Acidic water is defined as water with a pH level lower than 7. The pH scale, which ranges from 0 to 14, serves as an indicator of whether a substance is acidic or basic (alkaline), with 7 representing a neutral state. In various countries, such as India, Australia, Japan, and Canada, the management of water quality is crucial. Although the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not set strict regulations on drinking water pH levels, it suggests that public water supplies maintain a pH range between 6.5 and 8. There are claims that acidic water has antimicrobial properties, which may offer advantages for skin care, hair health, and washing fruits and vegetables. However, it's essential to be aware that this type of water can also lead to numerous undesirable and potentially harmful effects.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of acidic water, exploring its possible benefits and drawbacks, as well as methods to eliminate it from your drinking water supply.

Understanding Acidic Water

Unlike alkaline water, which boasts a pH level exceeding 7, acidic water is defined by its pH of 6.5 or lower. This notable distinction highlights the varying characteristics of water based on its acidity. Several factors contribute to the formation of low pH water, including natural events such as acid rain. Additionally, soil microorganisms, roots of trees, and certain geological formations can produce acids that lead to the acidity in nearby water sources.

Moreover, industrial pollution plays a significant role in the presence of acidic water, particularly in regions adjacent to mining operations, chemical waste disposal sites, power plants, concentrated animal feeding operations, and landfills. Hence, acidic water, characterized by a pH of 6.5 or below, can arise from both natural occurrences and human activities.

Potential Side Effects and Risks

Consuming acidic water is generally discouraged due to its elevated acidity levels and potential presence of heavy metals, both of which can lead to various adverse health effects.

Possible Presence of Heavy Metals

A primary issue with acidic water is its tendency to harbor significant concentrations of heavy metals. Studies indicate that solutions with a lower pH are more prone to leaching heavy metals from their surroundings, resulting in water that possesses a higher concentration of these metals.

Specifically, acidic water may contain elevated levels of lead, arsenic, copper, nickel, cadmium, chromium, and zinc. This raises serious concerns as exposure to heavy metals can be hazardous, potentially resulting in heavy metal poisoning and toxicity. Symptoms associated with such exposure can include:

• diarrhea
• nausea and vomiting
• abdominal discomfort
• chills
• fatigue
• shortness of breath
• immune system suppression
• organ damage

The intensity of these side effects can vary based on numerous factors, including age, gender, individual sensitivity, and the manner, dosage, and frequency of exposure. Notably, children are particularly vulnerable and may experience more severe reactions to heavy metal exposure, which can include increased risks of developmental delays, respiratory conditions, behavioral issues, certain cancers, and cardiovascular diseases.

Potential Harm to Dental Health

The pH levels in food and drinks significantly influence overall dental health. Tooth enamel, the hard protective coating on teeth, is especially susceptible to damage from acidic liquids. Although the impact of acidic groundwater has not been widely researched, beverages with a pH of 4.5 or lower have demonstrated a heightened risk for tooth decay. Regular consumption of acidic water may gradually erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities.

Possible Negative Effects on Bone Health

There are claims that drinking acidic water could hinder calcium absorption and contribute to progressive bone loss. However, research has not consistently proven that dietary pH levels significantly influence bone loss risk, nor has it shown that consuming alkalized water provides substantial protective benefits. Nonetheless, exposure to certain heavy metals like lead, cadmium, arsenic, and chromium has been associated with adverse effects on bone health. Thus, frequent consumption of acidic water rich in these heavy metals may negatively impact bone integrity over time.

Risk of Plumbing Damage

Beyond affecting health, acidic water can also cause corrosion in plumbing systems. Its high acidity can gradually dissolve metal pipes, leading to leaks and increasing the likelihood of heavy metal contamination in your water supply. Indicators of potential pipe corrosion from acidic water include blue-green stains on faucets or sinks, a metallic taste in the water, and tiny leaks in plumbing fixtures. Given the risk of heavy metal contamination, it is advisable to avoid drinking acidic water, as it can contribute to heavy metal poisoning or toxicity. Additionally, the acidic nature of the water poses threats to tooth enamel and the integrity of metal piping within your home.

Potential Benefits

While consuming acidic water is generally discouraged, using it topically may offer several advantages.

May Aid in Treating Inflammatory Skin Conditions

Acidic water possesses remarkable antimicrobial properties. It has been particularly effective against Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium linked to the worsening of atopic dermatitis symptoms. This chronic inflammatory skin condition manifests as red, itchy rashes, and although research is still in its infancy, applying acidic water topically could alleviate the redness and itching associated with this ailment. A study involving 18 women with chronic atopic dermatitis indicated that bathing in acidic water provided symptom relief comparable to that of a conventional treatment known as wet-wrap dressing.

The skin's surface is naturally slightly acidic, and increases in pH levels have been observed to cause dehydration and irritation. Furthermore, research indicates that many inflammatory skin disorders, including eczema, are often accompanied by elevated pH levels. Therefore, it is believed that acidic water can help sustain an optimal skin pH, providing a protective barrier against inflammatory conditions and ensuring skin hydration. An additional study involving 10 healthy women demonstrated that using an emulsion of acidic water and oil after washing with conventional tap water and soap helped preserve a healthy skin pH.

Although the findings suggest that skincare products based on acidic water may safeguard the skin from inflammatory conditions linked to pH increases, further research is necessary to explore its long-term efficacy.

May Support Optimal pH Levels of Hair and Scalp

Given that hair and scalp also exhibit more acidic pH levels, it is believed that acidic water can benefit hair health by helping to prevent hair loss and reduce dandruff. In a study involving 184 women, the presence of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Malassezia species on the scalp was strongly correlated with dandruff occurrence. Since acidic water is known for its strong antimicrobial properties, it may assist in treating dandruff, although its effectiveness remains unverified through research. Similarly, while studies have indicated that shampoos with a pH exceeding 5.5 may increase friction and lead to hair breakage, no conclusive research has established that acidic water can prevent hair damage or loss.

Other Proposed Benefits

Owing to its antimicrobial characteristics, some suggest using acidic water for cleaning fruits and vegetables. Acidic electrolyzed water, which is produced using hydrochloric acid, has shown promise in various studies for effectively reducing bacteria and other foodborne pathogens on fresh produce, although research in this area remains limited. Nonetheless, it is uncertain if other sources of acidic water are equally safe and effective for rinsing fruits and vegetables. Additionally, acidic water has been proposed as a means to enhance plant growth while offering protection against pests and bugs. A study conducted on tomato plants revealed that spraying acidic electrolyzed water on seeds significantly diminished the presence of bacterial pathogens without hindering the growth of the seeds.

Thus, employing acidic water sprays may be an efficient method for safeguarding plants from harmful pathogens. However, further investigation is required to assess the long-term effects across various plant species. While many plants thrive in slightly acidic soil, excessively low pH levels (3.0 or below) can hinder growth by limiting nutrient availability and water absorption. Therefore, before applying acidic water to your plants, it is essential to research the optimal pH necessary for your specific plant types.

In summary, the topical application of acidic water may offer benefits for inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, assist in managing dandruff, help in cleaning fresh produce, and promote healthy plant growth. However, further research is essential to validate these potential benefits.

Effective Ways to Neutralize Acidic Water

While regulatory bodies typically ensure that drinking water maintains a neutral pH, it's beneficial to regularly assess your water quality with a home testing kit. This simple tool allows you to measure the pH level of your water accurately. As long as your water's pH remains within the recommended range of 6.5 to 8.5 set by the EPA, you can consume it without concerns. However, if you discover that the pH is below 6.5, it is crucial to contact your local water supplier to report your findings.

For those relying on municipal water systems, your local water authority is responsible for identifying and rectifying any issues related to acidic water. In the interim, employing a water filtering pitcher, like a Brita, or installing a filtration system directly in your kitchen sink can provide a temporary solution. If you are utilizing a private well and consistently find your water supply to be acidic, it may be necessary to invest in a neutralizing filter. This not only safeguards your health but also helps protect the plumbing in your home from potential damage. Testing the pH level of your water supply is straightforward with a home testing kit. Should your results indicate acidity, promptly inform your water supply company and consider utilizing a water filtration system. Additionally, if you own a private well, installing neutralizing filters can be a wise preventative measure.

The Bottom Line

Acidic water can arise from various sources, including both industrial or chemical contamination and natural occurrences. Its unique properties make it an interesting subject for various applications. Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, the topical application of acidic water may provide benefits for inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, enhance hair health, and even support plant growth. Nevertheless, consuming acidic water is strongly discouraged, as it poses risks such as heavy metal poisoning and toxicity with prolonged exposure. Moreover, its elevated acidity can harm your dental enamel and corrode the plumbing systems in your home. If you are worried about the pH levels of your drinking water, consider investing in a home testing kit and, if necessary, utilize a filtering system to ensure safety.