Are you experiencing a bitter taste in your Reverse Osmosis (RO) water? Or perhaps you’ve noticed dry and itchy skin after showering with it? These could be signs of high pH levels in your water.
While RO water is meant to have a balanced pH of 6-7, sometimes it can have high pH levels due to various reasons such as the loss of carbon dioxide or the presence of pollutants and contaminants in the water.
High pH levels in RO water can have both positive and negative effects on your health and the quality of your water. On one hand, alkaline water has been touted for its potential health benefits such as improved digestion and increased hydration. On the other hand, high pH levels can lead to mineral buildup in pipes and appliances, which can cause damage and reduce their lifespan.
In this article, we will explore the causes and effects of high pH in RO water, as well as solutions to balance the pH level and ensure safe and healthy drinking water.
Key Takeaways
– High pH levels in RO water can be caused by a loss of carbon dioxide or by the presence of chemicals, pollutants, sediments, and contaminants in the water.
– Water with high pH levels can be good or bad depending on the cause. A pH level between 7 and 8 is generally considered safe, but high levels of chemicals and heavy metals can make the water unsafe to drink.
– If your RO water has a high pH level, it may be due to minerals present in the water, which can make the water alkaline. Alkaline water can have some health benefits, but drinking too much can lead to nausea and an imbalance in the body’s pH levels.
– To reduce high levels of pH in the water, acid injections can be used, but it is important to use caution and only use them in certain situations. An alkaline filter or a re-mineralizing filter can also be used to adjust the pH level of the water.
Causes of High pH
If your reverse osmosis water has a high pH level, it may be due to a loss of carbon dioxide. This process occurs when the water is exposed to the air and loses its carbon dioxide content. Carbon dioxide is essential in maintaining the water’s pH level. Without it, the water becomes more alkaline, resulting in a bitter taste and a buildup of calcium and magnesium in the pipes, which can make your skin dry and itchy.
Additionally, high levels of pH can also occur due to chemical contaminants present in the water. These pollutants can come from a variety of sources, such as industrial waste, agricultural runoff, or sewage. These contaminants can raise the pH levels of the water and also make it unsafe to drink.
It’s important to get your water tested immediately if you notice a bitter taste in the water or experience dry and flaky skin, as these could be signs of high pH levels due to chemical contaminants.
Effects on Water and Health
You may experience changes in taste or skin irritation if the minerals in your reverse osmosis water aren’t balanced properly.
When the pH level of water is high due to the presence of minerals, the water becomes alkaline. Alkaline water contains electrolytes that help maintain body hydration and have anti-aging effects. It also inhibits the enzyme that causes acid reflux and can inhibit the stomach enzymes that help with digestion. However, drinking too much alkaline water can lead to nausea and an imbalance in the body’s pH levels. It can also lead to high levels of alkaline in the blood, causing stress on the organs.
Despite these potential risks, there are also health benefits to drinking alkaline water. It can help improve hydration and mineral intake, leading to better overall health. Alkaline water can also aid in preventing diseases and reducing the risk of cancer. Additionally, the minerals in alkaline water can help improve bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Overall, it’s important to ensure that the minerals in your reverse osmosis water are balanced properly to reap the health benefits of alkaline water without the potential risks.
Solutions for High pH
Consider adding an alkaline filter to your reverse osmosis system if you want to increase the pH value of your water. This type of filter adds minerals to the water, increasing its alkalinity and making it more balanced. It’s a simple and effective solution to high pH levels in reverse osmosis water.
In cases where the pH levels are extremely high, acid injection may be necessary. However, this should only be done with caution and by professionals, as it can be hazardous. Acid injection involves the use of solutions like white vinegar, citric acid, or alum to balance out the pH levels. It’s important to note that it should only be used when the untreated water has a pH level of 11 or more.
Ultimately, finding the right solution to high pH levels in reverse osmosis water is crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of your drinking water.
Remineralization and Alkaline Filters
To increase the mineral content and balance the pH of your reverse osmosis water, try adding a remineralization or alkaline filter to your system.
Remineralization filters add back essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium that are removed during the reverse osmosis process. These minerals not only improve the taste of the water but also provide health benefits such as stronger bones and teeth, improved metabolism, and better hydration.
Choosing the right alkaline filter can also help balance the pH of your RO water. Alkaline filters work by adding minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which raise the pH level of the water.
When choosing an alkaline filter, it’s important to consider the quality of the filter and the type of minerals it adds back to the water. Some filters may use low-quality minerals that can actually harm your health. By choosing a high-quality alkaline filter, you can enjoy the benefits of alkaline water without compromising on the safety and quality of your drinking water.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve learned the good and bad effects of high pH in RO water. You now know the various causes of high pH and the impact it can have on your health and the environment.
You’ve also learned about the solutions available to balance the pH level, including remineralization and alkaline filters.
Remember, while high pH water can have some benefits, such as reducing acidity in your body, it can also lead to negative effects. It’s important to maintain a balanced pH level to avoid issues such as dry skin, mineral buildup in pipes, and bitter taste.
By following the solutions outlined in this article, you can ensure that you have safe and healthy drinking water.
