The Importance of pH Control

In addition to its effects on biological and chemical processes, the variability of pH affects our decisions in rainwater catchment and domestic water usage. High-pH water often tastes bitter and may be an indication of the scaling potential of the water. Low-pH water may lead to the dissolution of pipes, particularly copper pipes and will release lead in the water through brass fittings. The EPA classifies pH under unregulated Secondary Drinking Water Standards and recommends a range between 6.5 and 8.5 pH units.

The term "pH" refers to the potential of hydrogen. The scale measures the logarithmic concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxyl ions (OH-), which constitute H2O. Because the scale is logarithmic, a change in pH by a factor of 10 results in a change of one unit on the pH scale - the pH scale ranges from 0 to 14 and is a measure of the acidity/basicity of water. A neutral solution, with a pH of 7.0, is achieved when the activity ofH+ and OH- is balanced. Water that has more free hydrogen ions (over 7) is acidic and water that has more free hydroxyl ions (less than 7) is basic or alkaline. Acids lower the pH of a solution and bases raise the pH.

Well water is typically high in ions (both positive cations and negative anions) such as calcium and magnesium (the "hardness" minerals), sodium, potassium, nitrate, chloride and sulfate. The presence of these ions decreases the activity of the H + ion and increases the activity of the OH- ions, causing the water to be higher pH. Well-water pH is a function of the minerals taken into solution as the water moves through rock strata.

The term "alkaline" should not be confused with the term "alkalinity;' which refers to the "buffering" capacity of water, or its ability to resist or "buffer" changes that would make the water more acidic. The main sources of natural alkalinity, which limits swings in pH levels, are rocks containing carbonate, bicarbonate, and hydroxide compounds. Borates, silicates, and phosphates may also contribute to alkalinity.

If you are adding baking soda to your tank once a month that’s great, except when the tank is full and it rains several inches that water is replenished with new rain and the baking soda goes out in the replenishing process.

Solution:  By adding Uncle Tilo’s Acid Rain Mineral Pack to your tank you are ensured to have minerals always.  The Acid Rain Mineral Pack consist of CaCo3 – Calcite & Mg02 Corosex.  Both rainwater systems and our bodies need these minerals.