Low pH in drinking water is not dangerous to your health, but the cause should be examined. It may be from a natural geological condition in the well or ground. It could also be a result of acid rain. On the other hand, low pH may indicate a metal problem within the plumbing system -- something that could cause health issues. Regardless of the reason it occurred, it is possible to safely increase pH in your drinking water.
Definition
Potential of hydrogen is what the letters pH stand for. The pH level refers to how acidic the drinking water is, or the amount of hydrogen that is found within the water. The scale to measure pH is zero to 14, with seven considered neutrally balanced. The pH of water can affect how it tastes. If it is under seven, it may taste more corrosive, while water with a pH of over seven can taste more alkaline.
Testing
An indication of low pH in your drinking water could be blue-green stains on copper plumbing or red stains on iron plumbing, but you won't know for sure until you test it. You can purchase a pH testing kit at a home improvement store. You can usually find them in the swimming pool section. If you test the pH in your drinking water and it needs to be increased, you should have a plumber make sure there isn't metal or corrosion within the system.
Filters
A neutralizing filter within your plumbing system can help safely increase the pH in your drinking water. The filter should contain calcium carbonate, also known as limestone, or magnesium oxide, referred to as magnesia. Filters need to be cleaned periodically, or you can replace the cartridge filter. On a smaller scale, you can buy water filters that screw onto your sink, or pitchers that contain similar filters, to increase drinking water pH.
Chemical Solutions
If you are trying to directly increase the pH of water, you can add a neutralizing agent to the water. Soda ash, sodium carbonate and potassium can be added to the water. The soda ash can also be mixed with hypochlorite bleach. These chemicals can be put into a water supply using a chemical feed pump. Only do this with the guidance of a professional plumber as it will not be safe to add chemicals to drinking water without knowing the proper dose to use.
Considerations
Keep in mind that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency does not deem it necessary to regulate the pH levels in drinking water for safety reasons. The agency only recommends levels between 6.5 and 8.5 as a guidance for well owners. Increasing the pH of drinking water should be done with care if needed to improve the taste in water. When doing so, be sure to address the reason for the low pH as it is the cause, not the pH, that may harm your health.
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