: What is the best pH of drinking water? I have seen that soft drinks are harmful to the body due to the very differing level of pH. I have also seen that our aged body become acid through time. And alkaline when young. The

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The WHO says between 6.5 and 9.5, but mostly due to the pH's effect on operational water-quality parameters. Between 4 and 10.5, apart from possible irritation the effect on humans may not be severe:

EFFECTS ON HUMANS

Exposure to extreme pH values results in irritation to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Eye irritation and exacerbation of skin disorders have been associated with pH values greater than 11. In addition, solutions of pH 10–12.5 have been reported to cause hair fibres to swell. In sensitive individuals, gastrointestinal irritation may also occur.

Exposure to low pH values can also result in similar effects. Below pH 4, redness and irritation of the eyes have been reported, the severity of which increases with decreasing pH. Below pH 2.5, damage to the epithelium is irreversible and extensive. In addition, because pH can affect the degree of corrosion of metals as well as disinfection efficiency, it may have an indirect effect on health.

CONCLUSIONS

Although pH usually has no direct impact on water consumers, it is one of the most important operational water-quality parameters. Careful attention to pH control is necessary at all stages of water treatment to ensure satisfactory water clarification and disinfection. For effective disinfection with chlorine, the pH should preferably be less than 8.

The pH of the water entering the distribution system must be controlled to minimize the corrosion of water mains and pipes in household water systems. Failure to do so can result in the contamination of drinking-water and in adverse effects on its taste, odour, and appearance.
The optimum pH will vary in different supplies according to the composition of the water and the nature of the construction materials used in the distribution system, but is often in the range 6.5–9.5. Extreme pH values can result from accidental spills, treatment breakdowns, and insufficiently cured cement mortar pipe linings.

WHO: pH in Drinking-water:
Background document for development of WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality. WHO/SDE/WHO/03.04/12.