Drinking water quality is a universal health concern. Our overall health and well-being depend on the quality of our drinking water.
The pH level of water is only an aesthetic quality but is still an important parameter for determining water quality. Careful attention to pH control ensures satisfactory water clarification and disinfection.
What Is the Best pH Range for Drinking Water?
While there are no specific guidelines established for the pH level of water, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA recommends municipal drinking water to be within a pH of 6.5 to 8.5.
The pH of drinking water affects its taste, smell, and safety. Water outside the recommended pH range (6.5-8.5) may contain harmful substances, such as dissolved metals or contaminants.
Water that’s too acidic or too alkaline can be damaging over time
According to the World Health Organization (WHO)’s report on Drinking water quality in the South-East Asia (SEA) Region, countries in this region face numerous contamination problems.
These concerns include pathogenic (disease-causing) microorganisms, chemical contaminants like arsenic and fluoride in groundwater, and agriculture/industrial water pollution.
What is pH?
The pH value of a water source is a measure of its acidity or alkalinity.
As the image above shows, pure water has a pH of 7.0, which is also considered as neutral.
Anything lower than 7 is called acidic. In contrast, anything higher than 7 is considered basic or alkaline.
How Does the pH Scale Work?
The scale has values between zero (strongly acidic) and 14 (strongly basic/alkaline)
Since the pH scale is logarithmic, each step on the pH scale means a ten-fold change in acidity.
Water with a 5.0 pH is 10x more acidic than 6.0. Water with a pH of 4.0 is 100 times more acidic than water with a pH of 6.0.
Acid Rain and the pH Scale
Normal rain is only slightly acidic with a pH value of 5.0-5.5.
As rain falls, it comes into contact with our atmosphere. Acid rain is produced when the rainwater reacts with sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) in the air. The reaction of these compounds with water, hydrogen, and other chemicals forms sulfuric and nitric acids.
Man-made pollutants are a major source of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. These include:
- Burning of fossil fuels.
- Vehicles and heavy equipment.
- Manufacturing, oil refineries, and other industries.
If you live in a heavily populated area or near factories and industries contributing to air pollution, your freshwater resources may be impacted.
Health Effects of pH
According to the WHO, pH alone doesn’t contribute to adverse effects as acids and alkalis are normally extremely dilute in water.
Our body already encounters foods with various pH levels. Weak acids like vinegar (2.8 pH) and lemon juice (2.4) pose no threats.
There isn’t a direct relationship between our health and the pH of our drinking water.
However, indirectly, the pH level of water especially if it’s acidic can impact your health in two ways.
Firstly, the corrosiveness of acidic water can damage plumbing and pipes leading to your kitchen faucet. Long-term corrosion can not only damage the plumbing but also lead to increased metal ingestion.
Secondly, the pH level of water can also reduce the efficiency of disinfection, which could pose health risks. For effective disinfection with chlorine, the pH of water should be less than 8.
It is not considered to be necessary to propose a health-based guideline value for pH.
Health Risks of Imbalanced Ph
Consuming acidic or alkaline water over time can have adverse health effects, including:
- Low pH (acidic): Nausea, stomach problems, increased solubility of toxic substances.
- High pH (alkaline): Skin irritation, disrupted body balance.
- Long-term acidic water: Bone damage, nutrient absorption issues, osteoporosis.
- Excessive acidity: Acidosis symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and tachycardia.
Common Drinking Water pH Levels
These are common drinking water pH levels for different types of water.
- Tap water: Highly variable, average pH 7.5
- Distilled water: pH 5.8 – 7
- Bottled water: Highly variable based on source, pH 5 – 10
- Sparkling water: pH 4.5 – 6
- Mineral water: pH 5.5 – 8.5
- Spring water: pH 6.5 – 8.5
- Alkaline water: pH 8-10
Benefits of Different Types of Drinking Water
Alkaline Water: pH greater than 7, believed to aid digestion and balance body acidity.
Purified Water: Ideal for sensitive stomachs or those seeking mineral-free water.
Spring Water: Natural water sourced from underground formations, similar to surface water.
How Bottled Water Compares to Filtered Water
While bottled water offers convenience, there are a few concerns.
Firstly, the production and disposal of plastic bottles contribute significantly to environmental pollution.
Secondly, the pH of bottled water can fluctuate, especially if the water is exposed to high temperatures or stored for long periods.
In contrast, filtered water using PureFlowz purifiers can offer consistent pH control. These filtration systems help maintain water at the ideal pH level while removing contaminants.
Factors Affecting Drinking Water pH
The pH of drinking water is influenced by various factors, including:
Natural Minerals: Minerals like calcium and magnesium can increase pH, while dissolved carbon dioxide can decrease it.
Industrial Discharge: Pollutants released by industries can alter pH.
Seasonal Variations: Rainfall and dry seasons can affect pH levels.
Groundwater Chemistry: Local geology influences the pH of groundwater.
Methods for Testing pH at Home
One easy way that you can measure pH is with a strip of litmus paper. When you touch a strip of litmus paper to something, the paper changes color depending on whether the substance is acidic or basic. If the paper turns red, the substance is acidic, and if it turns blue, the substance is basic.
pH Test Strips are inexpensive and easy to use. Simply dip the strip into a sample of water, and it will change color based on the pH level. Match the color with the chart provided to get a reading.
However, these strips give an approximate pH reading, which may not be highly accurate.
Digital pH Meters are the way to go for a more precise measurement
These small devices are dipped into the water sample for an exact pH reading on the digital display. While slightly more expensive than strips, they are a better option if you want consistent accuracy over time
Common Misconceptions About pH and Drinking Water
Some misconceptions can lead to confusion and misinformation. Here, we’ll debunk some common myths surrounding pH and its implications for water quality.
Myth 1: Lower pH Water is Always Unsafe
Water with a pH below 7 is not inherently unsafe. For example, lemonade is obviously below 7 pH but is a safe beverage.
However, acidic water in your kitchen tap (below pH 6.5) can indicate contamination or the presence of harmful metals, not all acidic water is unsafe to drink.
If you’re using a reliable filtration system, the pH can often be adjusted back to a safe level
Myth 2: Alkaline Water is Healthier
Many people think that alkaline water (pH above 8.5) is better for health than neutral or slightly acidic water. While some studies suggest potential benefits for certain health conditions, such as acid reflux, there is limited scientific evidence for any major benefits.
Overly alkaline water can lead to a bitter taste and might not be suitable for everyone.
Myth 3: pH is the Only Indicator of Water Quality
Another misconception is that pH is the sole measure of water quality. While pH is an important factor, it does not provide a complete picture. Water can still be contaminated with harmful bacteria, chemicals, or heavy metals even if it has a neutral pH.
Regular testing for a variety of contaminants is essential for ensuring safe drinking water
Choose PureFlowz Water Purification Products for Refreshing pH Balanced Water
Membrane filtration systems effectively remove contaminants and balance pH. Products like faucet-mounted water filters and water pitcher filters from PureFlowz are designed to keep water balanced.
Our filters remove harmful contaminants and regulate the pH of your drinking water. These filters provide peace of mind, ensuring that your water remains safe, clean, and balanced.
Let’s prioritize our water quality for a better, healthier future!
