The Water Store - pH Levels and Drinking Water

 

 

 

 

 

pH levels and Drinking Water

The term pH is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions in a diluted solution. It can range from 0 to 14, with 7 denoting a neutral value. Acidic water has a pH below 7; alkaline water, above 7. The health effects of pH on drinking water depend upon where the pH falls within its range. The U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), which classifies pH as a secondary drinking water standard, recommends a pH between 6.5 and 8.5 for drinking water.

Low or high pH and pipe corrosion

Corrosion can cause the piping to fail, in some cases in less than 10 years.

The main causes are:

 

	·       Low pH (acid water) or high pH (alkaline water) on private well systems.
	·       Other water chemistry causes, such as high levels of dissolved oxygen, high levels of salts dissolved in the water, and/ or corrosion-causing bacteria such as sulfate or iron bacteria.     High or low pH can lead to a number of poor and even dangerous conditions in water. Health effects are most pronounced in pH extremes. Drinking water with a pH below 4 or above 11 can cause skin, eye, and mucous membrane irritation. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that extreme pH levels can worsen existing skin conditions.
	The Water Store is dedicated to providing clean, safe drinking water for your home and business.   Call us today at 603-899-6680 for a free water analysis, or visit our web page http://www.thewaterstorenh.com/about-us/.