How to Measure the PH of Water with a Field Kit

Popularly used in disaster relief zones to test possibly contaminated water supplies, pH field kits are also valuable for personal usage. Using the kit, you can measure the pH level in your home's tap water to make sure it is safe to drink or at the appropriate level for a pool safety, or you can truly take the kit into the "field" on a camping trip to test nearby streams or lakes for safe pH levels. First-time field kit users may be initially confused, but the equipment contained in a pH testing kit is not overly difficult to use if you follow the proper steps.

Things You'll Need

• pH field kit with test strips and color-coded key

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Instructions

The Steps

• 1

  Open the pH testing strip container or bottle contained in your kit, being careful not to get any water into the container.

• 2

  Remove a pH testing strip and close the container immediately. If any moisture gets into the container, all your remaining pH testing strips will be ruined.

• 3

  Submerge the pH testing strip at least nine inches under the water, and hold it steady, avoiding unnecessary splashing or rippling whenever possible.

• 4

  Count to 10 and then remove the strip. Do not shake or wipe off any water on the strip.

• 5

  Hold the strip level with the small test swatches on the end of the strip pointing upward. Continue holding the strip level until the strip's indicator swatches have changed color. This will typically take less than one minute.

• 6

  Hold the pH strip up to the "key" provided with your pH field testing kit. Match the color on the strip to a color swatch on your key to determine the pH level. According to the EPA, a safe pH level is between 6.5 and 8.5.