Reverse Osmosis water tends to be slightly acidic with a pH of 5-6. This is because the semi-permeable membrane successfully filters out contaminants, but is not able to filter carbon dioxide – which can also dissolve in the water after it passes through the filter.
The presence of dissolved carbon dioxide makes the water slightly acidic.
Mineral water is not quite as acidic because there are other compounds in it that balance the pH out.
Because RO water is so close to distilled water, carbon dioxide can dissolve in it very easily.
Table of Contents
- A quick primer on pH
- Is acidic water bad for you?
- How to increase the pH of RO water
- What’s the deal with alkaline water
A quick primer on pH
pH stands for?potenz hydrogen, or the amount of free H+ ions present in the solution. Water has a dissociative property. While we’re familiar with the chemical formula of water being H2O, water is actually an equal combination of H+ and OH– ions.
If the number of H+ and OH– ions remains equal, the pH of the solution will be 7, or neutral. The moment H+, the pH starts ticking down, indicating that the solution is getting acidic.
If the concentration of OH– increases, the pH starts ticking up, indicating that the solution is getting more alkaline.
A common acid is hydrochloric acid, or HCl.
HCl is actually H+ and CL–, so the increased H+ ions in the solution(in addition to the ones already in the water) will push the pH down.
When carbon dioxide dissolves in water, an interesting process takes place.
Instead of adding extra H+ ions, it actually removes OH– ions by combining with the OH– ions to form HCO3–.
This is why the pH slightly drops.
You can measure pH of a solution using a pH meter. These are simple devices that have a small electrode you dip in the solution and the screen will show you a reading. These devices are the most accurate way to measure pH – don’t waste your time with pH strips as you’ll only get an approximation with those.
Still, the pH drops only a minute amount and you won’t even notice the taste.
Is acidic water bad for you?
Highly acidic water can be corrosive over a long period of time and can slowly eat away at the pipes and plumbing in your house.
However, the key word here is “highly.”
Most natural waters in the USA have a pH between 6.5 to 8.5.
This much fluctuation is completely normal.
The acid raid that you hear about on the news as corroding buildings and statues is actually much more acidic, with a pH closer to 4.
You may think that you need to avoid acidic water like the plague, but that’s just not the case – we regularly consume acidic foods and beverages.
Are you a fan of sour foods? I’ve got news for you:?all sour foods are acidic!
Here’s a table of common beverages and their pH levels:
| Water pH Levels | Beverage pH Levels |
| Sea Water = 8.6 | Soda = 2.5 |
| Mineral Water = 7.4 | Sports Drink = 2.9 |
| Tap Water = 6 -8 | Coffee = 4 |
| RO Water = 5-7 | Beer = 4.5 |
As you can see, we are accustomed to drinking a wide range of pH beverages and our bodies do a fantastic job of balancing out the acids and bases to maintain our blood pH where it should be as long as you have a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and natural foods.
On a side note, even though it’s technically safe from an acid point of view to drink soda, sugary drinks like soda should generally be avoided to stay healthy.
How to increase the pH of RO water
If you measure your RO water to find that it’s a bit more acidic than you are comfortable with, you can just add a few specks of baking soda and mix it in to increase the pH.
Don’t add too much, or else you’ll tip the scales too far to alkaline!
There are also a couple of other options:
Use a remineralization/alkaline stage in your RO system. This is another tank that attaches to the last stage of your RO system and it will add some minerals back into the water, raising the pH closer to neutral.
- Reverse Osmosis Water Filter: Experience what water should taste like with the Express Water reverse osmosis water filtration system filtering up to 99. 99% of Lead, Chlorine, Fluoride, Nitrates, Calcium, Arsenic, and more
- Alkaline Water Filter: Express Water’s Alkaline Water Filter with Active Mineral Technology adds Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, and other minerals to your water
- Under Sink Water Filter: Don’t waste money on professional installation. Express Water’s quick and easy-to-understand design means you can install and understand everything about your new water filtration system
- Quality : Rest easy with our 1-year on all Express Water Reverse Osmosis Water Systems. System dimensions: 17x15x5 inches, Tank dimensions: 15x12x12 inches
- Under Sink Water Filter System: No need to mess with refilling or activating your water filter, Express Water’s water filtration systems automatically fill your water tank with high quality drinking water
You can also use alkaline water pitchers which work on the same principle as a remineralization stage, except instead of in the system itself, it’s now outside so you can control how much water you wish to neutralize and how much you wish to keep as is.
A remineralization stage is a longer term investment and requires less replacing/maintenance than an alkaline water pitcher which may get slightly expensive in the long run.
- Healthy alkaline water: Alkaline water helps slow down the aging process and regulate the pH value of your body. Waterdrop alkaline filter contains mineral material, and the pH level can be increased to 8.0-9.5. You can drink alkaline water at home.
- Effective filtration: Using 6-stage water filter technology, Waterdrop water filter pitcher can reduce fluoride, chlorine, taste and odor, and heavy metals tested by a third lab. And it adds zinc, calcium and other minerals to your water.
- Dedicated filtration performance: This system DOES NOT lower TDS value. If you prefer low TDS value, please choose Waterdrop TDS Reduction Pitcher. “TDS” stands for “total dissolved solids,” which are basically inorganic salts and a small amount of organic matter.
- Gravity induct indicator: The pitcher contains a light that lets you know when it’s time to replace the filter.You can check on the use status of the filter. Product Dimensions: 10"*5.28"*10.04". If you plan to use it for fridge, please measure your fridge to ensure it fits.
- Exceptional quality: The pitcher is made of high-grade BPA-free plastic and has an ergonomic handle, which makes for easy handling. Because the pitcher uses highly efficient ACF from Japan, you can rest assured that you will enjoy optimal performance.
- [Healthy Alkaline Water] This alkaline water filter can add multiple alkaline substances to water to improve the alkaline value of water. 💧Alkaline water is the first choice of healthy water and is more suitable for sports enthusiasts, helping to delay ageing and improve the immunity.
- [6-layer Fine Filtration] 🌏The water filter pitcher effectively reduces chlorine, fluoride, taste and odor, aluminum, iron, copper and mercury through 6-layer fine filtration, ensuring the purity of every drop, according to tests of a third lab.
- [Fashionable and Slim Appearance] This water filter dispenser adopts fashion streamlined design and a slim body, which is only 14.37*5.55*9.95 inches and specially made for refrigerator, saving space. The 35-cup (⚡19 cups in the body) capacity of this water filter machine can meet the water needs of the whole family. ⚡Please check the size of your refrigerator before purchasing to make sure the dispenser will fit perfectly in.
- [Intimate Detail Design] The top of the water filter pitcher is designed with a handle, which is easy to carry and lift, and the sliding cover design is convenient for adding water and can isolate the odor of the refrigerator. The arc design at the bottom makes it easy to move in the refrigerator while its sealing design of the faucet can effectively avoid water leakage.
- [100-gallon Long Lifespan] To ensure the taste of drinking water, it is recommended to replace the filter（Model number: WD-DF-AL）every two months. Thanks to the smart filter replacement indicator, you can change the filter in time and enjoy the freshness any time. ⚡This system DOES NOT lower TDS value. If you prefer low TDS value, please choose Waterdrop RO system.
What’s the deal with alkaline water
Searching online, watching videos, and hearing things from your friends may have you inclined to think that alkaline water is a miracle drug that cures cancer.
However, there is no clear consensus in the scientific community with regards to whether alkaline water is all its proponents claim it to be.
On the whole, natural water is the best water you can drink, according to the Mayo Clinic.
There have been a few studies that show certain benefits for alkaline water, though.
- A study in 2012 showed that drinking alkaline water with a pH of greater than 8.8 had an effect in reducing the enzyme that is responsible for acid reflux.
- Another study suggested possible benefits from alkaline water for people who suffered from high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol.
- Another study suggested that alkaline water can help in oxygen delivery all over your body by increasing the blood’s viscosity.
Please bear in mind that these studies were done with very small sample sizes and the results are far from conclusive.
THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE TO DRINK OR AVOID ALKALINE WATER. CONSULT A DOCTOR IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS!
The reason I quoted these studies is that the results of these studies are a long shot from the claims some pro-alkaline water folks make:
- it has anti-aging properties
- it has colon-cleansing properties
- it helps your immune system
- it builds cancer resistance
- and so on
I am not saying that alkaline water?does not do this, I am just stating that there is not yet enough conclusive evidence to show that it indeed?does.
I saw a video on YouTube of a doctor advising strongly against alkaline water
One of the comments caught my eye:
Really the key here is the word this commenter has capitalized: NATURALLY.
If your primary water source is NATURALLY slightly alkaline and you and your ancestors have been drinking it for generations and living long and healthy lives then sure, it’s good for you!
However, attributing long life solely to water is confusion correlation with causation – there are other factors such as diet, stress, and environment which make a much bigger difference than the acidity or alkalinity of your drinking water.
Remember, the main purpose of RO water is to REMOVE contaminants – which can cause serious health problems.
