If you are interested in using a reverse osmosis water system to filter your water, you are probably curious about the pH of it. In general, reverse osmosis water has a pH somewhere between 5 and 7, but the pH can vary depending on a number of factors.
If you are concerned about the pH of the water that comes out of your reverse osmosis system, there are ways for you to either increase or decrease the pH of that water, depending on the steps you take. Learn more about the pH of the water coming out of a reverse osmosis system, and do not hesitate to reach out to an expert who can help you.
Is Reverse Osmosis Water Acidic?
First, it is important to go through the pH scale and what it means. Generally, the pH of a substance falls between 0 and 14. Anything that has a pH less than 7 is considered acidic, and anything that has a pH over 7 is considered basic (or alkaline). Something that has a pH of exactly 7 is considered neutral.
It is not unusual for the pH of reverse osmosis water to be slightly acidic. Usually, the pH falls between 5 and 7, which means RO water is either slightly acidic water or neutral.
Even though you may be concerned when you hear that the water coming out of your reverse osmosis system is slightly acidic, keep in mind that something that is slightly acidic is still considered safe and healthy for people to consume. Just because the pH of your reverse osmosis water is a bit acidic doesn’t necessarily mean that your body is going to become acidic or that your water is going to taste bad. Acidic water can still taste good, and you should be safe drinking reverse osmosis water.
What Is the pH of Other Beverages You Drink?
To take a closer look at what the pH of your reverse osmosis system means, it may be helpful to shine a light on the pH of other common beverages you may consume. There are plenty of beverages you drink that are relatively acidic.
For example, fruit juice, sports drinks, soft drinks, and coffee all have a pH that is far more acidic than reverse osmosis water. Keep in mind that the exact pH of those beverages is going to vary depending on the type of beverage you drink and the brand you purchase.
Why Should You Care About the pH of Your Water Supply?
You might also be wondering why you should care about the pH of your water supply at all. After all, if the water is safe and healthy for you to drink, why do you need to monitor your pH?
The biggest reason why you need to care about the pH of your drinking water is that it can impact the ability of that water to dissolve various substances. In general, the lower the pH is, the easier it is for your water to dissolve other substances in it.
This could be a good thing. For example, your drinking water may have an easier time dissolving important vitamins and minerals, which are important nutrients for your body. On the other hand, this also means that it is easier for your drinking water to dissolve potential impurities that could be harmful to your health, such as lead. That is why it is important for you to test the pH of your water supply from time to time and also make sure that there aren’t any contaminants in it.
Why Does Your Reverse Osmosis Water Have a Lower pH?
Now, you might also be wondering why you’re reverse osmosis water supply has a lower pH when compared to other water sources. Some of the most important factors include:
A Lack of Minerals
When water goes through the reverse osmosis process, many of the minerals are removed from it. For example, calcium and magnesium ions may be removed from reverse osmosis water during the treatment process, which means that the pH is a bit lower.
Magnesium and calcium are both alkaline, so when they are removed from your water supply, the pH of your reverse osmosis water is going to drop naturally.
Carbon Dioxide Dissolves in the Water
Even though the removal of calcium and magnesium ions can cause the pH to drop just a little bit, a bigger drop takes place when you reverse osmosis water is exposed to air. Because reverse osmosis water does not have a lot of materials dissolved in it, there is plenty of space for carbon dioxide to dissolve itself in your reverse osmosis water.
When carbon dioxide is dissolved in water, the pH will drop significantly. The longer the water is exposed to the air, the farther the pH will drop, but it is highly unlikely that the pH of the water supply is going to drop below 5 just from being exposed to the air alone.
These are a few of the biggest reasons why the pH of reverse osmosis water is a bit lower, but what should you do to test the pH of your water supply?
Options for Testing the pH of Your Water Supply
So, what is the pH of the water coming out of your reverse osmosis system? There are a few ways you can figure out the answer to this question.
Use a Digital pH Meter
One of the first options is to use a digital pH meter. This is one of the easiest options available, and you can find plenty of them online. All you need to do is place the digital pH meter in a calibration solution, then move it to your reverse osmosis water, and wait for a stable reading. This will give you an accurate pH reading of your water supply.
Use pH Test Strips
If you are looking for a less expensive option, you may want to use a pH test strip. All you need to do is take the strip, dip it in your reverse osmosis water, and wait for it to turn a different color.
Then, simply compare the color of the test strip to the scale, and you should have an accurate idea of what your RO water pH is.
Use a Comprehensive Kit
You might be interested in information regarding not only the pH of your water supply but also the presence of any impurities. If that is the case, you may want to get a comprehensive water testing kit. That way, you can figure out your pH and see if they are any contaminants in your water supply that need to be addressed.
Also, you can test pH without a kit at all.
Reverse Osmosis Systems and Water Filters From DROP
If you have concerns about your water supply, consider investing in a reliable reverse osmosis system, water filter, or smart water softener. At DROP, we have a wide selection available, and it would be our pleasure to help you purify your water. Our experts are always available to help you take care of your plumbing system and drinking water, so reach out to us today to speak to our team.
