We all know that drinking water is a healthier option than many other drink options. What you may not be aware of is that even drinking water can pose health risks when the pH levels are not safe. If you have been wondering what is the best pH level of water for drinking, this quick guide will answer this question.
Understanding pH Levels
Most people have heard the term pH level, but do you really understand what this means? The term pH is actually a measurement of the electrically charged particles in any substance. This lets us know how acidic or alkaline a substance is. These levels are crucial to human health. Certain pH levels cannot be ingested.
The pH levels run on a scale from 0 to 14. Strongly acidic substances, such as battery acid, would have a pH level of 0. Alkaline water would have a pH of 8 or above. An example of a strongly alkaline substance would be lye. It has a pH level of 14.
Pure water would have a pH level of 7. This level is considered to be neutral. It has neither acidic nor basic qualities.
What pH Should My Drinking Water Be?
The pH levels for safe drinking water recommendations are established by the US EPA. This organization is in charge of establishing environmental safety regulations. They monitor public drinking water across the US. Although they do not directly regulate drinking water, they do publish recommendations and help to monitor drinking water supplies.
The EPA recommends that water supplies fall within a pH range of 6.5 to 8.5.
Is Changing pH Bad?
When pH levels of water supplies begin to change significantly, it can signal that there are chemicals or heavy metals present in the water source or supply. Unsafe pH levels can cause health issues when ingested, and they can also cause damage to pipes or appliances.
Can I Test pH Levels at Home?
Although most communities do a good job of checking pH levels for residents, you may want to check pH levels yourself at home. If you notice changes in the taste of your water or if you notice changes in your pipes, faucets or appliances, it might be a good idea to investigate the pH levels yourself.
You can conduct an at-home pH level test with a pH testing kit. These can be ordered online, and they are relatively inexpensive.
What Do I Do If pH Levels Are Off?
If you discover that the pH levels of your water at home are not where they should be, you can contact local professionals to conduct a more thorough test. These professionals can also help you with steps to amend your water so that the pH levels are within safe ranges.
A seriously unsafe pH level would also need to come to the attention of your local water authority.