Understanding pH Levels in Drinking Water

At Smarter Water Solutions, we prioritize clean, safe water for your home. One critical factor to consider when evaluating water quality is the pH level. The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline your drinking water is, and it can significantly impact your health, appliances, and plumbing. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding pH in drinking water and how to ensure it remains at optimal levels.

What is pH?

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Water with a pH below 7 is considered acidic, while water with a pH above 7 is alkaline. Most experts recommend that drinking water should have a pH between 6.5 and 8.5, as specified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) [1].

Why pH Levels Matter

The pH of your water plays a crucial role in its safety and quality:

• Acidic Water (pH < 6.5): Acidic water can corrode pipes and leach harmful metals like copper and lead into your drinking water, posing health risks. Acidic water may also have a sour taste and can cause stains on sinks and appliances.
• Alkaline Water (pH > 8.5): While slightly alkaline water may not pose a health risk, water that is too alkaline can have an unpleasant taste, causing it to feel slippery or like soap. Alkaline water can also lead to scaling in pipes and appliances, reducing their lifespan [1][2].

Testing and Adjusting pH Levels

Testing your water’s pH level is crucial in maintaining its safety and protecting your home. Here are a few steps you can take:

1. Test the Water: You can easily measure the pH of your water using a pH test strip or a digital pH meter. This test will give you a good idea of where your water stands on the pH scale.
2. Adjust the pH: If your water is too acidic, neutralizing filters that use calcite or magnesium oxide can raise the pH to safe levels. For highly alkaline water, a reverse osmosis system can help bring the pH closer to neutral [2].

At Smarter Water Solutions, we offer a variety of filtration and conditioning systems designed to address pH imbalances, ensuring that your water is both safe and pleasant to use.

The Health Effects of pH in Drinking Water

Water that is too acidic or too alkaline can have potential health impacts. Prolonged consumption of water with an unbalanced pH may lead to gastrointestinal issues or affect the body’s ability to maintain a proper pH balance internally. It’s crucial to ensure that your water falls within the EPA-recommended pH range to avoid long-term health risks [2][3].

Smarter Water Solutions Can Help

If you’re concerned about the pH level of your drinking water, Smarter Water Solutions is here to help. Our water specialists can test your water, recommend the best filtration system to balance the pH, and ensure that your water is safe for your household. Whether your water is too acidic or too alkaline, we provide solutions to restore the ideal balance.

Contact Smarter Water Solutions Today

For more information about water pH levels or to explore our water filtration systems, contact Smarter Water Solutions at 813-929-8149. Our team is ready to help you achieve clean, balanced, and safe drinking water for your home.

---

Bibliography

1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. Accessed September 2023. https://www.epa.gov
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Water Quality and pH Information. Accessed September 2023. https://www.cdc.gov
3. World Health Organization (WHO). pH in Drinking Water: Health Criteria and Guidelines. Accessed September 2023. https://www.who.int

Smarter Water Solutions – Your trusted partner for clean, efficient, and optimized water systems!

Author: Loretta Bauman, Advocate of Wellness and Inspired Living.