If like me, you rarely think about the pH levels of water in your home, maybe the time has come to rethink how important this is to your life. Let’s start out with the basics of pH levels and what do they mean for everyday life? The scale for pH is measured from 0 to 14 with the neutral water level being recorded at 6.5. If your home water supply has a pH level of 6.5 or less, it is classed as soft and acidic. Acidic water can be damaging to appliances and pipes throughout our homes with damage possible because of the buildup of properties within metal pipes and appliances.
Acidic water causes damage to the human body
If we are unaware of the pH level of our drinking water we are leaving ourselves in a difficult spot for understanding the damage being done to our bodies. pH levels below 6.5 increase the level of acid within our bodies, in turn causing alkaline properties to be borrowed from our organ and bones. Our bodies store both acidic and alkaline properties in our organs and bones which are harvested when we drink acidic water for a prolonged period of time. A medical condition known as acidosis can occur when pH levels are low leaving us feeling fatigued and with a lowered immune system.
Weight gain is possible
Most of us spend much of our time trying to live a healthy, active lifestyle which can be damaged by drinking acidic, soft water. Acidic water with low pH levels carries less oxygen than that with a higher pH level and encourages the body to store higher levels of fat. The natural instinct of our bodies is to limit the level of acid within the body by storing it within fat cells which are created in an oxygen-low environment. If you are trying to lose weight through diet and exercise you may find yourself struggling if the pH level of your drinking water is too low.
Hard water can damage appliances
Understanding pH levels can be important for our bodies, but it is also important we know our level of pH to make sure we can care for our pipes and appliances. If your water pH levels reach above 8.5 you are living in a hard, alkaline water area which can produce scale in pipes and appliances. Soaps fail to lather at this level and homeowners should invest in water softeners for everyday use.
Heavy metals can be present
We all know we should drink as much water as possible but a bad taste can make this difficult. The presence of heavy metals in soft water, such as magnesium, zinc, and copper can produce a metallic taste which is difficult to enjoy.
Understanding pH levels are important if you want to live a healthy lifestyle and prolong the life of your pipes and appliances. The use of water softeners and filters should be increased if you understand the pH levels of water in your home.