Different Ways To Raise The pH Of Drinking Water

Drinking water needs to be purified before consumption to remove any unwanted contaminants and to stabilize the properties like pH and mineral content. pH in drinking water is usually an indication of the acid or alkaline condition of water. A pH value of less than seven indicates acidic water. A pH value of more than seven, means alkalinity in water. Drinking water should have a pH value of seven or close to it. Low pH levels in drinking water can be corrected with specific methods.

A water distiller is effective for raising the pH of drinking water. A distiller heats the drinking water to remove the unwanted acidic particles and condenses the steam to form water free form acidic components. The pH of the distilled water is seven or around seven, i.e., neutral. This pH is considered safe for drinking water and can be increased by adding pH-increasing ingredients like pH drops.

A neutralizing filter is very effective method for pH correction in drinking water systems. These filters are equipped with calcite, limestone or magnesia minerals that release calculated amounts of calcium or magnesium in the water system to ensure an increase in pH from acidic levels to neutral or alkaline levels. These neutralizing filters also reduce the risk of leaching of copper and lead from the plumbing equipments into the drinking water stream.

For removing acidic pH levels in large quantities of water, a neutralizing solution of soda carbonate in water can be fed to the water system. Sodium carbonate can increase the pH to eight, if required. A substitute for sodium carbonate can be potassium carbonate in the neutralizing feed. The quantities of sodium carbonate or potassium carbonate in the neutralizing feed solution must be maintained under the prescribed level to avoid any unwanted health effects. Any process for alteration in the pH level must be done under the supervision and guidance of an expert.

A water ionizer separates the alkaline and the acidic parts of water through electrolysis. The alkaline part of water is used for drinking purposes, while the acidic part can be used for washing and other sanitary purposes. A water ionizer can provide alkaline water with a pH of up to nine. Ionizers are costlier than neutralizing filters and neutralizing solutions, but effectively work for pH correction of acidic, low pH water.