Understanding Environmental Concerns

Why Testing The pH Level In Your Well Water Is Important

Having a well for your water offers a lot of benefits, but there are also problems you may experience with well water. This is why getting your water tested periodically is a good idea. There are a number of different reasons to get your water tested and there are many factors about your water you can have tested, but one you might not think about is the pH level of the water. The pH level matters for several reasons, and here are several things to understand about this important factor of your well water.

What Is pH Level?

The pH level of water is a measurement that is used to tell how acidic your water is. Drinking water should be 7 on a scale from 1 to 14. A pH level of 7 represents pure water that is neither acidic or alkaline. This is the best type of water to have from a well, but it is rare to well water that has a perfect pH level.

If water tests at a pH level that is less than 7, the water is acidic. If it tests about 7, it means it is alkaline. Testing your pH level will reveal how hard or soft your water is too. If the pH level is acidic, your water is considered hard. This occurs because acidic water does not have a lot of sodium in it, and sodium softens water. If you have an alkaline pH level, your water may be considered soft.

Why Does This Matter?

The pH level in your water can affect its taste, especially if your water is acidic. Acidic water can leave a bitter taste, and this is primarily due to the toxic metals that can be present in acidic water. While the taste of your water is important, the pH level is also important for another reason.

When water has an acidic pH level, it can lead to major damage of the plumbing pipes and fixtures in your home. Acidic water is more likely to stain your plumbing fixtures and cause your pipes to corrode. In addition, it can leave stains on your clothing from washing items in this type of water.

Water testing is a great way to protect your family, fixtures, and pipes, and it can reveal dozens of different traits of your well water. To learn more about this, contact a contractor that can test your water and offer solutions to fix any problems it may have.