KETOS SHIELD allows water operators to monitor for alkalinity in real-time. They save costs with our $0-CAPEX subscription model, too.
As an intelligent water management solution, KETOS SHIELD provides real-time monitoring for alkalinity and 30+ other water testing parameters (including inorganics and heavy metals). Monitoring happens via an internet-aware modular system that uploads your data to the cloud for easy 24/7 access.
Why Monitor Water for Alkalinity with KETOS
Alkalinity can measure water’s ability to neutralize acids or resist changes that cause acidity and help maintain a stable pH. For example, water with high alkalinity is less prone to turning acidic if it becomes contaminated with acidic water. Several factors can affect a water supply’s alkalinity, including the composition of soil and local geological conditions, pH changes, sewage outflow, and environmental factors (such as acid rain).
Alkalinity is essential for drinking water and wastewater treatment and an important factor when determining the suitability of water for irrigating plants. Therefore, monitoring for alkalinity may be necessary for any water quality monitoring program across various industries.
Issues with Alkalinity In Water

Alkalinity water testing is essential for assessing water quality, as it helps determine the water’s ability to neutralize acids and maintain a stable pH level.
While alkalinity itself is not harmful to human health, it can have various implications:
- Corrosion: High alkalinity water can contribute to corrosion in metal pipes and plumbing fixtures. This corrosion can lead to leaks, contamination of water with metals like lead, and damage to infrastructure.
- Scaling: Alkaline water can cause scaling in pipes, water heaters, and appliances. This scaling can reduce the efficiency of these systems and lead to increased energy consumption and maintenance costs.
- Aquatic Environment: High alkalinity levels in natural water bodies can impact aquatic ecosystems. It can affect the pH balance, which in turn can harm aquatic life, particularly species sensitive to changes in pH.
- Water Treatment: Alkalinity can interfere with water treatment processes. For example, in drinking water treatment, high alkalinity can reduce the effectiveness of disinfection processes such as chlorination.
- Taste and Odor: Extremely high alkalinity can sometimes impart a bitter taste or odor to water, which may be undesirable for drinking or other uses.
Overall, while alkalinity itself is not a health concern, it can have various indirect effects on water quality, infrastructure, and the environment, making it an important parameter to monitor and manage in water systems.
Causes of Alkalinity in Water
Alkalinity in water primarily arises from dissolved minerals and substances that neutralize acids. The most common source is calcium carbonate (limestone), which dissolves into the water from rocks and soil as it flows through different geological formations. Other minerals like magnesium and potassium can also contribute to alkalinity, derived from natural sources such as dolomite or through agricultural runoff where fertilizers and pesticides contain these elements. Additionally, human activities like mining, industrial processes, and the use of water treatment chemicals can increase alkalinity levels, altering the water’s natural balance. Understanding these causes is crucial for managing water quality and ensuring it remains safe for consumption and the environment.
Acceptable Levels of Alkalinity in Water by Industry
Alkalinity in water refers to its capacity to neutralize acids and is a crucial parameter across various industries due to its impact on processes and product quality. In the drinking water sector, the acceptable alkalinity range is 20-200 mg/L to ensure palatability and prevent plumbing corrosion. For industrial applications, such as in boiler feed water, the acceptable range is typically lower, between 10-50 mg/L, to avoid scale formation and corrosion. In aquaculture, maintaining alkalinity within 50-200 mg/L supports optimal fish health by stabilizing pH levels. Agriculture requires water with 40-120 mg/L alkalinity to promote soil health and plant growth. The textile industry prefers an alkalinity range of 10-30 mg/L to ensure efficient dyeing and fabric processing. These standards are set to balance operational efficiency, product quality, and environmental safety, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring and adjustment of water alkalinity in various applications.
Industry |
Acceptable Alkalinity Range (mg/L) |
Drinking Water |
20-200 |
Boiler Feed Water |
10-50 |
Aquaculture |
50-200 |
Agriculture |
40-120 |
Textile Industry |
10-30 |
How to Easily Monitor Water for Alkalinity
Instead of measuring alkalinity with a meter that only measures a handful of conditions; the KETOS SHIELD is capable of mentoring dozens of water related issues — in real-time. Does your team need more information on how KETOS can help monitor for alkalinity and 30+ other water testing parameters?
KETOS offers comprehensive water monitoring solutions, including tracking alkalinity and over 30 additional critical parameters. From pH to dissolved oxygen, KETOS provides accurate insights, ensuring water quality management is thorough and effective. Gain the knowledge your team needs for precise water analysis and proactive decision-making.
Whether you’re monitoring process water for
calcium levels in industrial applications, detecting
arsenic in drinking water, or managing
cadmium in wastewater, KETOS’ automated water monitoring solution streamlines your operations, saving time and ensuring regulatory compliance.