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Understanding the pH of tap water: Why is it important and how can it be optimised?

Did you know that the pH of tap water can affect not only your health, but also your household appliances? Yes, you read that right! This mysterious little number can influence much more than you imagine.

pH is a bit like the personality of water: is it acidic, neutral or basic ? Understanding this concept is crucial to everything, from maintaining your plumbing to protecting your skin. In this article, we'll demystify the pH of tap water and explain why it's so important.

Ready to delve into this fascinating subject? You're about to discover how to measure the pH of your waterwhy it is essential to monitor itand, above all, how you canoptimise to improve your quality of life. So stay with us, we'll tell you all about it!

What is pH?

So let's talk about the pH of tap water. This little number, measured on a scale from 0 to 14, tells us whether the water is acidic, neutral or basic. But what does this mean chemically?

pH < 7: The water is acidic. This means it contains more hydrogen ions (H+). Acidic water can be more corrosive, attacking pipes and household appliances, and can cause irritation to the skin and mucous membranes.
pH = 7: The water is neutral. At this level, the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) is equal to that of hydroxyl ions (OH-). Neutral water is generally gentler on the skin and does not damage pipes or appliances.
pH > 7: Water is basic (or alkaline). This means that it contains more hydroxyl ions (OH-). Basic water can cause limestonemaking pipes and appliances less efficient, and can also dry out skin and hair.

Ah, and you may be wondering why the name pH?

The pH is determined by the concentration of hydrogen ions (𝐻+) in the solution. Formally, pH is defined as the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration: pH = -log[𝐻+].

So we can understand why the H stands for hydrogen, but the p?

The "p" in "pH" comes from the German word "Potenz," which means "potent".power"orpotential." In chemistry, the "p" is often used to indicate the negative logarithm of a concentration. Therefore, "pH"meanshydrogen power"orhydrogen potential“

The pH of tap water in France

In France, the pH of tap water varies from region to region and from water source to water source. quality standards tell us that it has to be between 6.5 and 9.5 to be potable.

A number of factors can influence the pH of your water. Visit dissolved mineralsfor example, play a major role: the more calcium or magnesium, the more basic the water can be. Treating water to make it drinkable can also change its pH. And let's not forget the pollutionwhich can unfortunately acidify certain water sources.

In short, the pH of tap water in France is the result of a complex mixture of natural and human factors. Knowing about these variations can help you better understand the quality of your water and act accordingly.

Why is the pH of tap water important?

Why is this important? Because the pH influences many things:

Impact on the taste of water

Well-balanced water tastes better.

Neutral pH (around 7) : Water with a pH close to 7 is generally perceived as having a high pleasant, neutral taste. This is the ideal pH for drinking water.
Acidic pH (below 7) : Slightly acidic water can have a metallic or sour taste. This may be due to the dissolution of metals present in the pipes, such as copper or lead.
Alkaline pH (above 7) : Slightly alkaline water can have a taste of bicarbonate or soap. Certain minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, can give water a "harder" taste.

Impact on health

In terms of health, water that is too acidic or too basic can cause problems. For example, water that is too acidic can lead to irritations and imbalances in your digestive systemwhile water too basic can affect the digestion and thenutrient absorption. Balance is therefore essential if your body is to function at its best.

Impact on household appliances

Then there are your household appliances. An unsuitable pH can cause corrosion problems in your pipes and reduce the effectiveness of your cleaning products. Water with too acidic can gnawing metalwhile water too basic can leave limescale deposits.

Results washing machines, dishwashers and water heaters that wear out more quickly.

Impact on skin and hair

Finally, let's not forget your skin and hair. An unbalanced pH can make your dry, irritated skinand your dull, brittle hair. The water you use every day to wash your body has a crucial role in the health of your skin and hair.

To make a comparison, the pH of tap water is a bit like the seasoning in a recipe: a small variation can change everything. Make sure it's well-balanced so you can enjoy its benefits without suffering its drawbacks!

So, knowing and balance the pH of your tap waterThis means healthier water that's more pleasant to use every day.

Summary table of disadvantages (and solutions) for tap water that is too acidic or too basic

To help you better understand and manage the pH of your tap water, here's a table summarising the main disadvantages of water that's too acidic or too basic, along with practical solutions to remedy the situation. You'll see, it's easier than it looks!

Disadvantages	Water too acidic	Water too basic
Health	Irritation of the skin and mucous membranes, digestive problems	Dryness and irritation of the skin and hair
Household appliances	Corrosion of pipes and equipment	Scale build-up, reducing the efficiency and lifespan of appliances
Taste	Unpleasant metallic taste	Unpleasant taste of water
Heavy metals	Dissolution of heavy metals and plastics (lead, copper, polyethylene) from pipes	N/A

Solutions	Water too acidic	Water too basic
Solution 1	Installing a calcium-magnesium remineralisation filter which will naturally raise the pH.	Installing a water softener : Reduces alkalinity and protects household appliances.
Solution 2	Specific water filters Activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis for pH adjustment	Acidification filters Adding safe acids to neutralise excess basicity
Solution 3	Add baking soda Neutralises acidity in small quantities of water	Using food acids White vinegar or lemon juice for small quantities of water
Solution 4	Use remineralising cartridges Add alkaline minerals to stabilise the pH	Installing a water softener with pH control Adjust water hardness and pH
Solution 5	Check and adjust the pH regularly Use test strips or an electronic pH meter	Check and adjust the pH regularly Use test strips or an electronic pH meter

How can I find out the pH of my local tap water?

It's very simple: all the data on drinking water can be consulted on the Ministry of Health website:
https://sante.gouv.fr/sante-et-environnement/eaux/eau

How do you measure the pH of tap water?

Knowing the data for your local authority isn't enough and you want to know the exact pH of your local water. your tap water? So how do you know whether your tap water is acidic, neutral or basic? The good news is that it's easier than you think!

Measurement methods :

Test strips Easy to use and affordable, the test strips change colour according to the pH of the water. They're ideal for quick, spot checks.

Electronic pH meters More accurate and reusable, these little electronic gadgets give you a digital pH reading. They're perfect for those who want accurate, frequent results.

Test kits These kits generally include reagent solutions and colour scales for comparing results. They are a good compromise between test strips and pH meters in terms of accuracy and cost.

Procedure:

Preparation : Before you start, make sure your water sample is at ambient temperature. If you use a pH meter, calibrate it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Sampling : Take a clean glass and rinse it several times with the water you are going to test. Then fill it with the tap water sample.

Measurement with test strips : Soak a test strip in water for the time indicated on the pack. Take it out and immediately compare the colour obtained with the scale provided.

Measuring with a pH meter : Immerse the pH electrode in the water and wait a few seconds for a stable reading. Make a note of the result displayed. Of course, this is the method I prefer as it's the most accurate 🙂

Measurement with a test kit : Follow the kit instructions, usually by adding a few drops of reagent solution to the water and comparing the resulting colour with the scale provided.

And there you have it! You now have a clear idea of the pH of your tap water. A small, easy step that can help you better understand and improve the quality of the water you drink every day.

What is the relationship between pH and water hardness?

First and foremost, to find out everything you need to know about water hardnessFor more information, see our full article on the subject:

But let's continue on the subject, even without having read this article (😉), we can summarise the following points:

Taste of water : Hard water, which contains a lot of minerals, can have a more pronounced taste, often described as "mineral" or "metallic". The pH also influences taste, as mentioned above.
Inlays : A hard water is more likely to cause limescale deposits (calcium carbonate) in pipes and household appliances, which can reduce their efficiency and lifespan. The pH plays a role in this process; alkaline water (high pH) favours the formation of these deposits.
Corrosion : Conversely, a water too soft (low in minerals) can be corrosive, especially if the pH is low (acidic). This can lead to the dissolution of metals in pipes and equipment.
Water treatment : Water treatment systems can adjust both pH and hardness to optimise water quality. For example water softeners can be used to reduce hardnessand pH adjusters can be used to stabilise the pH. However, conventional water softeners are not without their drawbacks. They carry health risks and have a negative environmental impact. See our article Why install a water softener? to find out more. And to get an overview of all the anti-limescale systems for the homeWe recommend our full article on the subject:

Which household anti-limescale system should I choose?

In short, the pH of tap water is an essential criterion for guaranteeing high-quality drinking water. Regional health agencies carry out regular analyses to ensure that the water complies with standards defined by the Ministry of Health. These analyses provide valuable information about the presence of chemicals and their potential effect on the human body.

Monitoring and optimising the pH of your tap water is crucial for your health and that of your household appliances. Well-balanced water that meets safety criteria ensures risk-free consumption and preserves your level of daily well-being.

FAQ on the pH of water

What is the pH of water?

The pH of water measures its acidity or alkalinity on a scale of 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral; below 7, water is acidic; above 7, it is basic.

What is the normal pH of drinking water in France?

According to French standards, the pH of drinking water should be between 6.5 and 9.5.

How do I measure the pH of my tap water?

You can use test strips, an electronic pH meter or a chemical test kit to accurately measure the pH of your water.

What is the impact of a pH that is too low or too high?

Acidic pH (<7) : Pipe corrosion, metallic taste, skin irritation.
Basic pH (>7) : Limescale deposits, unpleasant taste, dry skin and hair.

What is the difference between pH and water hardness?

pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of water, while hardness refers to the concentration of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Both can affect the taste of the water and its interaction with your household appliances.

Can the pH of tap water vary with the seasons?

Yes, the pH of water can fluctuate with the seasons due to variations in water sources, rainfall and treatments applied.

Can the pH of tap water affect houseplants?

Yes, the wrong pH can affect plant health. Some plants prefer slightly acidic water, while others prefer neutral or slightly basic water.

Can the pH of tap water cause health problems?

Water with a pH too far from neutral can cause skin irritation or digestive problems. However, tap water is generally treated to maintain a safe pH for drinking.

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Article written on 05/06/2024 by Pascal Nuti - CIO Solable - Passionate about energy, I'm constantly on the lookout for new targets for improvement, exploring cross-disciplinary paths using novel methods.