It is common knowledge that having access to safe, clean drinking water is crucial for overall health. However, there are a few factors that are frequently disregarded but add to the safety and cleanliness of the water you drink. The pH of water is one such component. Governmental organisations in the majority of nations determine permissible pH values for the water supply.
The pH of drinking water is an important factor that affects the quality of the water and has to be regularly monitored, even though it has no direct effect on users. The flavour or look of water can be impacted by pH levels that are out of the typical range, which could eventually lead to health issues.
What Is pH Level?
How acidic anything is is determined by its pH value. Things classified as basic are not very acidic. From zero (the most acidic) to 14 (the most basic), the scale's values are as follows: The pH scale illustrates that pure water has a pH of 7. Neither basic nor acidic, this number is regarded as neutral. pH values of 5.0 to 5.5, which are slightly acidic, are typical for clean rain. Still, rain gets significantly more acidic when it mixes with sulphur dioxide or nitrogen oxides, which are produced by cars and power plants. pH 4.0 is the average for acid rain. Ten times more acidity is indicated by a pH drop from 5.0 to 4.0.
What pH Is Considered Safe For Drinking Water?
According to the Bureau of Indian Standards' drinking water regulations, the allowable pH level ranges from 6.5 to 8.5. The US Environmental Protection Agency recommends a pH of 6.6 to 8.5 for drinking water. The pH levels of freshwater accessible across the world vary due to factors such as weather, human activity, natural events, and so on.
Extremely low pH values in water are typically signs of heavy metal or chemical contamination. Drinking acidic water is not recommended. It could corrode the pipes as well. Water that is alkaline and does not precisely fall within the recommended pH range is not dangerous. However, drinking alkaline water can be challenging due to its intense taste and odour. Typically, municipal and civic organisations examine the pH levels of the water to determine its quality, and if any pollutants are found, they may treat the water to make it safe for human consumption.
The Importance Of pH Levels Of Water
Water's pH level is significant because it can influence the solubility, behaviour, and reactions of chemicals and heavy metals in the water. For instance, this might result in the water distribution system's pipes corroding. Normally innocuous compounds in water can become hazardous due to an unheard-of shift in pH values. In addition, this may alter the flavour, smell, and look of water, all of which might be harmful for consumption.
Even though pH levels in water have very little bearing on health and safety, it's important to consider them in the context of other factors like temperature, oxygen content, and the concentration of minerals and metals. These are the criteria that indicate the overall quality of the water and need to be regularly checked.