Clean water isn’t just about being free from contaminants, it's also about its pH level, a lesser-known but critical factor. From how it tastes to how it affects your health, the pH in drinking water plays a quiet but significant role in your everyday life. Let’s break down what this really means, how it affects your body, and why more people are paying attention to it.
1. What is pH in Water?
pH measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is, on a scale of 0 to 14. In simple terms:
- A pH of 7 is considered neutral
- Anything below 7 is acidic
- Anything above 7 is alkaline (or basic)
In water, this value is influenced by naturally occurring minerals, dissolved gases, and even pollution. Rainwater tends to be slightly acidic due to carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Groundwater may lean alkaline if it flows through limestone or mineral-rich terrain.
The World Health Organization (WHO) doesn’t set a strict pH standard for potable water but recommends a range between 6.5 and 8.5, not because pH itself is dangerous, but because extreme pH levels can indicate corrosion or chemical imbalance in the water system.
What pH Water Should You Drink?
Drinking water ideally sits between 6.5 and 8.5 on the pH scale. But a growing number of health experts suggest leaning toward the alkaline side, especially when drinking water treated for health benefits.
According to Dr. Susan E. Brown, a clinical nutritionist and founder of the Center for Better Bones, slightly alkaline water (around pH 8 to 8.5) may help reduce acid load in the body. It’s not about completely neutralizing your body’s natural acidity, but rather creating an environment that supports long-term wellness.
Still, most people do fine with water that’s close to neutral, as long as it’s clean, well-filtered, and low in contaminants. The key is balance—not extremes.
Benefits of Alkaline pH Water
Water with a slightly higher pH often contains natural electrolytes and minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. These trace elements may support:
- Better Hydration: Alkaline water tends to be more easily absorbed at the cellular level.
- Reduced Acid Reflux: A study published in Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology found that water with pH 8.8 can help deactivate pepsin, the enzyme that triggers reflux.
- Bone Health Support: Preliminary findings suggest that mineral-rich water may help preserve bone density over time.
- Improved Detoxification: An alkaline environment encourages better kidney filtration and waste removal.
While none of this means alkaline water is a miracle cure, these small benefits add up, especially for people with high acid diets or those dealing with inflammation-related conditions.
What Happens to Your Body’s pH When You Drink Water?
Here’s the thing: your body tightly regulates its internal pH, especially your blood, which must stay between 7.35 and 7.45. Drinking water doesn’t suddenly swing this balance. However, it can reduce the overall acid load, especially in your stomach and digestive tract.
For example, drinking mildly alkaline water may buffer excessive stomach acid, help with digestion, and reduce oxidative stress markers over time. It can also lower urinary calcium loss, which is one of the indicators of bone resorption.
That said, extremely acidic water (pH below 6) or highly alkaline water (above pH 9.5) can cause imbalances over time. Acidic water may leach metals from pipes and damage enamel, while overly alkaline water can lead to nausea or skin dryness.
In short, it’s not about changing your body’s pH directly, but about reducing the stress load from acid-forming food, stress, and poor hydration.
Conclusion
Your water’s pH level matters more than you might think. It affects not just taste and mineral content but also how your body processes hydration, neutralizes acids, and maintains cellular health.
Choosing clean, slightly alkaline water around pH 8 to 8.5 can be a smart move, especially for people focused on hydration, bone strength, or digestive comfort. It’s not a quick fix, but a quiet ally in your long-term health strategy.
Stick to water that’s within the WHO’s safe range, and when in doubt, get your water tested or opt for trusted bottled sources with verified pH levels.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can Drinking Alkaline Water Change My Blood's pH?
No. Your body maintains your blood pH within a very narrow range. Alkaline water may reduce acidity in your stomach or urine, but it doesn't alter blood chemistry directly.
Is Water with Low pH Dangerous to Drink?
Water below pH 6.5 can be corrosive and may leach metals like lead from pipes. It can also taste sour and may not be ideal for long-term consumption unless properly treated.
How do I test the pH of my Drinking Water at Home?
You can use pH test strips or digital meters. If you’re on a public supply, your local water utility’s annual report usually includes pH information.