Are there any individuals that should pay special attention to the change?
- April 5, 2024 |
Medical facilities/equipment users
As noted above, a minor increase in scaling on equipment may occur due to the alkalinity of the water slightly increasing as a result of the pH increase. If you have specific concerns about how the increase in pH may affect the operations and/or maintenance procedure of your business or equipment, consult the manufacturer or operator of the equipment. Customers can contact the Oregon Health Authority for more information on how changes in pH may affect medical operations. There is no risk expected to dialysis patients, and the pH increase will not affect in-center or home dialysis treatment operations.
Aquarium and pond owners
While the increase in pH will not change the pH from being at a safe drinking water level for humans and most pets (and within the US EPA’s range of 6.5-
8.5 for secondary contaminants), more sensitive organisms such as fresh water and salt-water aquatic life are more susceptible to impacts from changes in pH. It is recommended that aquarium and pond owners regularly test the pH of the water in the fish tank and also to test and adjust the water if needed prior to adding it to the tank to ensure it remains within the safe range specific to the species/type of organisms present.
Breweries/individuals who brew beer at home
An increase of pH of the water used in brewing operations can affect the process of crafting beer or spirits. Homebrewers should ask their local homebrew shop for suggestions on appropriate products to reduce pH; breweries and distilleries typically have their own procedures for testing and adjusting water used in their operations and should continue to follow those procedures.
Food processing customers
Similar to brewing, some food processing methods require specific pH conditions. If your business or facility contains processes that are known to be pH dependent, it is recommended that procedures for testing and adjusting water are implemented if not already in place.