Acidity (low pH)
In well water, one of the most common causes of corrosion is acidic or 'aggressive' water. Water that has a pH value of less than 7.0 is considered to be 'acidic', while water above a 7.0 pH is considered to be 'basic'.
To better understand the range in pH, take a look at these examples:
· Apple Juice - 3
· Orange Juice - 3.5
· Coffee - 5.5
· Milk - 6.2
· Baking Soda - 8.5
· Soapy water - 10
· Bleach - 12
Signs of acidic water include corrosion of fixtures, pinhole leaks in plumbing, and staining (blue/green from copper pipes) or red (from iron pipes).
The EPA recommends pH levels should be within 6.5 -8.5
Without treatment, acidic waters will dissolve copper, lead and other metals from piping, fixtures and appliances.
Water with low pH levels are typically treated either by passing the water through a bed of chemically reactive media such as a calcite tank or via feeding a liquid chemical such as a solution of soda ash. Keep in mind the addition of elements as a result of treatment may cause the water to hard, which may require additional treatment such as water softening. High level pH is commonly treated using a chemical feed of a weak acid solution.
In well water, one of the most common causes of corrosion is acidic or 'aggressive' water. Water that has a pH value of less than 7.0 is considered to be 'acidic', while water above a 7.0 pH is considered to be 'basic'.
To better understand the range in pH, take a look at these examples:
· Apple Juice - 3
· Orange Juice - 3.5
· Coffee - 5.5
· Milk - 6.2
· Baking Soda - 8.5
· Soapy water - 10
· Bleach - 12
Signs of acidic water include corrosion of fixtures, pinhole leaks in plumbing, and staining (blue/green from copper pipes) or red (from iron pipes).
The EPA recommends pH levels should be within 6.5 -8.5
Without treatment, acidic waters will dissolve copper, lead and other metals from piping, fixtures and appliances.
Water with low pH levels are typically treated either by passing the water through a bed of chemically reactive media such as a calcite tank or via feeding a liquid chemical such as a solution of soda ash. Keep in mind the addition of elements as a result of treatment may cause the water to hard, which may require additional treatment such as water softening. High level pH is commonly treated using a chemical feed of a weak acid solution.