THE PH VALUE OF DRINKING AND TAP WATER IN UNITED KINGDOM

March 17th, 2021 | Water Components

THE PH OF DRINKING AND TAP WATER IS NOT ALWAYS OPTIMAL

In the UK water is regulated by the World Health Organisation and from a pH standpoint water values may vary between 6.5 and 9.5. The regulation specifies a wide range as the limit for the pH value in drinking water. The water values may vary between 6.5 and 9.

WHAT DOES THE PH VALUE SAY ABOUT DRINKING WATER QUALITY?

pH levels are determined by how acidic or alkaline a liquid is, it is identified by the number and activity of free hydrogen ions dissolved in it. The scale for pH ranges from 0 to 14, 7 being the neutral center. The lower the value, the more acidic a liquid is. The further the value rises above 7, the more alkaline the liquid is.

THE IDEAL LEVEL FOR DRINKING AND TAP WATER IS BETWEEN 7 – 8.5

This is because our systems can only manage a lower pH level. Acidic drinking water damages pipes with a cement lining. Metals are also sensitive: Galvanized steel is prone to corrosion from a pH that is below 7.5. Copper lines must not be used if the pH is less than 7 as acidic water washes copper from the pipes. Too much of this trace element is especially dangerous for babies and children. Drinking water with a low pH is more enriched with radioactive uranium and provides the perfect breeding ground for the bacteria Legionella. Therefore, the pH of drinking and tap water is very important for good water quality..

WHAT PH FOR DRINKING AND TAP WATER IS HEALTHY FOR HUMANS?

The human body is a master in regulating an acid-base. It keeps your blood at a pH level between 7.35 and 7.45. The skin protects itself with a natural acidic protective coat with a value of 5.5 and for digestion the human body produces stomach acid with a pH of 1.5 to 2. The body compensates for the legally permitted pH value of drinking and tap water, but it requires additional energy.