pH in Water
In terms of water chemistry, alkalinity and pH are two very distinct measurements. When it comes to the pH level of water, we are referring to how acidic or alkaline the water is on a scale of 0-14. Anything above 7 is alkaline, whereas anything below this is acidic. Right in the middle of this (a reading of 7) we have pure water which we consider to be neutral amongst the scale.
What we are measuring is the concentration of hydrogen in the water. A lower concentration of these causes the pH level to be higher, whereas the a higher concentration of hydrogen ions corresponds to a lower pH. It’s not just the pH of drinking water that is examined within the water treatment industry. Alkalinity is another key factor.
What does Alkalinity mean?
Alkalinity is concerned with the buffering capacity of the water. Simply put, this means the ability of water to resist a change in pH (how well can the water neutralise the acids).
You may come across the term “total alkalinity”. It’s different to the phrase “alkaline water” which simply refers to water that possesses a pH level above 7.
The ions Carbonate, Bicarbonate and Hydroxide are naturally found in water. Alkalinity is concerned with the total amount of these dissolved substances (they absorb acid to ensure that the pH is stable). Hence the phrase “total alkalinity”.
It’s a highly important parameter within water treatment industry for many purposes, such as wastewater, the formation of scale, corrosion and more.
How is total alkalinity used in the water treatment industry?
For example, alkalinity is used to prevent the acidic corrosion of pipework and equipment. As low alkalinity water is much more susceptible to fast drops in pH (making it acidic), this can go on to leach toxic metals such as copper or lead from plumbing so proper alkalinity levels are important.
By balancing the alkalinity, water companies can ensure that the infrastructure that carries the water remains corrosion free.
Of course, when it comes to drinking water, you do not “need” to drink alkaline water. Your body has its own “buffering system” that keeps your blood pH at a between 7.35 and 7.45.
What does alkaline water taste like?
In terms of drinking water, alkaline water will have a smooth feel to it. As it contains more minerals than regular tap water (calcium and magnesium), there will be a hint of sweetness in the taste of this water. Some people also report finding alkaline water to have a crisp and refreshing feel to the palate.
Those that live in hard water areas of England such as the South-East or the capital, London will notice this. The East Midlands and East Anglia also have water that is naturally high in minerals. There is of course bottled alkaline water, but it really isn’t necessary. Regular tap water is already perfect for you to drink and is well managed to strict control in the UK. The pH falls between a 6.5–8.5 range on the pH scale, meaning it sits right around that neutral zone and is optimal for drinking,
What is the ideal water pH level for drinking?
The ideal pH of drinking water sits between 6.5 and 8.5. Taste is impacted either side of the neutral 7 mark. For example, if the pH is below 6.5, many people report a metallic taste. Between 6.5-8.5 and you’ll find the refreshing, crisp taste of balanced water. Above this, people find the water to be smooth in texture and can taste more bitter or a chalky sensation. This is due to the higher concentration of minerals found within this water.
pH Neutraliser
Are you someone who uses private borehole or well supply for water? If you’ve noticed signs of corrosion from acidic water such as blue-green stains on sinks), then you should consider the pH neutralisation filter cartridge.
This WQA Gold seal-certified cartridge fits both standard and industrial-size housing. It is the perfect tool for managing pH corrosion. It does this through increasing the pH of the water and raising its alkalinity. A product of Aries Filterworks, these cartridges are renowned across the world for their high performance in domestic and commercial settings.
FAQ
How do I know the pH of my water?
You can find this out by using pH test strips available online.
What should the pH of drinking water be?
The ideal range for this is between 6.5 and 8.5 on the pH scale.
What’s the difference between alkalinity and pH?
The pH tells you how acidic or alkaline the water currently is. Alkalinity tells you the ability of the water to resist a change in pH. It’s often referred to the buffering capacity,
Why is alkalinity important in the water treatment industry?
Alkalinity is an important parameter as it’s used to prevent issues like scaling and corrosion. Wastewater plants will also monitor and amend alkalinity to keep their biological treatment stable.
What are the UK areas that have high alkaline water?
Some of the most notable areas of high alkaline water in the UK are: London, counties such as Norfolk in East Anglia, and some areas of the Midlands such as Lincolnshire