Acidic Water & Blue-Green Staining in Sinks, Showers, & More
What is Low pH (acidic) Water?
If you’ve noticed blue-green stains in your bathtub, shower, or sink, you may have acidic water in your home. Acidic water has a low pH, meaning it’s corrosive and may be damaging your plumbing and fixtures. pH stands for “potential of hydrogen” or “power of hydrogen.” It is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution, indicating whether that solution is acidic or basic.
The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, anything below 7 is acidic, and anything above 7 is alkaline. The EPA recommends water pH levels between 6.5 and 8.5, though this is a guideline, not a regulated standard. Many well owners in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and Rhode Island encounter low pH issues.
How Acidic Water Causes Damage
Acidic water treatment is important because untreated low pH water can be highly corrosive. Over time, it eats away at copper pipes, plumbing fixtures, and water heaters. This leads to:
- Expensive plumbing repairs or replacement
- Aesthetic damage from blue-green staining
- Premature failure of appliances
- Potential exposure to harmful metals
If you’re struggling with high acidity affecting your drinking water, contact our water treatment experts today. At H2O Care, we offer advanced treatment systems to address all types of water quality issues, including acidic water.
Common Signs of Acidic Water
- Blue-green water stains in sinks, tubs, showers, or toilets (caused by dissolving copper pipes)
- A metallic or sour taste to water
- Corroded plumbing and pin-hole pipe leaks
- Stained laundry or discolored water
- Damage to water-using appliances
- Lower water pressure due to pipe blockages, leaks, and deterioration
IS ACIDIC WATER BAD FOR YOU?
While a low pH itself isn’t directly harmful, acidic water can leach metals like copper, lead, and zinc from pipes and fixtures. This can affect the taste, quality, and appearance of your water. Long-term exposure to these metals may pose health risks, especially in households with children.
ACIDIC WATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS
Acid Neutralizer Filters
The most common solution for acidic water is a point-of-entry acid-neutralizing filter system. These systems use calcite (calcium carbonate), ground limestone, or a blend of calcite and magnesium oxide to increase the pH of water as it passes through neutralizing media.
These systems neutralize acidity by releasing minerals into the water. They also increase water hardness, which can be treated with a water softener. They are ideal for mildly acidic water (pH 5.5–6.9)
Chemical Feed Pump Systems
A chemical feed pump is the recommended acidic well water treatment system for highly acidic water (pH < 5.5). A mixture of soda ash and well water (similar to baking soda) is stored in a solution tank. The feed pump injects this high pH solution into the water line.
The water then goes to a retention tank (typically 40 gallons) where it is held to ensure complete neutralization. The retention tank gives the injected neutralizing chemical time to thoroughly mix and react with the water before it flows through the rest of the plumbing system.
Using soda ash for neutralization can add a small amount of sodium to the water supply. While this isn’t a concern for most individuals, it can be for those on a low-sodium diet. Thankfully, sodium content can be reduced with a reverse osmosis system.
Both acidic water treatment systems are effective and can be customized based on your water chemistry and household needs.
WHY CHOOSE H2O CARE FOR ACIDIC WATER TREATMENT?
At H2O Care, we’ve been solving tough water problems across New England for over 30 years. Whether you’re dealing with contaminated well water or wondering how to raise the pH of your water, our team has the knowledge and tools to help.
Advantages of Working With Our Professionals
- Custom acidic water treatment solutions
- Trained, in-house water specialists
- Over 30 years of water treatment experience
- On-site testing, installation, and service
- Serving clients in MA, NH, ME, and RI
Stop Stains and Protect Your Water Today
If you’re seeing blue-green stains in the shower, dealing with pipe corrosion, or worried about acidic tap water, reach out today. H2O Care’s expert team will test your water, recommend the right acidic water treatment system, and install it for you, start to finish!
Contact us to schedule your water test and get started with personalized acidic water solutions. We’ve been serving customers throughout Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire & Maine, and Northern Rhode Island for over three decades— You can depend on us!