What is pH in Water?
Ever taken a sip of water and thought, “This tastes…off”? That could be down to its pH level. The pH of water measures how acidic or alkaline it is, running on a scale from 0 to 14. Right in the middle at ph7 water, it’s neutral. Anything lower? Acidic. Higher? Alkaline.
But why should you care? Well, pH in water affects everything—taste, safety, plumbing, even the life swimming around in your fish tank. Whether you’re filling up a glass, watering plants, or washing your car, knowing what pH is water can make a real difference.
Understanding the pH Scale: Acidity vs. Alkalinity in Water
Think of the water pH scale as a thermometer, but instead of measuring temperature, it tells you how reactive your water is:
- 0-6.9 – Acidic: Higher hydrogen ion concentration, which can cause a metallic taste and corrosion.
- 7 – Neutral: The pH of pure water, balanced and stable.
- 7.1-14 – Alkaline: More hydroxide ions, often leading to a bitter taste and mineral buildup.
What is the Natural pH of Water?
If only water were always perfect. In its purest form, pH of pure water is 7. But nature has other plans. pH levels in water typically range from 6.5 to 8.5, depending on where it’s sourced.
- Rainwater leans acidic thanks to carbon dioxide absorption.
- Groundwater often shifts alkaline after filtering through limestone.
- Surface water picks up minerals, pollutants, and organic matter, making it unpredictable.
What Affects the pH of Water?
Many things can shake up pH levels of water:
Natural Factors
- Carbon dioxide absorption – When CO2 dissolves in water, it forms carbonic acid, pushing water pH level down.
- Soil and rock composition – Mineral-rich environments increase water pH.
- Microbial activity – Bacteria breaking down organic matter can change pH value of water.
Human Factors
- Pollution & Industrial Waste – Chemicals can alter normal pH levels drastically.
- Acid Rain – Combustion emissions in the air make rain more acidic, affecting lakes and rivers.
- Household Water Treatments – Some filtration methods unintentionally shift pH of tap water.
Safe pH Levels for Drinking Water
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) agree: the pH drinking water sweet spot is 6.5 to 8.5.
Why does this matter?
- Too acidic (low pH water): Can corrode pipes, leaching metals like lead into your glass. Lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode, especially where the water has high acidity or low mineral content. Source: EPA
- Too alkaline (high pH water): Leaves scale deposits in appliances and can taste off.
How to Measure the pH of Water
Curious about what is the pH level of water you’re drinking? Testing is easy:
- pH Test Strips – Quick and simple; just dip and match colors on a water pH level chart.
- Digital pH Meters – More precise, but needs calibration.
- Laboratory Testing – Best for accuracy, though not as convenient.
How to Test Your Tap Water at Home
- Fill a clean glass with tap water pH level.
- Use a pH test strip or digital meter to check the normal pH range.
- Compare results with a drinking water pH level chart.
Effects of Low & High pH Water on Health & Environment
Low pH Water (Acidic Water)
- Corrodes metal pipes, leading to contamination.
- Can taste metallic and irritate skin.
- Disrupts aquatic life, making water bodies hostile for fish.
High pH Water (Alkaline Water)
- Tends to taste bitter and feel slippery.
- Encourages scale buildup in plumbing and appliances.
- Alters natural water ecosystems, impacting biodiversity.
How to Adjust the pH of Water at Home
If your pH level of tap water isn’t where it should be, you can tweak it:
- To Raise pH (Reduce Acidity): Use alkaline filters, baking soda, or mineral-based treatments.
- To Lower pH (Reduce Alkalinity): CO2 injection or filtration systems work well.
City water supplies regulate what is water pH, but if you’re on well water, it’s worth testing regularly.
Common Myths About Water pH
- Myth: Alkaline Water is Always Better – While trendy, drinking high pH water isn’t a magic health cure.
- Myth: Low pH Water is Always Dangerous – Some natural sources have a lower ph level water, but they’re still safe.
- Myth: Tap Water pH is Always 7 – Municipal water treatment can fluctuate tap water pH level.
Why the pH of Water Matters
The pH of water affects everything from your morning coffee to the pipes under your sink. Whether you’re drinking it, cooking with it, or watering your plants, understanding what is the pH in water helps you make smarter choices.
So, next time you take a sip, think about it—what’s your drinking water pH level really like? A little knowledge goes a long way in keeping your water (and life) balanced.
