Does Clearwater, Largo, Port Richey or St. Petersburg Tap Water Have pH Problems?

Understanding the pH of your tap water in Florida is a vital step in safeguarding your health, enhancing your water quality, and prolonging the life of your plumbing systems and appliances. The pH level can significantly affect the taste of your water and the ability for your body to absorb essential nutrients. By regularly testing your tap water, you can ensure a perfectly balanced pH, which is key for promoting your well-being and successfully maintaining your home.

Acidic water can be a problem within your home, causing metallic and sour taste, stained laundry or blue/green stains in your sinks and other fixtures. Furthermore, acid water could be a sign of other major household water issues.

Ideally, water should have a neutral pH of around 7. However, water classified as acidic has a pH below 7, while alkaline water has a pH above 7. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers a pH range of 6.5 to 8.5 as acceptable for drinking water supplies.

The City of Clearwater’s most recent Water Quality Report confirms that drinking water pH typically stays within a safe and acceptable range, though it doesn’t list a specific average. The city primarily draws its water from groundwater wells, which naturally carry a slightly alkaline pH because of the surrounding limestone geology.

Largo’s water supply blends groundwater with surface water. According to their 2022 Water Quality Report, the water typically maintains a stable pH within the state-recommended range for drinking water safety. Although the report doesn’t specify the exact pH average, utility managers treat the water to keep it slightly alkaline, helping prevent pipe corrosion and preserve water quality throughout the distribution system.

In Port Richey, the municipal water is sourced from local groundwater wells and treated before distribution. The city’s water quality report doesn’t list a precise pH number. The slightly alkaline nature of the water helps protect plumbing and maintain a clean, consistent taste.

According to the City of St. Petersburg’s latest Water Quality Report, the pH of the drinking water is carefully controlled to remain between 7.0 and 8.5. This slightly alkaline range ensures the water is non-corrosive and safe for household use. The city blends groundwater and treated surface water and adjusts the pH during treatment.

Surface water typically has a pH value of 6.5 to 8.5 (7 represents neutral on a scale measured from 0 to 14). Acid water is classified as water with a pH value lower than 7. For example, household liquids considered naturally acidic are coffee and vinegar. Household items with a pH above 7 include baking soda and soap. These are considered alkaline.

The EPA recommends that public water systems keep a pH level of 6.5 to 8.5, but these levels arenot regulated in any way. Low pH water is considered a “secondary” water contaminant, but the effects of acid water go beyond taste. It can hit you hard in the wallet, as well.

Water quality reports and Environmental Working Group (EWG) data show that areas in Clearwater, Largo, Port Richey, and St. Petersburg don’t typically experience acidic tap water. However, there may be instances where corroded pipes or outdated household plumbing systems introduce localized acidity or metal leaching, especially in older homes. 

Groundwater is different than surface water, as it tends to have a lower than average pH than surface water. Water’s pH can change with the variants of rock formations. Limestone works as an acid neutralizer, while granite does not.

In areas where there are lakes or rivers, plants die and decompose, releasing carbon dioxide and forming carbonic acid.

Vehicles and factories in densely populated or industrial areas release nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide into the air, which then form acid rain. Electrical power generation from coal power plants is one of the largest contributors to acid rain.

Many homes in the areas of Clearwater, Largo, Port Richey and St. Petersburg has tap water that pours slightly alkaline. This is due to the treatment process that water providers conduct. The benefits of water with a level above a pH of 7 are well-documented though not proven

In fact, alkaline water can contribute to scale buildup in your household plumbing and bitter tasting coffee. Marketers have promoted this kind of water to consumers for years, but the claim that it offers health benefits lacks scientific evidence and falls into the realm of pseudoscience.

You’ve probably heard the hype about alkaline water benefits. Is there a correlation between alkaline water and good health? It seems like every other year there’s a new trend in water.

By nature, regular tap water has a neutral pH. You might remember testing different liquids in chemistry class by dipping a strip in them to determine their pH — you can get those same strips at a hardware store to test your water to see what kind of balance your tap water has, but chances are it will fall around 7, which is neutral.

Myths that involve alkaline water include:

If you suspect that your tap water has a low or high pH, there are several solutions to address the issue:

Culligan water is no more or less alkaline than your typical bottled water you’ll find in stores.

Our bodies are designed to function effectively with plain, neutral pH water. They’re designed to find their own balance, and while many health trends come and go, the biggest takeaway is that simple hydration is the key. The more water you drink (to a point) the healthier you’ll be, whether that water is slightly more alkaline, or slightly more acidic.

Want to experience all the benefits of alkaline water? You’ll likely be just as well off saving your money and drinking fresh, filtered tap water. As long as the water you’re drinking is free from harmful contaminants, you’ll benefit from getting your daily recommended ounces (the rule of thumb is at least 64 ounces per day, or eight, 8-ounce glasses) of water.