pH

The pH of a water sample indicates its acidity. pH values range from 0 (very acid) to 14 (very basic); 7.0 indicates water that is neutral (neither acid nor basic). Most ground waters have pH values ranging from about 5.5 to slightly over 8.

A water sample having a pH less than 7.0 tends to be corrosive. It will dissolve some metals (lead, copper, cadmium, and zinc) from pipes and iron from well casing, pump, and piping.

Water with a pH under 6.0 should be neutralized either chemically or by filtering. Contact a water treatment specialist. See the yellow pages under "Water Treatment" for the name of a specialist in your area.

Conductivity

Conductivity is the numerical expression of the ability of an aqueous solution to carry an electrical current. This ability depends on the concentration of ions in a solution. Solutions of most inorganic acids, bases, and salts are relatively good conductors. The physical measurement made in a laboratory to determine conductivity is usually of resistance, measured in ohms or megohms. The reciprocal is conductance or conductivity which is reported in micromhos per centimeter (umhos/cm).

Freshly distilled water has a conductivity of 0.5 to 2.0 umhos/cm. The conductivity of potable waters in the United States ranges from 50 to 1500 umhos/cm.

 

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR NEED ADVICE ON HOW TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, CONTACT THE HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING LABORATORY AT 207-287-1716.