Other factors are acid precipitation, dumping of chemicals, and coal mine drainage. This carbon dioxide reacts with water only to increase its acidity. Plants also give off carbon dioxide in the form of cell respiration and also during its decomposition. The acidity of the water can still be neutralized.Īnother factor can be the organic material and plant growth near the water, which may also influence its acidity. The pH of water here can be influenced by the rock type. The primary and most common reason for this is the soil composition and bedrock where the water is located. Unluckily, not every kind of water available is pure water, and the chance of getting the actual neutral level is, in fact, rare.īut why do pH levels change? The fluctuation is caused by varying factors affecting the alkalinity and acidity of water. The neutral pH of 7, located in the middle of the pH scale, is pure water. However, if H + is greater than OH -, the substance is acidic, and otherwise, it’s basic. If the two ions are of equal concentration, they form water, which is neutral. pH measures the concentration of H + and Hydroxide (OH -) ions that make up water (H 2O): 1H + + 1OH - = H 2O. The concept behind pH is the existence of Hydrogen (H +) ions that control the acidity level. For example, tomato juice with pH 4 is ten times more acidic than black coffee, whose pH level is 5. So basically, those with a pH level below 7 are acidic, and those with a pH level above 7 are alkaline.Īcids and bases are two opposing extremes, so mixing acid and base of equal extremity makes the solution even out and become neutral, just like mixing hot and cold water.Īlthough some substances differ in acidity by a unit of measurement, their actual difference is about tenfold. Meanwhile, the closer it gets to 14, the more basic it is.Ī pH level of 7 means it is neutral. The closer the pH level gets to 0, the more acidic it is. The acidity of a solution is measured using its pH level on a scale from 0 up to 14. On the other hand, egg whites are slightly alkaline, and it has a pH level of 8.0, while the milk of magnesia has a pH level of 10. Meanwhile, carbonated drinks like cola have a pH level of 4.0 to 4.5. For example, citrus fruits like limes, oranges, and lemons are acidic. We consume various beverages and foods with a wide range of pH.

However, this can change as it passes through the network of water mains and reservoirs. Water leaving the treatment works should have a pH of 7 and 9.

The water quality regulations specify that the tap water should have a pH level of 6.5 to 9.5. Why Do We Test our Water for Ph?Īgain, pH is a numerical value that is used to determine if the water is acidic. Finally, pH is important in chemistry, agriculture, medicine, oceanography, engineering, biology, and water purification. It is used to design cocktails, food preservation, and cleaners. It is used in cooking when a baking powder reacts with food to make the goods rise. PH is used in everyday life, even in science and technology. For example, there is no pH value in gasoline, vegetable oil, or pure alcohol. Remember that not all liquids have a pH value. Meanwhile, some basic foods are vegetables like beets, bell peppers, and kale which are highly alkaline. Some types of foods that are acidic are processed foods like yogurt, fish, and cheese. Meanwhile, the higher the scale, it is basic or alkaline, and the seventh is the neutral scale. Like already mentioned, the lower the scale, it is acidic. What is pH?Īccording to Wikipedia, in chemistry, pH is a scale value to tell whether an aqueous solution is acidic or basic. Furthermore, we will discuss the importance of pH in water and determine its difference with alkalinity. We will know the recommended pH level for tap, pure, and filtered drinking water. In this article, we will discuss the pH level more. You may have encountered diet fads or special kinds of drinks that claim to be having “high alkaline.” What does this mean, and how does pH level has something to do with it? It is worth taking note that pH levels of seven (7) is the neutral level, under seven (7) is the alkaline. This measurement is based on a scale that goes from 0 to 14. pH is the measurement of hydrogen ions concentration. In your body, the pH, or potential hydrogen level, is influenced by the food and kind of drinks you consume. Having a good pH balance plays a significant factor in your overall health, which doctors and scientists generally agree upon.

Pure water