There are so many different brands of water on the market today. Some people say they all taste the same, but that’s not necessarily true. There are multiple factors that can affect how water tastes, with pH levels being one of them. This brief article will explain what pH is, what it means in terms of water, and how it affects your health.

What is a pH Level?

A pH level determines the amount of electrically charged chemicals within a substance. It’s measured on a scale from 0-14. Very acidic things have a pH of 0-6.9, whereas basic substances have a pH of 8-14. Neutral substances have a pH of exactly seven. The Environmental Protection Agency has recommended that water supply companies keep their water’s pH level between 6.5-8.5. Anything above or below that could have negative effects on your health.

pH Levels and Your Health

People don’t like knowing there are chemicals in their drinking water. However, as long as the levels are within the acceptable range outlined by the EPA, the water is safe to drink. It’s when the pH levels are too high or too low that things begin to get dangerous.

Low pH Levels

If water has a low pH level, it’s very acidic. Drinking acidic water regularly can have adverse effects on your health. Regular consumption of acidic water can cause acid reflux and frequent heartburn—it also doesn’t taste very good. Water with an extremely low pH level can even corrode certain metals.

High pH Levels

Water with high pH levels is known as alkaline water. Alkaline water has become trendy these days. More and more companies are selling water with a higher pH level under the guise that it’s beneficial for your health. Some studies suggest that alkaline water has anti-aging properties and promotes weight loss. However, none of these studies have been proven. None of the research indicates that there are any health benefits to alkaline water. In fact, excessive amounts of alkaline water can cause vomiting or tingling in the hands and face. Also, alkaline water can create problems at home. Water with a higher pH has been linked to slower plumbing and lower water heater efficiency.

It’s important to make sure you’re drinking water with safe pH levels. Drinking water with high or low levels of pH can negatively impact your health. Moreover, water with imbalanced pH levels can cause plumbing problems. If you suspect that your pipes are being affected by imbalanced pH levels in water, contact Delmarva Water Solutions ASAP. We offer the best well water treatment in Maryland and will ensure the issue is taken care of properly.