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What is meant by the pH of drinking water?

Last Updated: April 05, 2010

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The term pH is used to express acidic or basic strength of drinking water. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral and indicates a balance between acidic and basic elements. Values below 7 indicate increasing acid strength as the pH approaches 0. Values above 7 indicate increasing basic strength as the pH approaches 14. The recommended pH for drinking water is 6.5 to 8.5. Water that has a pH below 6.5 can be corrosive.

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