Acidic water is water with a pH lower than 6.5. Your plumbing can get damaged if acidic water spends too much time running through it. The acidic water will corrode your pipes, even all the way through the pipes, leaving you with small leaks to repair. An acid neutralizer water filtration system from Hague Quality Water can balance the pH of your water, leaving you with great, non-corrosive water.
Imbalanced pH in drinking water refers to a situation where the pH levels of the water are outside the recommended range for safe drinking water. The pH level measures the acidity or alkalinity of water on a scale from 0 to 14, with 7 being considered neutral. Values below 7 indicate acidity, while values above 7 indicate alkalinity.
Imbalanced pH levels in drinking water can have several effects, such as:
- Corrosion: Low pH levels can cause corrosion in pipes and plumbing fixtures, potentially leading to the release of metals like lead, copper, and zinc into the water. This can affect the quality of the water.
- Taste and odor: Water with high or low pH levels may have an unpleasant taste or odor, which can affect its appeal and make it less enjoyable to drink.
- Skin discomfort: High pH levels in water can occasionally cause mild skin irritation or itching, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin.
- Algae growth: Water with high pH levels can create conditions favorable for the growth of algae and other microorganisms. This can result in reduced water quality and potentially harmful substances in the water.
- Impact on aquatic life: Imbalanced pH levels can have an adverse impact on aquatic life, particularly fish and other species that are sensitive to changes in pH levels.
- Mineral buildup: Water with high pH levels may cause minerals like calcium and magnesium to accumulate in pipes and plumbing fixtures over time. This can lead to mineral buildup, potentially affecting water flow and appliance performance.
It is important to maintain balanced pH levels in drinking water to avoid these potential issues and ensure the overall quality of the water.
References:
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories: The EPA provides information on drinking water standards, including pH levels, and their impact on health. You can visit their website at www.epa.gov/drinkingwaters standards.
- World Health Organization (WHO) - Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality: The WHO publishes guidelines on the quality of drinking water, including pH levels and associated health considerations. You can find more information on their website at www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/gdwq3/en/.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Drinking Water Contaminants: The CDC offers resources and information on various contaminants found in drinking water, including those related to pH imbalances. You can visit their website at www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/public/water_treatment.html.
- American Water Works Association (AWWA) - Water Quality and Treatment: The AWWA provides resources and guidelines for water quality and treatment, including information on pH balance in drinking water. You can explore their website at www.awwa.org/resources-tools/water-knowledge/water-quality-and-treatment.