What Is the pH of Houston’s Tap Water and Why Does It Matter?
pH measures how acidic or alkaline water is, ranging from 0 (highly acidic) to 14 (highly alkaline), with 7 being neutral. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that drinking water maintains a pH level between 6.5 and 8.5. According to the 2022 Houston Water Quality Report, the city’s tap water has an average pH of 8.1, which is within the EPA’s recommended range. Maintaining this range helps minimize the risk of corrosion in plumbing systems.
The EPA recommends that public water systems keep a pH level of 6.5 to 8.5, but these levels arenot regulated in any way. Low pH water is considered a “secondary” water contaminant, but theeffects of acid water go beyond taste. It can hit you hard in the wallet, as well.
Signs Your Home Has Acid Water
- Blue/green stain in your sinks, tubs and other bathroom/kitchen fixtures
- Rust stains (if you have iron pipes)
- Low water pressure could be a sign of pipe corrosion
- Metal corrosion can also cause your water to have a sour or metallic taste to it
- Your hot water heaters, washing machines or dish washers are not functioning correctly
- Acidic water, much like mineral-rich hard water, can be tough on your hair and skin
Understanding the pH of Tap Water in Houston, Texas
The pH level of tap water in Houston, Texas, is more than just a scientific detail—it plays a vital role in your health, the longevity of your plumbing, and the quality of your drinking water. Understanding the pH of your water ensures that what flows from your faucet is safe for consumption and free from harmful contaminants. Tap water pH can vary based on multiple factors, including public water systems and community water systems serving specific zip codes.
Sources and Causes of pH in Houston Water
Source Water
Houston sources its water from surface water purification plants and groundwater plants, including the Chicot Aquifers. Environmental factors, such as pollutants from urban runoff and industrial sites, can influence the pH of these water sources and impact overall water quality. Surface water quality is regularly assessed according to the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards.
Water Treatment Processes
Houston Public Works utilizes various chemical treatments, including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and the addition of lime or other alkaline substances. These processes help maintain pH levels within acceptable limits while ensuring the water remains safe and contaminant-free. Continuous monitoring ensures compliance with public health and safety standards, as outlined in the annual Consumer Confidence Report.
How pH Levels Affect Your Plumbing
When Water Is Too Acidic
If tap water’s pH drops below 7, it becomes acidic, which can cause several issues:
- Pipe Corrosion: Acidic water can erode metal pipes, allowing harmful contaminants like lead, copper, and iron to enter drinking water, posing health risks.
- Staining: Blue or green stains on plumbing fixtures indicate corrosive effects resulting from acidic water reacting with copper plumbing.
- Appliance Damage: Appliances like dishwashers, soft water systems, and hot water heaters can deteriorate more quickly when exposed to acidic water, leading to costly repairs or replacements. Signs of acidic water include a metallic taste, reduced water pressure due to corroded pipes, and visible stains on fixtures.
When Water Is Too Alkaline
Water with a pH level above 8.5 can cause several potential issues:
- Scale Buildup: High pH levels cause minerals like calcium and magnesium to precipitate, forming scale buildup in pipes and fixtures, which can reduce water flow and cause clogs.
- Reduced Effectiveness of Soaps and Detergents: Alkaline water can interfere with cleaning agents, resulting in more soap scum and residues.
- Damage to Appliances: Water-using appliances like dishwashers and washing machines may suffer from scale buildup, reducing their efficiency and lifespan.
- Taste and Aesthetic Concerns: Water with a high pH can taste bitter, discouraging consumption. To mitigate these issues, homeowners should regularly test their water’s pH levels and consider installing water treatment systems to balance the pH to a more neutral level.
Potential Health Risks of Water pH
Water with a pH level below 6.5 can leach hazardous metals into the supply, posing significant health risks. These risks may manifest as gastrointestinal problems and, in severe cases, long-term exposure to lead can cause serious neurological damage. While some trends promote the consumption of alkaline water, maintaining a neutral pH is essential for both safety and overall health.
How Culligan Can Help with pH Problems
If you’re concerned about the pH of your water in Houston, Culligan offers customized solutions to address your specific water quality needs and provide you with safe drinking water.
- Water Softeners: Designed to remove minerals like calcium and magnesium from water, which can contribute to hard water and high pH levels. These systems use ion exchange to replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium or potassium ions, helping to reduce alkalinity and bring pH levels closer to neutral.
- Reverse Osmosis: A water filtration process that uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove impurities, minerals, salts, and other substances affecting pH. Reverse osmosis systems effectively reduce pH by eliminating alkaline minerals, producing purified water with a neutral or slightly acidic pH level.
Understanding the pH level of your tap water in Houston impacts not only taste and appearance but also the performance of your plumbing and appliances. Staying informed about your water quality through annual reports and testing is essential for preserving the health and safety of your family and home. Whether you opt for bottled water or invest in a home water filtration system, being proactive about water quality makes all the difference.
Is Culligan Filtered Water Alkaline?
Culligan water is no more or less alkaline than your typical bottled water you’ll find in stores.
Our bodies are designed to function effectively with plain, neutral pH water. They’re designed to find their own balance, and while many health trends come and go, the biggest takeaway is that simple hydration is the key. The more water you drink (to a point) the healthier you’ll be, whether that water is slightly more alkaline, or slightly more acidic.
Want to experience all the benefits of alkaline water? You’ll likely be just as well off saving your money and drinking fresh, filtered tap water. As long as the water you’re drinking is free from harmful contaminants, you’ll benefit from getting your daily recommended ounces (the rule of thumb is at least 64 ounces per day, or eight, 8-ounce glasses) of water.
Solutions
Suggested Products
The Aquasential® Smart Reverse Osmosis Water Filter (RO)
- 7 stages of filtration and 12 filter options
- Certified for reduction of 58 contaminants
- 2-in-1 sediment and carbon filter screens out sediment and particles
- Can alert you and your dealer when service or filter replacements are needed
Aquasential™ Smart High Efficiency Whole House Water Filters
Reduce sediments in your water and contaminants that cause your water to appear, taste, and smell unpleasant. Your system can also lessen the taste and odor of chlorine, and prevent pipe damage and staining from low pH water. Additional customizations include:
- Culligan® Filtr-Cleer® Water Filters – Reduces Sediment Problems
- Culligan® Cullar® Water Filters – Reduces Taste and Odor Problems
- Culligan® Cullneu Water Filters – Reduces Acid Problems
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