According to the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, your drinking water should have a pH between 6.5 and 8.5. Any higher, and the water becomes "hard." While not a health hazard, hard water leaves mineral deposits in your pipes that will eventually hinder your water delivery system. At a pH of less than 6.5, the water becomes "soft," meaning corrosive and metallic material from your pipes or storage system will seep into it. This is a health hazard, so if your water's pH is less than 6.5, you should take steps to raise it.
Step 1
Fill a container with the drinking water you're concerned about to test its pH. If you're using a pH meter, dip the electrode into the water and wait for the meter to read and display the water's pH; if you're using litmus paper, dip a strip into the water, then remove it and wait about a minute for its color to change. Match the color on the pH strip to the color guide the litmus paper came with. If the pH of your water is less than 6.5, you will want to raise the pH.
Step 2
Add a generous pinch of washing soda to the water and stir the solution for about 30 seconds.
Step 3
Retest the pH to determine how much the washing soda raised it. If the pH is still below 6.5, repeatedly add more washing soda and retest the water until the pH has reached a satisfactorily level.
Step 4
Record how much washing soda you had to add to the water to reach a desirable pH level. That way, you'll know in the future how much to add right away to make this container of water safe to drink.
Tips and Warnings
- Because acidic water is corrosive and may contain metal ions and other particulates, you should install a water filter on your faucet that neutralizes these health hazards. If you own a private well whose water pH is low, you can consult with contractors about installing an automated system that feeds the correct amount of washing soda into your water supply as it exits your well.
Things You'll Need
- pH Meter or Litmus paper
- Washing soda
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