Author Description

PH is a measure of the acidity/basicity of water. The control of pH is important during drinking water treatment, to maximize treatment effectiveness and efficiency, and in the distribution system, to control corrosion and reduce leaching from distribution system and plumbing components. This guideline technical document reviews and assesses the relationships between pH and other water quality characteristics, water treatment processes and distribution system considerations. It also outlines health risks associated with exposure to extreme pH levels. Although the document includes information on pH throughout treatment and distribution, the operational guideline for pH is intended to apply to finished water in the distribution system. Health Canada recently completed its review of the considerations associated with the pH of drinking water. Based on this review, the operational guideline for the pH of finished drinking water is an acceptable range of 7.0 to 10.5.