How to Test Water for pH

pH levels in water indicate whether water is hard or soft. The standard pH of pure water is seven. pH levels below this range are acidic (which can make water corrosive), with numbers higher than seven classed as alkaline or base, which can cause metallic-tasting drinking water and deposits on washing up and draining board. You can check the pH levels in your household water by following a few easy steps.

pH level test strips
Glass of water

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a glass with water.
  
  Leave the glass to stand for about a minute. This will give you a clearer pH test result as any ripples or bubbles caused by filling the glass should have dissipated.
- 2
  Remove a pH strip from the box and unwrap the foil or plastic container.
  
  Ensure your hands are dry and there is no moisture in the air (from running a hot bath or shower, for instance) before opening. pH strips will activate on contact with moderate levels of moisture.
- 3
  Lower the pH strip into the glass until it makes contact with the water.
  
  Try not to splash or disturb the water too much as this may decrease the accuracy of the reading.
- 4
  Leave the pH strip in the water for 20-60 seconds, depending on the manufacturer of the strips.
  
  The specific time is stated on the instructions inside the box.
- 5
  Remove the pH strip from the water and hold it steady for seven or eight seconds.
  
  The strip should change color.
- 6
  Hold the activated strip against the color markings on the box.
  
  Comparing the colors indicates whether the pH level in your water has high acidity or is base.

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