The normal, so-called safe range of pH level of water, may reach a level of 6 to 8.5 but mustn't go beyond this limit; otherwise, it is going to be either too acidic or too basic.
Managing water pH levels is important as it influences taste and suitability for various activities. If you want a sweeter taste along with a couple of health benefits, alkaline water is preferable, but if you want water as a disinfectant, acidic water is ideal. Whatever the case, it is important to adjust water pH levels according to the needs or preferences.
This leads to the discussion of two primary goals, increasing or lowering the pH levels. If you want to learn how to change pH of water, then this blog is for you. But first, let's address the common causes of imbalanced pH in water.
Table of Contents
Common Causes of Imbalanced pH in Water
How to Change pH of Water at Home?Common Causes of Imbalanced pH in Water
Imbalanced pH in water is usually caused by many factors, including both natural and human factors. Hence, it is quite common and can be managed timely.
-
Natural Minerals
Natural minerals such as calcium carbonate and limestone can change the water's pH because they may react with hydrogen and hydroxyl ions to increase the alkalinity in the water.
Moreover, pine or fir needles decrease the pH of soil and water running over it.
-
Pollutants
Pollutants are also a major contributor to increasing or decreasing water pH. The best example of this case is acid rain (pH lower than 5.0). Acid rain happens when water reacts with nitrogen oxides or other acidic compounds. These emissions come from mining or the combustion of automobiles.
-
Chemical Treatments
Chemicals from wastewater discharge or industrial operations also affect the pH of water. Wastewater discharge contains detergents that may increase the alkalinity of water.
Considering these scenarios, you may wonder what the ideal pH of drinking water should be, so give this blog a read.
How to Check pH of Water?
If you wonder how to find pH of water at home, we have curated the best methods to do so.
-
Use a Digital pH Meter
A digital pH meter, such as the SimPure Digital Electronic Water PH Level Balance Meter Tester is ideal for checking water pH levels. The only thing that you have to do is take off the protective cap from the meter, and put an item into a glass full of water for a maximum of 30 seconds, after which the meter will indicate the current pH of the water.
-
Use a pH Strip
If you want to know the easy way of how to check ph of water, then the PH test strips are the best. They are also useful in providing information on how much acidic or basic that liquid is.
Simply fill a glass of water deep enough to submerge the strip completely. Dip the test strip for a few seconds, and if it changes color, match the color to the provided color chart to indicate the desired pH.
How to Change pH of Water at Home?
So far, so good with reasons for differences in pH level; now let’s find out how to change pH of water at home. In the following sections, methods on how to increase or decrease ph of water will be provided. To make it easier for you, we will be addressing the ways to increase or lower the pH separately. First, let’s address how to increase ph in water.
How to Increase the pH Level of Water?
Perhaps the most common question that many have about increasing water pH is, "Can you change the pH of water without chemicals.” Well, yes you can. By using basic ingredients available commonly in the home, you can increase the pH level of water.
1. Reverse osmosis with remineralization filters.
Reverse osmosis is an effective method of increasing water alkalinity, especially coupled with remineralization filters that restore essential minerals.
To have a constant supply of alkaline drinking water at home consider buying a SimPure T1-400 Alkaline 400GPD 8 Stage Tankless Reverse Osmosis System with Remineralization capabilities. It consists of eight stages with 8-stage filtration technology making sure that no contaminants remain before making it safe to drink.
The best aspect of this RO system is its ALK filter which restores essential minerals in water and ensures a balanced alkaline pH greater than 7.5. This results in more natural-tasting water than its counterparts.
2. Add Baking Soda
If you want to know how to increase the pH level of water using commonly available ingredients, then consider baking soda. Baking soda itself is slightly basic and has an 8.4 pH. It can be good for increasing the water pH by 1, meaning if the water is highly acidic, then it may not work that well. Mix 1 tsp of baking soda with 250 ml of water and stir the solution well.
3. Add Milk of Magnesia
Milk of magnesia is alkaline and causes neutralization when it comes in contact with anything acidic. This makes it ideal for increasing the pH of acidic water. Add a tablet of magnesia milk to a pitcher and enjoy up to 8 glasses of water throughout the day.
How to Lower pH Levels in Water?
Likewise, if you wonder how to lower pH levels in water, you can employ specific methods to make water more acidic. Perhaps, you want to use acidic water to clean or disinfect surfaces, or you want to treat inflammatory skin conditions. Whatever the case, water’s pH can be lowered naturally using the following methods.
1. Using a Reverse Osmosis System
Water pH can optimally be reduced using a reverse osmosis system. For instance, a SimPure reverse osmosis system. This is because, upon water passing through the semipermeable membrane, a lot of minerals such as calcium and magnesium get removed and hence tend to lower the pH of the water. Also, when the filtered water is exposed to air, its pH falls even more by dissolving the carbon dioxide in the reverse osmosis water since the water lacks minerals. (Read more about the pH of RO water here).
2. Add a Fresh Lemon
Fresh lemons are acidic, and placing them in the water with the intention of the latter becoming basic, seems contrary. Adding a few drops of lemon juice in water has an alkalizing effect on the body.
Add a fresh squeeze of lemon to a pitcher of water for up to 8 glasses of alkaline water daily.
3. Add Papaya Stems
If you want to learn how to increase acidity in water, you may use papaya stems. Simply soak the stems or leaves in a pitcher of water, and the pH will be lowered.
Pros and Cons of Altering Water pH
Now you must have had quite a good idea about how water is made more or less acidic. Though both are useful in their own ways, it is of immense importance to know the pros and cons of highly acidic or highly basic water.
Pros of Acidic Water
-
Acidic water has antimicrobial effects, so it is particularly effective in treating atopic dermatitis.
-
It is beneficial for hair and scalp health as hair naturally has more acidic pH levels. Acidic water also reduces dandruff and prevents hair loss.
Cons of Acidic Water
-
It may lead to tooth decay as the enamel is prone to acidity.
-
The disadvantage is it contains heavy metals in the water, which may cause toxicity and symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, and pain in the abdomen.
Pros of Alkaline Water
-
Alkaline water increases the density of bones, especially in post-menopausal women, a fact established as a result of numerous studies.
-
It cures the disorders of cancer and metabolic types.
Cons of Alkaline Water
-
Overconsumption of alkaline water breaks the normal rate of body pH.
-
It creates many sorts of disorders in the gastrointestinal area, such as vomiting or pain in the stomach.
Balanced water also tastes better and offers hydration along with several health benefits with no side effects. So, if you wonder how to change the ph of drinking water, you should keep this in mind.
Practical Tips for Managing Water pH at Home
Managing water pH levels at home is essential to ensure a balanced taste and health considerations. Too acidic or too alkaline water is potentially risky so water pH management is important. Here’s how to change ph value of water and make it balanced.
-
Regularly Test Water pH Levels
While municipal water is normally neutral, if you notice that your water tastes bitter or sweet, then it may be too acidic or too alkaline. You can easily check for pH by using a digital pH meter or pH test strips. A meter is ideal as it ensures a quick response. You may then take employ the natural methods mentioned above to increase or decrease the pH.
-
Use Filtration Systems
Use good-quality filtration systems to continuously purify your water and neutralize it. Filtration systems with the latest technology and multiple filters remove pollutants, and harmful bacteria, and make your water taste neutral and balanced.
Conclusion
This blog addressed how to change ph of water in depth. It is recommended to take a balanced approach when adjusting water pH levels, as highly acidic or basic water comes with side effects and may not be suitable in the long run. Therefore, you should consider balanced water regularly and only increase or lower the pH when required.
Sources