A Monitor's Guide to Water Quality

What is it?

pH measures the degree to which water is acidic (like lemon juice) or basic (like bleach or soap).  pH is measured on a scale that ranges from 0 (strongly acidic) to 14 (strongly basic). In the middle is 7, where the pH is neutral (like in pure water).

Why does it matter?

pH in freshwater systems is affected by naturally occurring organic acids or by impacts from human activities, such as acid rain and acid rock drainage. When water is more acidic (has a lower pH) it can make certain chemicals and metals more toxic than normal. This is because acid waters make these elements more soluble – that is, they become more easily dissolved in the water and in this way become more biologically available to fish and other organisms.

Acid rain occurs when certain pollutants in the air (sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides) react with water to form acids. These acids are then deposited to the land, lakes, and rivers by rain and snow.  

Acid rock drainage is a common problem in and around mines. Acidic conditions arise when sulphur-rich rocks are exposed to air and water (e.g., in tailings and waste rock piles). The acid often dissolves minerals, including metals, from the rock and both the acid and the metals can drain into waterways.

How is it measured?

pH can be assessed using pH strips that change colour based on how acidic or basic the water is. The colour is evaluated against a guide to determine the approximate pH range of the water. The colour is evaluated against a guide to determine the approximate pH range of the water. pH can also be measured directly in a lake or river using a water quality meter with a pH sensor. Before use, this sensor is calibrated using standard solutions of known pH (typically pH 4, 7 and 10).