pH and Water

BACKGROUND ON pH

pH value is a good indicator of whether water is hard or soft. The pH of pure water is 7. In general, water with a pH lower than 7 is considered acidic, and with a pH greater than 7 is considered alkaline. The normal range for pH in surface water systems is 6.5 to 8.5, and the pH range for groundwater systems is between 6 and 8.5. Alkalinity is a measure of the capacity of the water to resist a change in pH that would tend to make the water more acidic. It’s necessary to use the measurement of alkalinity and pH to determine the corrosiveness of the water.

WHY TEST FOR pH? 

In general, water with a pH < 6.5 could be acidic, soft, and corrosive. Acidic water could contain metal ions such as iron, manganese, copper, lead, and zinc. In other words, acidic water contains elevated levels of toxic metals. Acidic water can cause premature damage to metal piping, and have associated aesthetic problems such as a metallic or sour taste. It can also stain laundry and cause "blue-green" color staining on sinks and drains.

• https://www.freedrinkingwater.com/water-education/quality-water-ph-page2.htm#:~:text=The%20pH%20of%20pure%20water,is%20between%206%20and%208.5.
• https://www.healthline.com/health/ph-of-drinking-water
• https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/ph-and-water?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects