Drinking Water and pH Levels: What You Should Know

Water is a vital component of life on Earth. All known forms of life need water to survive. Water is essential for proper functioning organs and tissues in the human body. It is also necessary for the proper functioning of all cells and the transportation of nutrients throughout the body. It is important to drink water in Indiana because the climate is hot and humid. The average temperature in Indiana is about 75 degrees Fahrenheit. When it is this hot, it is easy to become dehydrated. Dehydration can cause headaches, dizziness, and even fainting. Drinking water helps to prevent these problems. 

One thing you may have never considered is the pH of your drinking water. This post will discuss water pH, how it impacts your body, and how you can ensure your drinking water is at the correct pH.

What Does pH mean?

To best understand what pH is, let’s remind ourselves of the water cycle. The water cycle is the process that describes how water moves around on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. The water cycle has three main parts: evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Evaporation is when water turns from a liquid into a gas. When water is heated, it evaporates. The sun heats water in lakes, rivers, and the ocean. This water vapor then rises into the atmosphere. Condensation is when water vapor turns back into liquid water. This happens when the water vapor cools. Condensation usually occurs high in the atmosphere, where it is very cold. Precipitation is when water falls back to Earth as rain, sleet, or snow. Precipitation happens when the air can no longer hold all the water vapor. The water vapor then condenses and falls back to Earth. The water cycle is an important part of Earth’s climate. It helps to regulate the temperature of the Earth.

Water is a major component of the Earth’s hydrosphere. The hydrosphere is the water that covers the Earth’s surface, including all the oceans, lakes, rivers, and groundwater. The hydrosphere also includes the water vapor in the Earth’s atmosphere.

The most common cause of changes in water pH is the addition of acid rain. This can be caused by natural sources, such as volcanoes, or human activities—such as the burning of fossil fuels. Acid rain can make the water more acidic, leading to problems for plants, animals, and humans. Completely pure water has a pH level of 7, which is exactly in the middle of the scale, making the water a neutral drink. However, most water contains particles that may change the pH value from 6.5 (slightly acidic) to 8.5 (basic or alkaline). The usual pH range of surface water systems is 6.5 to 8.5, whereas the pH range of groundwater systems is 6 to 8.5. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for monitoring public drinking water quality across the United States by measuring pH levels. pH isn’t a quality that falls under EPA regulation because it’s considered an aesthetic quality of water. However, the agency recommends that municipal drinking water suppliers keep their water supply at a pH of 6.5 to 8.5.

The water pH in Indiana varies depending on the location. In general, the pH of surface water is slightly acidic and becomes more acidic with depth, and groundwater is usually more neutral to slightly alkaline. The pH of water can be affected by many things, including the type of rocks and minerals through which it has passed, the amount of organic matter it contains, and the presence of dissolved gases. 

Why should I care about the pH in my drinking water?

Most body fluids, including blood, saliva, and urine, have a slightly alkaline pH. This is because our bodies are designed to function best in an alkaline environment. However, the modern diet and lifestyle tend to be very acidic. This can lead to several health problems, including indigestion, fatigue, and skin problems. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the pH of your water. If your water is too acidic, it can contribute to these health problems. Conversely, if your water is too alkaline, it can make it difficult for your body to absorb nutrients.

Tap water quality monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency undergoes several purification procedures before being supplied to the public, including the addition of disinfectants, such as chlorine, to guard against germs. However, there are numerous pollutants you may not want in your body, and even chlorine in water can potentially create carcinogenic disinfection by-products.

Should I only drink alkaline water?

In recent years, alkaline water and other alkaline products have become popular, creating a new health trend. Although drinking alkaline water may momentarily modify the mouth’s or urine’s pH, there is no scientific evidence that it will affect the body’s overall pH. The pH levels in the body are tightly regulated, and changes in internal pH levels, such as blood pH, might indicate significant disorders in the organs and tissues. Therefore, even if it were feasible to modify the body’s pH using food and drink, doing so would be risky. 

However, alkaline water may still benefit some people since it contains minerals and electrolytes. Drinking this water after an exercise or while sick may aid in maintaining mineral and electrolyte balance, preventing dehydration. Also, studies have suggested that people with acid reflux illness may benefit from consuming alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 because researchers discovered that the water permanently inactivates an enzyme involved in heartburn, potentially alleviating symptoms.

Furthermore, if water is too alkaline or acidic, it may damage pipes and appliances and is usually unhealthy to consume. Acidic water usually tastes metallic due to the increased iron and manganese content. Water’s pH naturally ranges between 6.5 and 8.5 on the pH scale, which is normal. If the pH of water drops too far outside this range, it may be unsafe to drink and carry potential health risks.

How can I monitor my water pH?

It’s fairly easy and inexpensive to test the pH of your drinking water at home. All you need is a home test kit. These come in many different forms at different price points. 

Municipal water suppliers normally do a good job of keeping their water at a normal pH of around 7, so there’s usually no need to do your own home testing. However, if you notice that your faucets and pipes have taken on a rusty red, white, or blue color, you might want to take steps on your own. This discoloration—as well as any discoloration of your drinking water—is a sign of corrosion caused by acidic water.  Be sure to keep in communication with your local water provider. Ask for an annual report to maintain your drinking water quality.

Water pH can be measured at home using a pH meter—an electronic device that measures the acidity or basicity of a solution. The pH meter has a probe inserted into the water and a display showing the pH reading. If your drinking water pH falls outside the safe range, it’s time to act. 

As your local water treatment company, c and j water can test the pH of your water during our Free Water Analysis and give you solutions based on the results. We can come to your residence to test your water professionally and handle the situation if your test comes back abnormal.  Regardless of your particular water treatment needs, c and j water is here to help—contact us today!