The pH scale is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a liquid is, ranging from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, while anything below 7 is acidic. Acidic water, with a pH below 6.5, is often referred to as 'corrosive' water. While many acidic beverages are commonly consumed, such as soda and fruit juice, the long-term, consistent consumption of water with a low pH is a different matter, especially when it comes from private wells or corroded plumbing.
The Dangers of Drinking Acidic Water
Unlike an occasional soft drink, drinking acidic water daily can have compounding negative effects on the body. The primary risks are related to its corrosive properties and its effect on the body's internal systems.
Heavy Metal Exposure from Leaching
One of the most significant dangers of acidic water is its ability to corrode metal pipes. As it flows through plumbing systems, a low pH can dissolve metals like lead, copper, and zinc from the pipes, contaminating the water supply.
- Lead: Highly toxic, especially for children, where it can cause neurological and developmental problems.
- Copper and Zinc: While necessary in small amounts, high concentrations can cause gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Arsenic and Cadmium: Other toxic heavy metals can also be present in contaminated acidic water.
Severe Dental Erosion
The enamel on your teeth, your body's hardest substance, is highly susceptible to acidic erosion. Just as acidic foods and drinks wear down enamel, constantly drinking acidic water can accelerate this process, leading to increased tooth sensitivity, discoloration, and a higher risk of cavities. Since enamel cannot regenerate, this damage is permanent.
Digestive System Issues
For those with sensitive stomachs, particularly individuals prone to acid reflux or heartburn, drinking acidic water can irritate the esophagus and stomach lining. While the stomach is naturally highly acidic to aid digestion, introducing an external acidic substance can aggravate existing conditions and cause general digestive discomfort.
Potential Effect on Bone Health
While the human body is remarkably good at maintaining a balanced pH, long-term exposure to acidic water may disrupt the body's ability to properly absorb calcium. Some studies suggest that a diet high in acidity could potentially contribute to bone loss, although scientific evidence on the direct link from water alone is debated. However, the presence of leached heavy metals has been linked to negative effects on bone health.
Surprising Topical Benefits and Alternative Uses
Interestingly, while drinking acidic water is ill-advised, its antimicrobial and astringent properties can be useful for external applications.
- Skin Care: A slightly acidic pH is natural for the skin's surface and helps maintain the skin barrier. Using mildly acidic water topically can help combat skin inflammation and conditions like atopic dermatitis.
- Hair and Scalp Health: Some believe that rinsing hair with mildly acidic water can help reduce dandruff and improve hair's appearance, as it helps flatten the hair cuticle.
- Cleaning Fruits and Vegetables: Due to its antimicrobial effects, acidic electrolyzed water has been shown to be effective at reducing bacteria on fresh produce.
- Household Cleaning: Acidic water is excellent for killing bacteria on non-porous kitchen surfaces and sterilizing minor wounds.
Comparison of Water Types
| Feature | Acidic Water (pH < 6.5) | Neutral Water (pH 7) | Alkaline Water (pH > 7.5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Impact (Drinking) | Risks include heavy metal exposure, dental erosion, and digestive issues. | Optimal and safe for most people; standard tap water falls within a safe range. | Mostly marketing hype, with limited evidence for certain conditions like acid reflux. Excessively high pH can have side effects. |
| Effect on Plumbing | Highly corrosive, can dissolve metal pipes over time, causing leaks and leaching heavy metals. | Generally safe and non-corrosive to most plumbing materials. | Can cause scale buildup and mineral deposits in pipes and appliances over time. |
| Best Use Cases | Topical: Antimicrobial skin/hair care, cleaning produce and surfaces. | Drinking: Standard hydration and cooking. | Drinking: For limited, specific health claims under medical guidance. |
| Typical Sources | Private wells with granite rock beds, industrial runoff, or acid rain contamination. | High-quality tap water, some bottled water. | Specialty bottled water, water ionizers. |
How to Identify and Treat Acidic Water
Identifying acidic water is the first step to mitigating its risks. You can test your water at home with pH test strips or a digital pH meter. Common signs of acidic water include a metallic or sour taste, and blue-green stains on sinks, tubs, and plumbing fixtures, which are a result of copper corrosion.
If you find your water is acidic, treatment depends on the severity. For moderately low pH, a whole-house acid neutralizer filled with a neutralizing media like calcite can be installed. For very low pH levels, a chemical injection system might be necessary. A quality reverse osmosis system can also help balance pH and filter out contaminants. For more information on drinking water standards, consult authoritative sources like the EPA.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict
While the concept of consuming acidic water may appeal to some based on unproven health trends, the scientific consensus is clear: regularly drinking acidic water is not beneficial for the human body and poses several significant health risks, especially from the heavy metals it can leach from plumbing. The human body is well-equipped to regulate its internal pH, making external manipulation through water unnecessary and potentially harmful. The only established benefits are topical and antimicrobial, not for internal consumption. The prudent course of action is to test your water and ensure it falls within a neutral or slightly alkaline range to protect your dental, digestive, and overall health.
Check out the EPA website for more on drinking water standards and contaminants.
