How to Test PH in Drinking Water

The pH scale is in the range from 0 to 14 and determines how basic or acidic a solution is. The neutral media has pH 7. pH values below 7 correspond to acidic solutions, while a pH greater than 7 is basic. Distilled water is neutral. The pH of drinking water is typically in the range from 6.5 to 8.5 because of the presence of dissolved salts. For instance, a high content of carbonate salts in drinking water produces basic solutions with a pH from 8 to 8.5.

Instructions

1. Pour about 5 ml of the water sample into a beaker.

2. Cut a piece (about 1.5 inches long) of the hydrion pH paper.

3. Put the end of the pH paper strip into the water sample for one to two seconds, and then take it out. The part of the paper that has been in the water will change color.

4. Compare the color of the paper with the scale printed on the pack of the hydrion pH paper. Assign the pH of the water accordingly.

References

• "pH Values of water explained", Free Drinking Water.com