Monitoring Water for pH With KETOS SHIELD

KETOS SHIELD can monitor for pH and dozens of water quality parameters. The device is modular and interoperable while reducing costs traditionally allocated to manual testing or third-party lab fees.

Users get accurate monitoring for pH and various other water testing parameters. Results are lab-accurate (in ppb) and EPA-compliant. Water is tested as often as an organization requires, and real-time results/threshold alerts are delivered right to a water operator’s device (mobile, laptop, tablet).

Why Monitor Water for pH with KETOS

pH is the measure of acidity, alkalinity, or neutrality of water. Higher pH levels indicate more acidic water, whereas lower pH levels indicate alkalinity.

pH is an integral part of water testing for purification processes. A change in pH can alter the behavior of other chemicals in water. It can also affect quality as pH changes in water ultimately alter the taste, color, stability, acidity, and shelf life of food and beverage products.

Beyond food and beverage processes, pH is essential for community water supplies as unbalanced pH levels can lead to pipe corrosion, which, in turn, can lead to heavy metals entering drinking water in homes. In an industrial context, such corrosion can also lead to damaged equipment and increased downtime. Therefore, it’s integral that pH is monitored and balanced in both municipal and industrial applications.

What are the Issues with pH in Water?

The pH level in water is a fundamental parameter that indicates its acidity or alkalinity. While water pH naturally varies depending on geological, environmental, and human factors, deviations from the optimal pH range can lead to various challenges and concerns. Here are key issues associated with pH in water:

• Corrosion and Scaling: Extreme pH levels can accelerate corrosion or scaling in water distribution systems, plumbing fixtures, and industrial equipment. Low pH (acidic) water can corrode metal pipes, fittings, and fixtures, leading to leaks, pipe failures, and infrastructure damage. Conversely, high pH (alkaline) water can promote scale formation on surfaces, reducing water flow rates, impairing equipment performance, and increasing maintenance costs.
• Water Quality and Aesthetic Concerns: pH influences water quality characteristics such as taste, odor, and appearance. Water with an abnormal pH may exhibit undesirable taste or odor profiles, making it unpalatable for drinking or cooking. Additionally, pH fluctuations can affect water clarity and color, impacting consumer satisfaction and confidence in water quality.
• Biological Activity: pH levels influence the growth and survival of aquatic organisms, including fish, plants, and microorganisms. Extreme pH conditions can disrupt aquatic ecosystems, leading to reduced biodiversity, impaired reproduction, and increased susceptibility to diseases. Maintaining appropriate pH levels is essential for sustaining healthy aquatic habitats and supporting ecosystem functions.
• Chemical Reactions: pH governs various chemical reactions in water, affecting the behavior and solubility of dissolved substances. Deviations from the optimal pH range can alter chemical equilibria, leading to precipitation, dissolution, or complexation of minerals and contaminants. pH influences the effectiveness of water treatment processes, including coagulation, disinfection, and precipitation, requiring careful monitoring and control to achieve desired treatment outcomes.
• Regulatory Compliance: Governments and regulatory agencies establish pH standards or guidelines for drinking water and wastewater discharges to protect public health and the environment. Compliance with these regulations requires water utilities, industries, and municipalities to monitor pH levels regularly, adjust treatment processes as needed, and maintain records to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Ecological Impacts: pH fluctuations can have ecological impacts on freshwater and marine ecosystems, affecting habitat suitability, species distribution, and ecosystem dynamics. Acidic conditions resulting from low pH levels can lead to fish kills, reduced primary productivity, and changes in species composition. Alkaline conditions associated with high pH levels may also have adverse effects on aquatic life, altering nutrient cycling and ecosystem structure.

Causes of pH in Water

The pH of water, a crucial measure of its acidity or alkalinity, can be influenced by various natural and anthropogenic factors. Natural causes include the presence of dissolved minerals such as limestone, which can elevate pH levels, or acidic rain resulting from atmospheric pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which lower pH. Additionally, biological processes like photosynthesis and respiration by aquatic organisms can alter pH by releasing or consuming carbon dioxide. Human activities such as industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and improper disposal of chemicals also contribute significantly to fluctuations in water pH, often leading to detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems and human health. Understanding these causes is essential for effective management and preservation of water quality.

Acceptable Levels of pH in Water by Industry

Acceptable levels of pH in water vary across industries due to specific operational requirements and environmental considerations. In the agriculture sector, where irrigation is crucial, pH levels between 6.0 and 7.5 are generally preferred to support optimal nutrient uptake and plant growth. The manufacturing industry typically maintains pH levels between 6.0 and 9.0, ensuring efficient processes and product quality. In the realm of water treatment, where purity is paramount, pH levels are tightly controlled, often falling within the range of 6.5 to 8.5 to comply with regulatory standards and prevent corrosion in distribution systems. Additionally, in the realm of aquaculture, pH levels are monitored rigorously to sustain aquatic life, typically ranging from 6.5 to 8.5

How to Easily Monitor Water for pH

Instead of measuring pH with a meter that only measures a handful of conditions; the KETOS SHIELD is capable of monitoring dozens of water related issues — in real-time. Gain insights into all of your water testing parameters, including checking ph of water, all from one place, with KETOS.

Consolidate data collection and analysis into one platform, simplifying your water quality management processes. With KETOS, empower your organization with centralized access to critical information for informed decision-making and regulatory compliance.

If you need to detect potassium in drinking water, residual chlorine in reclaimed water, or salinity in the food processing industry, KETOS’ automated water monitoring will save time and reduce regulatory issues.