What is pH?
pH stands for “potential for Hydrogen”. The pH balance of a water supply describes how acidic or alkaline it is. Waterways are healthy of they fall within a middle range of pH (7). If water becomes too acidic (low) or too alkaline (high), aquatic plants and animals may have difficulty surviving. The acidity, or alkalinity, of a water supply can affect plant growth, irrigation equipment, pesticide efficiency and drinking water suitability. How is pH measured? The pH scale goes from 0 to 14, and a pH of 7 is neutral.
Rivers and lakes generally range between 5 (acidic) and 9 (basic) on the pH scale (average 7.4). Ocean water averages closer to 8.2 (slightly basic). |