pH is the degree of acidity or alkalinity of the water. It is measured on a scale of 0-14 pH units, with low numbers being acidic, 7 being neutral and higher values being alkaline. The regulatory standard for pH in drinking water is within a range between 6.5 and 8.5.
The pH is dependent on natural geological conditions at the site and the type of minerals found in the local rock. It varies depending on weather patterns, human activity, and natural processes.
Whether it’s low pH or high pH, having unbalanced pH levels can cause household headaches and shoot up your expenses. Acidic water is highly corrosive and eats plumbing throughout the home, as well as water using appliances, causing leaks in pipes. Acidic water has the tendency to leach metals from plumbing systems causing toxic metals to enter the water supply. Where properties contain old lead pipes, health aspect becomes even more relevant.
Not to mention, acidic water leaves blue-green stains on your plumbing fixtures, faucets, and drains, as well as on bathtubs and sinks. Time and again we receive some cases of blonde hair turning into green, that’s all a cause of unbalanced pH levels.
The first step to any water treatment is to get your water tested. Water analysis allows to understand what’s inside the water and at what concentrations.
pH is like water temperature. If you have hot water, you add cold water to bring it to room temperature. Balancing pH works in the same sense.
The easiest way to elevate PH is to pass the water through a filter containing calcite which is simply slow dissolving calcium carbonate. In some cases, magnesium oxide (sometimes called Corsex) is also used. When acidic water flows through this medium, the minerals dissolve and slowly raise the pH levels.
If the water is alkaline, it means it’s carrying too many minerals and considered a hard water problem. In that case, a water softener is the best way forward.
Watercare has been in the water treatment business for almost 4 decades. Having completed countless water treatment projects, we have the required expertise to treat any complex water problem.
If you own a private well, the quality of water is subject to change depending on weather and geography. It’s always a good idea to consult the experts. Reach out to our water treatment experts and we would be happy to provide a solution.