Understanding pH Levels in Drinking Water and How to Balance Them

We know about the need for pure, filtered water to achieve good hydration and the many health benefits that stem from this. However, the often-overlooked yet vital aspect is the pH level of our drinking water, as this affects our health in a number of ways.
In this blog, we will look at the concept of what a pH level is, what is the best pH level for drinking water, and ways to balance pH levels for optimal water quality.
 

What are pH Levels and Why Do They Matter? 

The pH levels (which stand for the power of hydrogen) describe the levels of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions present in water, which in turn dictates its alkalinity or acidity. When ingested, this affects a large number of chemical reactions within the body, which drive our biological functions. This is why maintaining the proper pH balance in drinking water is essential for health.
 

Ideal pH for Drinking Water: What You Need to Know

The safe, healthy, ideal pH level for drinking water ranges between 7 and 8.5, which is aligned with the human body's natural pH levels, and supports its functions. This is the neutral ‘Goldilocks’ pH zone, where the water is neither too alkaline nor too acidic.
 

How pH Levels Affect Health

The pH levels support many vital functions in the body, such as optimising hydration and digestion and facilitating nutrient absorption. When the pH of water rises above 9.5 or falls below 6.5, these vital functions can be compromised, affecting your overall health.
 

How to Test the pH of Your Drinking Water

 
Testing the pH of your drinking water is easy.
  1. Purchase a simple pH testing kit from a hardware shop. It usually consists of strips and a colour chart.
  2. Fill a clean container with water and dip a pH strip into it, according to the kit’s instructions
  3. After waiting for a short time, the pH strip will change colour
  4. Finally, compare the strip's colour to the colour chart provided in the kit to determine the water's pH level.
 

Methods to Balance pH Levels in Drinking Water

There are a number of methods you can use to balance the pH levels in your drinking water. These include:
 

Using pH Balancing Filters

Using pH-balancing filters balances the water’s pH levels by reducing its acidity. The filters do this by adding minerals such as magnesium, potassium and calcium into the water. This solution provides consistent results for maintaining the correct pH levels. 
 

Adding Alkaline or Acidic Substances

Another way to balance pH levels is to add substances such as baking soda (to increase the pH level) and lemon juice (to lower the pH level) to the water. However, this method risks overcorrecting the balance, so dosages need to be exact.
 

Using Reverse Osmosis Systems

A reverse osmosis filter system is the most advanced method available to purify water. This multi-filtration state-of-the-art system, which can be installed in the home or workplace, is designed to consistently stabilise pH levels and eliminate a host of impurities, such as fluoride, chlorine, heavy metals, hormones, viruses, and microplastics. It guarantees healthy, safe water for drinking, cooking and washing.
 

Achieve Optimal Water Quality with AquaSafe


Contact the pure water experts at AquaSafe for professional advice and solutions to balance the pH levels in your drinking water. Our range of specialised water filters is designed to optimise your health and the health of your loved ones (including pets!). Get started today, and reap the many rewards of using pure, filtered, pH-balanced water.