The term pH, despite its widespread use, is seldom understood. By scientific definition,
pH is the reciprocal of the hydrogen ion concentration. By layman’s definition it is the
expression of whether water is acidic or basic (caustic).
pH is measured in a scale of 0 through 14, with 7 as the obvious mid-point or neutral
point, as illustrated in the table below.
From observing the scale, one might conclude that 6.0 is just a "little more acidic" than
neutral; but consider our scientific definition.
Each time you descend one whole number (i.e. 7.0
to 6.0), the acidity of the solution is increased by a factor of 10. Thus, a pH of 4.0 is 1,000 times
as acidic as a pH pf 7.0. Conversely, a pH of 10.0 is 1,000 times more basic than a pH of 7.0.
Though our water’s pH will never be extreme enough to harm us directly, high or low pH
can lead to a number of poor and even dangerous conditions in water. Acidic or basic water can
cause corrosion of plumping, contributing to the presence of iron, copper, manganese, and other
harmful minerals in your water.
Testing Standards:
A pH of 7.0 is the ideal pH for any household water. HeraTech measures the pH of your
well water and evaluates the potential danger of a high or low pH depending to the circumstances
for that particular sample.
Treatment: Neutralizing Filter
Often water can be of high quality and low in buffering calcium
minerals, but is high in dissolved carbon-dioxide gas, which can cause the low
pH or acidity. Treatment is accomplished by neutralizing the water with the
use of an automatic neutralizer. These water filter tanks are filled with a blend
of calcium and magnesium carbonates made from naturally occurring
minerals, which dissolve into the water, making it less corrosive.
Care of Equipment
Neutralizing filter require periodic backwashing. As portions of the filter material is
consumed in neutralizing acidity, additional filter material will need to be added periodically.
All water treatment equipment requires service. Whether removing a secondary standard
like iron or manganese or killing coli form bacteria, the importance of proper maintenance can't
be emphasized strongly enough.
When you receive the bill each month the cost of water is obvious if your source is a
municipal supplier. The fact your water comes from a private well does not exclude the need for
maintenance on a regular basis.
While most home owners prefer a contracted service plan from
us, appointments on an as needed basis are also available. We have service programs that
include salt deliveries. Where this periodic testing is included in the initial installation cost
supplemental testing after the first year are the expense of the homeowner or can be included in
the service contracts.
