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Health Effects of pH in Drinking Water

A pH level is an indicator of the acid or alkaline condition of water. The pH value of water determines whether the water is hard or soft. The pH of drinking water is not a health concern, but acidic water, which has a low pH rating, can leach some metals from plumbing systems, causing health problems. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains guidelines for drinking water standards in order to ensure drinking water quality.

  1. Measurement of pH

    • The balance of acidity and alkalinity in substances is measured as pH. The scientific definition for pH is the potential hydrogen or activity of hydrogen ions in the substance. The scale ranges from 0 (which is the most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline). Water that is considered free from contaminants has a neutral pH of 7. Untreated ground water is more acidic with a pH of 6.5 to 6.8 due to minerals in the water and some agricultural and industrial pollutants. Temperature can have an effect on pH. Higher temperatures cause a lower pH level.

    Hard and Soft Water

    • Hard water is filled with dissolved minerals such as magnesium and calcium, which is good for your health. It does, however, sometimes have an unpleasant taste or smell. Soft water has a somewhat salty taste and can contribute too much sodium to your diet. Sodium in your blood has the potential to cause high blood pressure. Water from municipal sources is usually softened through filtration and a combination of methods that reduces the sodium, thus reducing these health risks.

    Acidic Water

    • The acidity of some drinking water has the potential to cause acidosis in the body. Acidosis can cause irreversible cell damage, lower bone density, and immune body response. The amount that can be ingested by most people is not considered enough to be a health risk. Many things we ingest are far more acidic than untreated ground water, such as lemon juice, beer, coffee and even milk. Our stomachs have a naturally low pH level of 2 which is considered a beneficial acid that helps digest our food.

    Maintaining Water Safety

    • Install a good water filtration system in your home. This is a good way to monitor and ensure the quality and safety of your drinking water. Reverse osmosis water purification systems remove most contaminants and help deliver safe healthy drinking water.

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