Water Filtration Series #3: pH and the Effects It Has on Water Treatment
If you rely on a private well for your water supply, understanding the pH of your water is crucial. Whether your water is too acidic or too alkaline, or neutral, the pH level plays a significant role in how well your water treatment system functions and how it impacts your home's plumbing and appliances. In this "Water Filtration Series" article, we'll break down the pH scale, explain how pH affects water chemistry, and explore how to address both low and high pH levels in well water.
Understanding the pH Scale
The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14 and is used to measure how acidic or alkaline (basic) a substance is. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, meaning it’s neither acidic nor alkaline. A pH less than 7 indicates acidity, while a pH greater than 7 indicates alkalinity.
pH in Well Water: A Varying Landscape
Across the United States, well water pH can vary. In areas with granite bedrock or low-mineral soils, such as parts of the Northeast and Pacific Northwest, well water tends to be more acidic. In contrast, regions with limestone or high calcium deposits, such as the Midwest and Southwest, often have more alkaline water.
This variation in pH significantly affects how well your water treatment system performs and the type of filtration or water conditioning equipment needed. This is why a comprehensive water analysis is so important before selecting water treatment equipment.
Acidic Water and Its Corrosive Effects
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Water with a pH below 7 is considered acidic and can be highly corrosive. Over time, acidic well water can erode copper pipes, causing pitting and leaks, leach metals like copper, lead, or iron, and damage water heaters, fixtures, and appliances. A classic warning sign is the presence of blue-green stains in your sinks, bathtubs, or showers. These stains originate from copper corrosion, and a clear indicator that your water's pH is too low.
Acidic water can cause costly repairs, plumbing leaks, and damage to fixtures. It can even erode grout and tile surfaces over time. As shown in the examples on the right and below.
But what if you have PEX plumbing or CPVC plumbing? Corrosion problems will still occur at faucets, shower heads, sinks, toilets, and especially when acidic water is heated. Water heaters will corrode rapidly on acidic water supplies and leak from the bottom and cold and hot water connections. Brass ball valves on PEX plumbing will corrode and leak in a short period. Causing plumbing nightmares.
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Copper and galvanized plumbing are most susceptible to corrosion of acidic water. Typically, corrosion of copper and galvanized plumbing occurs first at plumbing joints, 90-degree angles, and where dissimilar metals meet.
Shower fixtures, tile, and grout are susceptible to the corrosive effects of acidic water to the point that tile will become etched and ruined. Tile grout will fail, flaking out of grout lines as it does, causing water to seep under the tile. Destroying the shower floor and tiled walls.
Treatment Options for Low pH Water
To correct low pH levels in well water, whole-house acid neutralizers are commonly used. PH neutralizing systems typically contain calcite or a calcite/corosex media blend in an up-flow water filtration tank, which dissolves gradually into the water over time, raising the pH to neutral as it passes through to service.
- Calcite filters – For mildly acidic water (pH 6.0–6.8)
- Calcite + Corosex blend – For more aggressive acidity (pH 5.5–6.0)
Media replenishment is necessary every 6–12 months, depending on water usage and the incoming pH. Always rinse new media for 15–20 minutes before use and consider a post-filter to catch fine particles. A water filtration tank for pH adjustment will have a port hole on the top of the tank to make it easier to replenish filter media when necessary.
➣ It is also a good idea to install a filter housing after the media tank to catch any particulate fines that may sluff off the filter media. A 5-micron sediment filter is best suited for this.
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| BB Housing with install kit |
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Calcite Acidic Water pH Neutralizing Media pH adjustment for acidic water of 6-6.8 |
What About High Alkalinity?
Water with a pH above 8.5 is considered highly alkaline. While less damaging than acidic water, high alkalinity can still cause scaling, especially in heated water. This white, chalky buildup can appear on shower glass, tile, inside pipes, and in appliances like dishwashers and water heaters. Similar to hard water spots.
Reducing high pH is challenging. One option is an acid injection system after the pressure tank, followed by a contact tank. This provides contact time for the pH adjustment and high alkalinity to fall out of the water to the bottom of the tank to be flushed out later. Another easier method, depending on the acidic pH level and alkalinity, is using Pro Products Ban-T in the water softener brine tank to lower pH and alkalinity during the regeneration cycle. The pH level should be 6.5-6.8 for Ban-T to work.
Testing Your Water's pH and Chemistry
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- pH test strips – Affordable, less precise
- Digital pH meters – Accurate, reusable
- Lab testing – Full water chemistry report
Annual testing is recommended, especially if you notice stains, unusual tastes, or reduced system performance.
This home water test shows a pH of 8.5, 500 ppm of Alkalinity, and 0 gpg of hardness through the water softener. Showing that even softened water can still have very high pH and high alkalinity. This is why other treatment methods may be necessary to correct these issues before they become bigger problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal pH level for well water?
The ideal pH for well water is close to neutral, around 7.0. This prevents both corrosion from acidity and scaling from alkalinity.
How can I raise low pH in my well water?
You can raise low pH by installing a whole-house acid neutralizer using calcite or a calcite/corosex blend, which gradually dissolves into the water to bring pH closer to 7.
Can high pH in well water cause problems?
Yes, high pH water can cause scaling in pipes, appliances, and fixtures, especially when heated. This can reduce water flow and shorten appliances' lifespan.
How often should I test my water and pH?
You should test your water at least once a year, or more often if you notice staining, scaling, unusual taste, or changes in your water treatment system's performance.
Blog posts relevant to this water topic:
1. Water Filtration Series #2: A Guide to Whole-House Filtration for Iron, Manganese & Odor Problems
2. Water Filtration Series #1: A Guide to Whole House Filters
3. How to Choose the Right Water Softener System: A Complete Guide for Homeowners and DIY
4. Healthline: Acidic Water: Risks, Benefits, and More
5. Dr. Eric Berg: The Dangers and Benefits of Alkaline Water
6. Atlas Scientific: Is Acidic Water Bad For You?
Here is an easy and effective way to protect glass shower doors and glass walls from hard water spotting and spotting from high alkalinity water. It also helps to have a squeegie handy in the shower to wipe down the glass after showering
Rain-X® Shower Door Water Repellent
The pH of your well water is more than just a number—it’s a vital factor in protecting plumbing, appliances, and water quality. Knowing your pH helps you choose the right water treatment system and maintain safe, clean, quality water for your home and family.
I wish you Good days and Good water!
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