Acidic water is any water with a pH level below 7.0. A pH of 7 is neutral; anything below is acidic, and anything above is alkaline (basic). The acidity arises from various sources, both natural and human-made.
Causes of Acidic Water
- Natural Sources: Naturally acidic water can result from dissolved minerals in the soil, decaying organic matter, or even rainwater dissolving carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Specific examples include rainwater interacting with acidic soils or the presence of dissolved carbon dioxide. (https://www.machengineering.com/blog/causes-of-acidic-water/)
- Human-Made Sources: Acid rain, caused by industrial pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides reacting with water and other chemicals in the atmosphere to form sulfuric and nitric acids, is a significant contributor to acidic water. (https://www.epa.gov/acidrain/what-acid-rain) Other human sources include industrial discharge and agricultural runoff containing acids or acid-producing substances.
Risks of Acidic Water
Drinking acidic water is generally not recommended. The primary concern is potential heavy metal contamination. Acidic water can dissolve heavy metals from pipes and soil, leading to heavy metal poisoning or toxicity. (https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/acidic-water) While water with a pH slightly below 7 (e.g., 6.5-6.8) may not always pose immediate health risks, it can cause problems, especially if lead pipes are present. (https://www.freshwatersystems.com/blogs/blog/what-is-acidic-water-and-how-do-you-treat-it)
Ideal pH for Drinking Water
The ideal pH range for drinking water is generally considered to be between 6.5 and 8.5. (Sensorex, 2021)
Treatment of Acidic Water
Treatment methods depend on the cause and severity of the acidity. Options might include neutralization with alkaline substances (like lime), filtration to remove contaminants, or other water treatment processes.
