What pH means

The letters pH stand for “potential of hydrogen”. The scale runs from 0 to 14. A reading of 7 is neutral, lower numbers are acidic and higher numbers are alkaline. The scale reflects the balance between hydrogen ions and hydroxyl ions in a liquid: more hydrogen ions push the value down, more hydroxyl ions push it up.

Drinking water and the pH scale

Regulators generally do not set a health-based limit for pH in drinking water. In the United States, federal guidance for public supplies recommends a range of roughly 6.5 to 8.5, mostly to avoid taste problems and pipe corrosion. The archived article cited a slightly wider range of 6 to 8.5.

Alkaline and ionized water

Some companies sell machines that raise the pH of tap water through electrolysis, and they promote the result as better for health. The original author argued that people should drink water of a known pH and described acidity as a common issue. Scientific support for these health claims is limited, and the body regulates its own acid balance tightly. Anyone with a medical question should ask a doctor.

Measuring it

Measuring pH is simple. Inexpensive test strips or liquid drop kits give a reading within a minute or two, and digital meters are more precise. Test fresh water at room temperature and follow the instructions on the kit.

A quote to end on

The original piece opened with a line attributed to the motivational speaker Jim Rohn: take care of your body, because it is the only place you have to live. Back to the blog.