect pH of drinking water, levels below indicate it being acidic and higher being basic/alkaline.
The drinking water we regularly consume however is less than ideal and varies in pH levels. This being the case, what levels of pH values are acceptable and what we can do to treat abnormal pH levels in water is something we ought to know. Ready to know more? Here we go!
What Is pH and How Is It Measured?
pH, as you may recall from high school chemistry classes, simply is a scale with a range of 0-14, to measure how acidic or alkaline a substance is. While a pH of 7 being neutral, anything below it is acidic like milk and anything above it is alkaline, like green leafy vegetables, spinach and kale.
For drinking water, a pH level between 6.5 and 8.5 is ideal. Water quality and safety are directly impacted if the pH strays outside this range.
How pH Testing Works
To measure pH levels, you can use a pH meter, test strips, or send samples to a laboratory. These tools will give you a precise reading of the water's acidity or alkalinity, ensuring your water is within the safe range.
The Ideal pH Range for Drinking Water
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the ideal pH range for drinking water is between 6.5 and 8.5. Staying within this range is essential for both health and taste.
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Below 6.5: Water is considered acidic and can cause corrosion of pipes, leading to the leaching of metals like lead and copper into the water. This can result in unsafe drinking water.
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Above 8.5: Alkaline water may taste bitter and can cause scale build-up in plumbing and appliances, impacting water flow and quality.
Maintaining this pH balance is crucial for ensuring the water is safe to drink and doesn’t cause health issues or damage plumbing systems.
The Impact of Acidic Water (pH Below 6.5)
When drinking water has a pH level below 6.5, it becomes acidic. This acidity can have several negative impacts:
1. Leaching of Heavy Metals
Acidic water can cause pipes to corrode, leading to the release of harmful metals like lead and copper. These metals can be toxic, especially for children and pregnant women, leading to serious health issues.
2. Health Risks
Long-term consumption of acidic water can cause stomach upset and irritate the digestive system. It may also increase the risk of developing more severe health problems due to the contamination from metal leaching.
3. Corrosion of Plumbing
In addition to health risks, acidic water can lead to the deterioration of plumbing systems, increasing maintenance costs and the potential for leaks.
To mitigate these effects, it's crucial to monitor the pH levels of drinking water regularly and take corrective measures when needed.
The Effects of Alkaline Water (pH Above 8.5)
While slightly alkaline water (pH above 8.5) is generally safe, excessively high pH levels can cause certain issues:
1. Taste Issues
Water that is too alkaline may taste slippery, bitter, or unpleasant, making it less enjoyable to drink.
2. Scaling in Pipes
Water that is too alkaline can lead to the accumulation of mineral deposits inside pipes, appliances, and water heaters. Over time, this can reduce water flow and cause inefficiencies in your plumbing system.
3. Digestive Problems
In some cases, alkaline water can cause digestive issues such as nausea and upset stomach when consumed in large quantities.
To avoid these issues, it's important to keep the pH of drinking water within the recommended range of 6.5 to 8.5.
How pH Affects the Taste of Water
pH levels directly impact the taste of drinking water. Water that is too acidic tends to have a sour or metallic taste, while water that is too alkaline may have a slippery or bitter flavor.
For the best taste, aim to keep the pH of your water in the neutral range (around 7), which results in clean, fresh-tasting water.
pH Testing and Maintaining Safe Drinking Water
Regular pH testing is essential for maintaining safe drinking water. Here's how you can test and maintain your water’s pH:
1. Use pH Testing Kits
Testing kits, including pH test strips and meters, are available to monitor the acidity or alkalinity of your drinking water. These kits are easy to use and provide quick results.
2. Adjusting pH Levels
If your water falls outside the ideal pH range, you can adjust it using several methods:
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For Acidic Water: Adding lime or calcium carbonate can help neutralize the acidity.
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For Alkaline Water: Use acidic solutions like citric acid or install reverse osmosis systems to balance the pH.
Treating Abnormal pH Levels in Drinking Water
When the pH level of drinking water falls outside the optimal range of 6.5 to 8.5, it can lead to both health concerns and plumbing issues. Water that is too acidic (low pH) may corrode pipes and leach metals like lead or copper into the water, while water with a high pH (alkaline) can cause a bitter taste, scale buildup, and reduce the effectiveness of disinfection.
Common Treatments Based on pH Imbalance:
|
pH Condition |
Symptoms |
Treatment Method |
Purpose |
|
Low pH (< 6.5) |
Corrosion of pipes, metallic taste, blue-green stains |
Neutralizing filters with calcite or magnesium oxide |
Raises pH and reduces corrosion |
|
Chemical feed systems using soda ash or sodium hydroxide |
Increases pH for large-scale systems |
||
|
High pH (> 8.5) |
Bitter taste, scaling on appliances, soapy feel |
Injection of weak acids like acetic acid or citric acid |
Lowers pH safely |
|
Reverse osmosis systems |
Reduces pH along with other contaminants |
As is clear from above, abnormal levels of pH in our drinking water, be it high or low, can cause digestive and gastric issues. It is essential to make sure that the levels stay between 6.5 and 8.5 beyond which one needs to consider treating the water to correct the pH levels. So, be an informed consumer and regularly test your drinking water to make sure you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy.
