What is the Ideal pH Level for Drinking Water?

November 01, 2021

What is the Ideal pH Level for Drinking Water?

Every liquid has a pH level ranging from 0 to 14, which tells us how acidic or alkaline the liquid is. The liquid is acidic when the pH is below 6.5 and alkaline when it’s 7.5 or above. A neutral liquid has a pH of 7, and the easiest way to remember this is to think about water. Water is the middle benchmark on the pH scale, usually valued at between 6.8 and 7.2. 

But just because water occupies the middle ground on the pH scale doesn’t mean it can’t trend more alkaline or acidic. For example, pollutants in our freshwater system can turn water more acidic, which affects its taste and smell and how it reacts in our bodies. Likewise, raising the pH of the water to be more alkaline may be advantageous for our health, according to studies.

So, what is the ideal pH level of drinking water? While it’s always good to shoot for that perfect 7, you might be surprised to learn that a slightly higher pH can do more for your physiological faculties. Here’s why.

What does the EPA think about pH levels?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for overseeing water quality in the United States. The EPA considers pH an aesthetic quality of water, so they don’t regulate it. However, they recommend that drinking water should maintain a pH of anywhere from 6.5 to 8.5. Anything above or below that range isn’t recommended.

Why does pH matter?

If the EPA doesn’t seem to care about pH, why should you? Because pH level is very telling about what, exactly, is in your water. Very acidic water could be a sign that it’s contaminated with chemicals or heavy metals and unsafe to drink. Additionally, water that’s too alkaline can have an unpleasant taste and smell. When you take a sip of water that’s optimized for pH level, you can trust that you’re getting water that’s safe and clean.

Is higher pH water better?

Evidence suggests that slightly alkaline water can improve your health. It’s thought this alkaline water can slow the aging process, help maintain your body’s natural pH level and possibly prevent diseases.

Research into alkaline water is ongoing; however, several studies suggest that alkaline water can mitigate acid reflux and benefit people with diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Another experiment conducted in 2016 found that drinking alkaline water after exercise was better at combatting dehydration than standard purified water.

So, what is the best pH level of drinking water? Signs point to a pH of 8.5 to 9 as the optimal pH. It’s slightly alkaline, to deliver the benefits of better hydration to drinkers. It’s also within the parameters of the EPA’s recommended range of values for water pH. Moreover, it’s not so alkaline that it leaves drinkers with any odors or tangy aftertastes.

Aquaspace Alkaline Water Products

Ready to start enjoying alkaline drinking water? Unfortunately, it can be difficult to get it reliably. There’s no telling what the pH of your tap water is—and even if you test it, chances are it will change over time. Moreover, most bottled waters strive for a perfect pH of 7.

To get reliable alkaline water on a daily basis, you need to invest in a purification system that also alkalizes the water. Aquaspace® alkalizing systems use a patented Ion™ Compound to raise water’s pH value as high as 9 while adding essential minerals. Browse our alkaline inventory today to bring home the benefits of drinking water with an optimized pH level.  





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