A good pH level depends on what you're measuring. Here's a breakdown:
Blood:
- The normal pH range for blood is 7.35 to 7.45, which is slightly alkaline.
- Any significant changes from this range can have serious health implications.
Drinking Water:
- The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends a pH level between 6.5 to 8.5 for drinking water.
- Water that falls outside this range, especially if it's very alkaline, might not be unsafe, but it's worth checking with your local water authority.
Soil:
- A balanced soil pH for optimal plant growth is between 5.5 and 7.5.
- Soil pH that is too high or too low can lead to nutrient deficiencies and affect plant health.
Swimming Pools:
- The ideal pH level for swimming pools is between 7.2 and 7.6.
- A slightly alkaline pH is generally preferred to prevent corrosion of pool equipment.
Stomach Acid:
- The stomach has a highly acidic pH of around 1.5 to 3.5 to aid in digestion.
Other:
- The pH scale is a logarithmic scale, meaning that a change of one pH unit represents a tenfold change in acidity or alkalinity.
- For example, a pH of 4 is ten times more acidic than a pH of 5.
