pH is the measurement used to indicate the acidity or alkalinity of a solution on a logarithmic scale. The measurements fall between 1 and 14 with 1 containing higher concentrations of hydrogen (acidic) and 14 containing fewer concentrations of hydrogen (basic). A solution reading 7. such as pure water at room temperature, is considered neutral. Generally, water with a pH level above 7 is considered basic and water with a pH level below 7 is considered acidic. Moreover, the normal pH for surface water systems is between 6.5 and 8.5. However, in ground water systems the normal pH is between 6 and 8.5. The easiest way to find out if you have acidic water is through a water analysis.
There are several signs you may notice if you have acidic water. To begin, you may notice greenish or blue stains in your toilet, sink, or bathtub. You may also see greenish or blue stains on or between the tiles in your shower. Acidic water and copper pipes do not mix. Fragile pipes with thin walls, pinhole leaks in pipes, or corroded and/or continuously leaking faucets and fixtures are also indications you need a water treatment system. Another question you may ask when examining your water for acidity is, “what does acidic water taste like” or “is acidic water hard or soft?” Whereas water containing high levels of alkaline may be bitter in taste, acidic water is sour due to the metal impurities.
Once you have conducted a water analysis and discovered you have acidic water you may wonder, “is acidic water bad for you,” “can acidic water make you sick,” and “how does acidic water affect humans?” When your home or business has acidic water it can leach metals from the pipes used to deliver your water. These metals include but are not limited to manganese, iron, copper, and lead. Moreover, in high quantities, they can be toxic to the human body causing metal poisoning and other adverse effects. Therefore, acidic water is a health risk and should be treated expeditiously.
While acidic water may present some benefits for your hair and skin, it is far more detrimental to appliances and pipes within your home or business. Additionally, the benefits associated with acidic water in hair are replicated through the use of shampoo and the combination of acidic water and shampoo can cause dry hair, dandruff, and the scaling of the scalp.
Maryland and the surrounding regions and states such as DC and Virginia are notorious for having acidic water. If you are questioning “how to treat acidic drinking water” or “how to neutralize acidic water,” there is an acidic water treatment process. In actuality, there are two methods particularly effective in neutralizing acidic water: an acid neutralizer and a solution feeder system. While both methods vary in cost and efficiency, they are effective in converting acidic water to alkaline.