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Understanding pH Levels in Broward County's Aquifer

The U.S. Geological Survey conducted groundwater sampling across Broward County's aquifer, analyzing pH levels in wells ranging from 96 to 140 feet deep. Twelve results from six separate wells, collected between June and September 2016, showed pH values ranging from 6.9 to 7.8 standard units, with a median of 7.3.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s secondary standard for pH in water, which is designed to address aesthetic factors and potential corrosion rather than health concerns, defines an acceptable range of 6.5 to 8.5 standard units. Notably, none of the sampled wells in this area fell below the 6.5 threshold, indicating that, at least within this sample, acidic conditions were not detected at levels considered problematic for general water aesthetics or infrastructure.

What Does Acidic Water Mean?

Water with a pH under 7 is considered acidic. Acidic water tends to be corrosive, which can cause damage to plumbing, fixtures, and appliances, and may lead to the leaching of metals like lead or copper into water supplies. While the reported sampling did not indicate pH levels below 6.5 in Broward County’s aquifer, individual household wells may experience different conditions. Only a direct test of your water can establish its specific pH.

Testing Your Home Water for pH

If acidic water is a concern for your household, you should obtain an accurate pH test of your own supply. This test will determine whether the water’s pH is below the secondary standard and whether treatment is appropriate. Testing kits are available that measure pH with sufficient precision for this purpose. Because pH can vary over time, multiple measurements may provide a better understanding of water conditions.

Choosing Between Treatment Technologies for Acidic Water

Once acidic water is confirmed, you may consider equipment designed to neutralize or adjust pH to reduce corrosion and improve water quality. Treatment methods vary, but one proven approach is the use of a neutralizer filter. This equipment adds alkaline materials to the water, raising the pH into a non-corrosive range.

How a Neutralizer Filter Works

The WSP Whole House pH Neutralizer Filter is a water treatment solution tailored to address acidic water and its corrosive effects by chemically balancing the pH. It typically contains media such as calcite or magnesium oxide that dissolve into the water, increasing alkalinity and reducing acidity. This technology is effective for well water supplies where low pH is identified.

This neutralizer filter ships ready to configure, enabling households to choose a solution that fits their specific water conditions and flow demands.

Next Steps for Your Household

• Test your home water to determine its actual pH level.
• Review your household's water use and flow demands.
• Consider whether a neutralizer filter aligns with your water quality needs and equipment preferences.
• Understand that regional data provides context but not a direct assessment of your water.

Making an informed decision about managing acidic water helps protect your home’s plumbing and improves water quality. The WSP Whole House pH Neutralizer Filter offers a documented approach to reducing acidity and controlling corrosion where it is needed.

Where this information comes from

SourceUSGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2016-09-01. These figures describe groundwater sampled in this area. They are not a test of any individual private well - only a test of that well can establish its own water.

On record U.S. Geological Survey sampling of pH in the aquifer (Broward County): 12 results from 6 wells, median 7.3 standard units, range 6.9-7.8 standard units; EPA secondary standard for pH is 6.5-8.5 (aesthetic/corrosivity, not health-based); 0 of 12 sampled results fell below 6.5

The documented solution

WSP Whole House pH Neutralizer Filter - Well Water, Acid Corrosion