Distilled Water pH Levels
Distilled water is among the many types of bottled water produced each year. Overall, the process of distilling water results in eliminating microscopic contaminants and dissolved minerals. Manufacturers, however, only imitate the water cycle process that nature uses.
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Facts
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The term pH is a measurement used to identify acid or alkaline levels in a solution. It is measured on a scale of 0 to 14, with 7 being the point of neutrality. Water with a pH of 7 or higher is alkaline water that contains minerals. Neutral water has a pH of 7. Water with a pH value of less than 7 is acidic. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), distilled water has a pH of between 5.6 and 7.
Significance
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The pH levels in distilled water is significant because some people drink it specifically because of the lack of minerals and impurities. Water Systems Aqua Technology for the 21st Century states, "It is so pure that all liquid drug prescriptions are formulated with distilled water." Opponents, however, point out how the water is rarely pure, because distilled water reacts with carbon dioxide in the air and forms carbonic acid. This weak acid, as it is called, actually lowers the pH levels.
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The Distillation Process
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The distilling process works based on the natural hydrologic cycle, in which the sun heats the water on the earth, which evaporates and then condenses and forms clouds. Moisture then returns to earth in the form of precipitation. Man-made distilled water is made by boiling water to create steam. Because water has a lower boiling point than minerals, the steam becomes distilled water and the remaining elements that were not vaporized become the sediment. When it comes in contact with the air, freshly distilled water (natural or man-made), will immediately start to drop in pH, especially if the water is agitated or allowed to sit for some time.
Considerations
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Different tests can be used to determine the pH levels in distilled water. One method is the use of a pH indicator. The EPA states "A pH indicator is a chemical that changes color when it comes in contact with acids or bases." Using pH electrodes is another method. But electrodes function by interacting with the ion elements present in water and distilled water generally does not have enough ions for a proper reading.
Regulations
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The EPA works in conjunction with the Food and Drug Administration in setting water standards. While the EPA regulates tap water that public water suppliers provide, the FDA regulates bottled water, based on EPA guidelines. Distilling water will remove the natural minerals and kill the microbes that water normally contains. Neither agency, however, substantiates health claims that are made about distilled water.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit a bottle of water on the beach image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
