I live in central Connecticut, and I recently used a home water-testing kit (WaterSafe). My water tested as soft -- that part wasn't a surprise. We've always had.. slippery water. When visitors shower they complain that they still felt soapy after repeated rinsings. However, I was surprised to see that our water tested at about 9.5 using their ph test. It seems we have soft alkaline water.
There's a lot of sandstone and swamp around in our Connecticut low-land area, and as far as I know that might explain the soft water, but why would the water be so base, and should we be concerned by a 9.5 rating? There's a superfund landfill upstream (under a mile) from our place, so I'm a bit edgy.
Many thanks
2007-06-01 03:42:18 · 7 answers · asked by leversandpulleys 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Calcium Carbonate (CO3) is the component of hard water. Because of the soft water, your Carbonate level is low. The alkalinity (or pH number) is a measure of hydroxide (OH) content when above 7. The total dissolved solids is the other measure you should take, usually done with conductivity. Since you mention a slippery feel, it is likely your water has a high mineral content, predominately Sodium Sulfate (SO4).
I would be concerned if your pH was low, say 5.5 and the proximity of the superfund site, but your problems are more typical of natural high mineral content.
2007-06-02 09:31:30 · answer #1 · answered by lare 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sandstones normally make the water neither soft nor as alkaline as 9.5 pH. I would rather think a limestone is most likely to be the cause. Study the geological map of your area to ensure that the groundwater you are tapping does not percolate through a limestone horizon. Anyway, this water characteristic is very much within tolerable limits and you should not unduly worry. But it is still a good idea to treat the water before you use it.
2007-06-01 06:31:41 · answer #2 · answered by saudipta c 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a pH of 9.5 is a bit high. 6.5 to 8.5 is the standard.
However, I would NOT rely on a home testing kit. I suggest collecting another sample and submitting it to a lab for analysis, the test isn't all that expensive ($10-$15) and could save you a headache. Make sure to use a sample container supplied by the laboratory.
If you do collect another sample, pump the well for about 10-20 minutes and then collect the sample directly off the well head, or as close as reasonably possible to it. Therefore, if there is something in your plumbing that is causing the high pH problem, you can narrow it down from there.
2007-06-01 06:58:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alkaline Well Water
2016-12-10 13:42:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
9.5 is very basic. Quick search of Google shows that it is at the higher limit of acceptabilty but well within the limits. Your rocks and sub soils effect your water. A superfund site probably does not effect your waters ph. I would test for other things though if it were me. I would find what was being removed from the site and test for that, even if it cost a bit.
Also, I would contact your local water agency for more info.
2007-06-01 03:53:35 · answer #5 · answered by campojoe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most likely you live near limestone deposits. Limestone causes soft water and is also alkaline.
2007-06-01 03:49:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ph seems a bit high if it was pool water , I found a site for you to check out. It may answer all your questions.
2007-06-01 03:50:12 · answer #7 · answered by slim 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋