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.
Source Image: peptest.co.uk
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. For digestion the human body produces stomach acid with a pH of 1.5 to 2. The body can compensate for the “legally permitted” pH value of drinking and tap water, but it may require additional energy.
ALKALINE WATER – IS IT GOOD FOR YOU?
Alkaline water has become a popular drinking water choice over the past few years. Some people say that drinking slightly alkaline water — with a pH between 8 and 9 — can improve your health.
It’s said to:
- Neutralise acid in the body and reduce the risk of acid related diseases, such as osteoporosis and acidosis
- Improve hydration as it is said to be more easily absorbed by the body
- Reduces acid reflux symptoms by neutralising stomach acid and inactivating pepsin which cause the acid burn
- Reduce ageing
- Limit the growth of cancers, as they are said to thrive in acid environments
Despite the many health claims there’s little scientific evidence that alkaline water is healthier than other kinds of drinking water. The research that does stand out is the study into acid reflux:
The damage due to acid reflux is caused by pepsin. Pepsin needs an acid environment for its activation. The study’s objective was to investigate if an alkaline water (high in hydrogen carbonate/ bicarbonate) pH 8.8 might deactivate the Pepsin.
The results were conclusive the alkaline water instantly denatures the pepsin, so alkaline water can be beneficial to patients with reflux.
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