The pH of pure water is 7, which is neutral, but not all water with a pH of 7 is pure. A neutral pH is no guarantee of clean water! The pH of water is affected by the substances that are in it. Pure water is not found in nature. All water found in nature has minerals and other substances dissolved in it. Water that comes from the tap will have a pH of 6.5 of higher. The EPA regulates the pH of tap water, and does not allow tap water to be have an acidic pH of lower than 6.5.
The pH of hard water
Hard water usually has an alkaline pH (greater than 7) because the minerals that cause hard water have an alkaline pH. The EPA doesnāt regulate the maximum pH of water. Homes with hard water can easily see water with a pH of 8 or higher.
The alkaline minerals in hard water are good for health. But hard water tastes terrible should be filtered before drinking to remove toxins. The best way to treat hard water for drinking is with a water ionizer. Water ionizers filter out toxins to make water safe to drink. The ionization process used by water ionizers also makes water taste a lot better. Ionized alkaline water tastes sweet and refreshing, so you are likely to want to drink more of it.
The pH of soft water
Soft water usually has a neutral to slightly acidic pH. According to the World Health Organization, soft water is not healthy to drink because it doesnāt supply enough minerals. A big problem for homes with soft water is that it can (and does) corrode pipes. If you live in an older home with lead or copper pipes, soft water will corrode those pipes and expose you to potentially toxic metallic ions.
To make soft water fit for drinking, it should be filtered to remove toxins. Then minerals should be added to it. Water ionizers donāt work well with soft water, so minerals must be added to the water for it to be ionized. Minerals are added to water in home systems using a special remineralization cartridge.