The Importance of Water pH to Global Water Quality
According to the United Nations, “Declining water quality has become a global issue of concern as human populations grow, industrial and agricultural activities expand, and climate change threatens to cause major alterations to the hydrological cycle.”
One type of low-quality water is water that is too acidic, measured by pH.
The U.S. Geological Survey explains that the “pH of water is a very important measurement concerning water quality,” and that the range goes from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A pH of less than 7 indicates acidity, whereas a pH of greater than 7 indicates a base or alkalinity.
One familiar term in discussing the hazards of water with a low pH is Acid Rain. For decades scientists have been studying the negative effects of acidic water on people, animals and the environment.
“If acid rain is increasingly drawn into lakes or water systems, it can affect not only plants but the entire ecosystem, eventually killing off small organisms that aquatic life depends on,” states Sciencing.
Here is Dr. Robert Ashley at UCLA Health on an additional harm acidic water poses.
“The danger of more acidic water – when the pH is less than 6.5 – is that it can leach metals from the well and from the pipes that bring you water. These metals include lead, manganese, copper and iron, and they can be toxic in large amounts. So acidic water obviously poses a health risk. Fortunately, the same is not true of more alkaline water.”
Healthline summarizes acidic water this way: “Due to potential heavy metal contamination, it’s not recommended to drink acidic water, as it can lead to heavy metal poisoning or toxicity.”
Negative health consequences include exposure to lead, arsenic, copper, nickel, cadmium, chromium, and zinc, which over time can lead to poisoning.
Symptoms of heavy metal poisoning include:
- diarrhea
- nausea and vomiting
- abdominal pain
- chills
- weakness
- shortness of breath
- suppression of the immune system
- organ damage
“Children, in particular, have been shown to have more severe side effects from heavy metal exposure, including an increased risk of developmental delays, respiratory issues, behavioral disorders, certain forms of cancer, and heart disease” (Healthline).
The World Health Organization says, “Safe and readily available water is important for public health, whether it is used for drinking, domestic use, food production or recreational purposes.”
Clearly, acidic water is a danger to the health of people and ecosystems throughout the world. Ideally, readily-available, safe tap water would be accessible to everyone. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
Healthy water can have a significant positive impact on populations, and our mission at ANSA North America is to provide pure, clean, alkaline water where it is needed.
In contrast to acidic water, alkaline water may have positive impacts. Dr. Victor Marchione, MD at Doctors Health Press details the potential health benefits of alkaline water. “Alkaline water helps alkalize an acidic body. Some research suggests you can live longer drinking alkaline water. One study called the Okinawa Centenarian Project found that people from Okinawa, Japan, regularly live to 100 years old—they drink alkaline water with a pH of 10.0!”
Evidence also suggests a handful of other alkaline water benefits, including its role in detoxification.
“Detoxification is important for removing the accumulation of harmful toxins in the body.
Toxic overload can lead to chronic fatigue, low energy, bloating, mental confusion, inflammation, and food sensitivities. Drinking alkaline water can help detox the body of heavy metals, such as mercury.
In a 2003 study published in the journal Ambio, researchers found that alkaline water had a protective effect against mercury in 43 women who lived in an alkaline-rich area in Sweden.”
Dr. Marchione also suggests potential benefits of water with a higher pH for reducing acid reflux and improving bone health.
Finally, alkaline water may contribute to reducing heart disease, hypertension and provide antioxidant benefits. “Alkaline water is a natural antioxidant that can neutralize harmful radicals in the body. Laboratory studies have also tested the antioxidant potential of alkaline water. Drinking alkaline water may also help hydrate your body, improve mental clarity, and boost your overall immune system.”
Clean, healthy water is the basic foundation upon which to build long-term, lasting solutions. Humans can live healthier lives by avoiding the negative impacts of acidic water.
Our job, our passion, and our mission at ANSA North America is water quality. Learn more today at ansa-na.com.
