pH
pH
is a measurement of how acidic or basic a chemical is.
Acidic and basic are two extremes that describe chemicals, just like hot and cold are two
extremes that describe temperature. Mixing acids and bases can cancel out their extreme effects; much like mixing hot
and cold water can even out the water temperature. A substance that is neither acidic nor basic is neutral.pH Scale
After the water has been softened, it has a pH value of 12. The lime that was added to soften the water
has left the water with a high pH. The pH of the water is far on the basic side. The water is not healthy for people to drink.That's not the only problem! If the water were sent out to your home right now, it would leave deposits
in the pipes. The deposits would build up over time, and eventually plug the pipes!
So, the pH of the water must be lowered!
At this point in the water treatment process, it is important to bring the pH closer to neutral. The
way that the pH is lowered is by bubbling carbon dioxide into the water.
Quick Review
- Unpleasant tastes and odors have been removed from the water.
- Water has been softened.
- Water has a healthy pH.
