What Is The PH Of Distilled Water?: Is It Acidic Or Basic?

The pH scale is a way to measure how acidic or basic a substance is. It measures on a scale from 0-14, with 7 being neutral. Lower numbers indicate higher acidity levels, and higher numbers indicate greater alkalinity. The ph determines if your distilled is safe to drink or not. Many believe drinking water with a specific pH level can benefit our bodies, but questions remain about whether the same holds true for distilled water.

In this article, we explore the pH of distilled water and delve into the potential health benefits associated with consuming different types of water. We will also answer some commonly asked questions about distilled water and its impact on one’s health. Let’s get started.

What are The Basics of pH?

The concept of pH was first introduced by Danish Chemist Soren Peter. pH is an acronym that stands for “power of hydrogen.” The “H” is capitalized because it symbolizes the element Hydrogen. PH is a scale that measures the acidity and alkalinity of a water solution. It runs on a range of 0 to 14, 7 being the balanced pH for water. Anything below 7 indicates that the water is acidic, and anything above 7 shows it is alkaline.

What is the pH Scale?

The acidity and alkalinity of water are measured with a pH scale. Usually, it ranges from 0 to 1 on the scale. Also, the pH scale measures the relative amount of free hydrogen and hydroxyl ions in water.

Water containing a high amount of free hydrogen ions is considered acidic, and water containing hydroxyl ion is alkaline. pH is an indicator of the chemical content of water and, to a great extent, determines the water quality.

At room temperature, purified water is neither acidic nor alkaline and has a pH of 7. It is essential to test the pH level of water because alkaline waters have a high pH level and tastes bitter.

Water contains minerals that constitute the pH level of the water. The human body naturally has a pH level of 7.4, which needs to be maintained.

What is the pH Level of Distilled Water?

Distilled water is a type of purified water with all impurities removed through distillation. This process involves boiling the water and then condensing the steam into liquid form, leaving any contaminants or minerals behind. The pH of distilled water at the moment of distillation is neutral, with a pH of 7. However, after a short period, some distilled water will bond with atmospheric carbon dioxide to create a very small amount of carbonic acid, pushing the pH down to 6.

The pH scale is logarithmic, meaning that each number on the scale represents an increase in acidity by 10 times. For example, pH 6 is 10 times more acidic than pH 7, and pH 5 is 100 times more acidic than pH 7. Distilled water may be technically acidic, but it is still much less acidic than other substances such as Coca-Cola (pH 2.5) or stomach acid (pH 1.5-3.5). Even car batteries are more acidic than distilled water at around pH 0.7-1.0. Therefore, although distilled water may be slightly acidic, it can still be considered relatively neutral in comparison to other substances and liquids found in nature.

Can the pH of Distilled Water Change?

The distilled water pH level is mutable. Why? After distillation, water begins to absorb compounds in the air to form acids, decreasing the water’s pH level.

For example, carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide are compounds in the air. Sulfur dioxide is a gas that reacts fast with other substances to form harmful compounds like sulfuric acid. So, when distilled water absorbs carbon dioxide, it turns into carbonic acid the water. The same thing happens when water absorbs sulfur oxide. Sulfur oxide reacts in water to form sulfuric acid.

When these two acids are formed in distilled water, it reduces the water’s pH, changing the water temperature. On the other hand, for water to remain almost neutral, it should be stored in a glass jar with a lid. This can help minimize the issue.

How Do You Measure the pH of Distilled Water?

I recommend using an electronic meter to test the PH of your distilled water. There are many different brands available online, but all meters work similarly. They usually come with instructions, so follow these carefully.

First, add 10 ml of distilled water into the glass container provided by the manufacturer. Then place the probe onto the surface of the liquid until it reads “0”. Now move the probe down towards the bottom of the container where it will read “7”. Once you reach the mark marked as ‘zero,’ remove the probe and record the reading.

Repeat the process using another sample of distilled water. Compare both readings and note any differences between them. Once you have done this, you will determine the specific gravity of your distilled water.

Alternatively, you can purchase a digital pH meter. The pH value of a sample can be determined by using a digital pH meter, inserting the probe into the sample, and pressing “start.” After reading the results, record the numbers on a piece of paper.

In addition, you can also use a pH testing kit. Follow the instructions included with the kit. Some kits include a small plastic vial containing a few drops of liquid. Place the tip of the pH strip inside the vial and wait for the strips to dissolve completely. Read the results after 5 minutes.

Additionally, you can buy a pH tester online. The pH of food items, beverages, soil samples, etc., can be tested using different testers. For example, you can get a pH tester designed specifically to measure drinking water’s pH. 

How to Raise the pH of Distilled Water?

Drinking water needs to be purified firstly to remove contaminants and, secondly, to raise the pH and mineral content. So, to increase the pH of distilled water, follow these methods:

• Water distiller– A water distiller removes acidic particles from drinking water by heating it and condensing the steam to form water free from acidic components.
• Neutralizing filter– Neutralizing filters are made with calcite, limestone, or magnesia. It releases calcium or magnesium into the water, increasing the pH from acidic to alkaline or neutral.
• Water ionized– Water ionizer separates water’s alkaline and acidic components through electrolysis. It can increase the pH of the water to 9.
• Baking soda– Baking soda is effective for increasing water pH levels. Add a teaspoon to your water and turn it until it completely dissolves.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

1. What pH is safe for drinking water?

The pH of water is an important factor in determining if it is safe to drink. Drinking water with a high pH can corrode metal pipes, increasing the risk of lead poisoning. Drinking water with a low pH can give people diarrhea and stomach aches. The WHO recommends maintaining the pH level of drinking water between 6-8 to be safe to drink.

2. What does a changing or unsafe pH mean?

A change in your body’s pH indicates that it might be infected or injured. The pH scale shows 0-14 is acidic, and 14 is alkaline. An acidic pH of less than 7 means it’s more acidic, and a higher number means it’s alkaline. Anything outside these ranges can have dangerous or unsafe consequences for the body – a pH of 0-6 is considered lethal.

3. What are the Common water pH levels?

pH Levels 0 – 3 Acidic 4 – 5 Alkaline 6 – 8 Neutral 9 – 14 Very Basic 15+ Extremely.

4. How does pH affect water?

Minerals dissolved in water include calcium, magnesium, and sodium. These elements form compounds called hydroxides when combined with acids like H2O. When there is more than enough base present, the compound dissolves easily.

However, when there isn’t enough base, the compound doesn’t dissolve. As a result, the solid particles remain suspended in the water instead of sinking to the bottom. Water becomes less clear when too much acid is present.

5. What happens if my pH level is out of whack?

If your pH level falls below 6.5, you could develop kidney stones. It is possible for uric acid to build up in the kidneys and lead to kidney stones this. A balance exists between the production and excretion of uric acid during normal metabolic processes.

Conclusion

The pH of distilled water is neutral or slightly acidic. It can be affected by mineral impurities, but these can be removed with treatment. Proper hydration and maintaining proper pH levels are essential to optimal health and well-being. Check the ph before drinking distilled water in order to be safe.