What pH is my Tap Water?

November 07, 2023 3 min read

What pH is my Tap Water?

People have different opinions about tap water. Some people do not like the taste, others fear it is not as clean as filtered water. Cases like Flint, Michigan accentuate these fears, and rightly so. Despite regulations to ensure tap water quality in the U.S., not all tap water is created equal. Knowing the pH of your tap water allows you to better understand what you are putting into your body… and if it’s good for you. 

Understanding pH 

Every liquid is assigned a number to represent its pH. The numbers vary from 0 to 14, and these numbers represent how acidic or alkaline (also called basic) a liquid is. The number 7 is a completely neutral pH, and typically this number is assigned to water. The range of 0 to 6.9 represents acidic liquids, with 0 being the most acidic. The inverse is also true: 7.1 to 14 represents alkaline liquids, with 14 being the most alkaline a liquid can be. 

What is the pH of tap water?

There are guidelines that the pH of tap water should fall in the range of 6.5 to 8.5 (1). It is generally accepted that tap water has an average pH of 7.5 globally (2). That being said, the United States falls dangerously below average. The range of tap water in the United States sits between 4.3 and 5.3–much more acidic than the global average, depending on where you live.

Does it matter what my tap water’s pH is?

While consuming more acidic tap water may not seem like a big deal, too much acidity in your diet leads to a slew of negative health effects. For the human body to function optimally, its pH needs to stay between 7.35 and 7.45 (3). The consumption of too many acidic foods or drinks may lower this pH, which can lead to a blood disease called acidosis. Additionally, acidic water can contain heavy metals, which is bad for both dental health and bone health (4). Consuming heavy metals can also cause diarrhea, nausea, and organ damage. 

Low pH tap water is not only bad for your health, however. Its high acidity also corrodes metal pipes, which adds even more heavy metals into the water. 

How to increase your tap water’s pH

There are many ways to increase the pH of tap water, including installing a reverse osmosis filter or using a water ionizer. However, these methods are expensive and require maintenance. For a more cost-efficient option, try an alkalizing water pitcher from Seychelle. These pitchers are convenient, efficient, and will not break the bank, all while ensuring high pH water every time. 

What are the benefits of pH water?

While research is still being conducted on pH water, many studies find health benefits connected to the water. Alkaline water may prevent acid reflux, reduce blood viscosity, and promote better stool production. It is seen to promote better health in both humans and pets. 

The Wrap-Up

While the pH of tap water varies based on location, tap water in the United States generally falls below the global average. Tap water in the U.S. is significantly more acidic, which can lead to negative health effects. To offset these effects, it is recommended to raise the water’s pH. One way of doing so is by investing in a Seychelle water filter. These pitchers are guaranteed to raise your water’s pH to help you reap the benefits of alkaline water. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What pH is filtered tap water?

In the United States, tap water typically ranges from 4.3 to 5.3. 

Is tap water alkaline or acidic?

Tap water supposedly falls right around 7.4, which is neutral. However, in the United States, tap water tends to be more acidic. 

What is the safest pH level of water?

The EPA recommends a pH between 6.5 and 8.5. 

References

  1. Carol DerSarkissian,WebMD,https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-is-alkaline-water 
  2. Natalie Butler,Healthline,https://www.healthline.com/health/ph-of-drinking-water#_noHeaderPrefixedContent 
  3. Dr. Surat,News Medical,https://www.news-medical.net/health/pH-in-the-Human-Body.aspx 
  4. Miho Hatanaka,Healthline,https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/acidic-water#side-effects-risks