Note: This podcast transcript has been edited for clarity and length.

Did you know that rainwater is slightly acidic and, in some cases, can be very acidic? This can cause acidic groundwater and might cause your well water to be corrosive to plumbing, fixtures, and appliances. Fortunately, there are simple ways to neutralize acidic well water and protect your home.
Acidic well water is commonly caused by acid rainfall due to atmospheric carbon dioxide and other airborne pollutants and, in some cases, runoff from mines.
Pure water has a pH of 7.0 (neutral); however, natural, unpolluted rainwater has a pH of about 5.6 (acidic). The acidity of rainwater comes from the natural presence of three substances (Carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and sulfur dioxide): CO2, NO, and SO2.  CO2 is present in the greatest concentration and therefore contributes the most to the natural acidity of rainwater. As CO2 levels rise, acid rain might be increasing as well.
How to Neutralize Acidic Well Water?

* Test your well water first for pH, alkalinity, hardness, and total dissolved solids
* Use a calcite neutralizer to eliminate the acid pH… OR
* Use a blend of calcite and magnesium oxide (Corosex or Flomag brands, etc) for very low pH
* Use a backwash-type neutralizer OR an upflow neutralizer, depending on your application and water
* Consider a soda ash injection system if your pH is 5 or below and/or your water is high in calcium


Welcome to the Clean Water Made Easy Podcast
Hello, and thanks so much for tuning in again to the Clean Water Made Easy Podcast. I'm Gerry Bulfin. I’m a Water Treatment Contractor and WQA-certified Master Water Specialist. I hope you’re having a great day wherever or however you’re listening.
Why Acidic Water Is a Problem
Today’s episode is all about acid well water. It’s very common. We’ll also cover acid rain and acidic spring water, which are often used in private water systems.
One of the most common causes of pipe and fixture corrosion is low pH—meaning acidic water. If the pH is less than 7, it's considered acidic. The pH scale runs from 1 to 14; 7 is neutral.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
I’ll explain how copper corrosion from acidic water occurs, how to slow it down, and how to eliminate blue stains (a clear sign of copper corrosion).
We'll cover the main systems used to treat low pH:

* Calcite neutralizers
* Calcite/Corosex blend systems
* Upflow neutralizers
* Soda ash injection systems

What Causes Acidic Water?
A common source is acid rain, mostly caused by atmospheric carbon dioxide. CO2 levels are rising, so rainfall is more acidic. Natural, unpolluted rainwater has a pH of about 5.6.
Once rainwater becomes groundwater, its acidity depends on the surrounding geology. If groundwater flows through limestone, it’s often neutralized. But granite or sand doesn’t buffer pH, so the water stays acidic.

* Common Symptoms of Acidic Water
* Blue stains on fixtures (from copper corrosion)
* Pinhole leaks in pipes
* Rusty water from galvanized pipes
* Damaged water heaters

What is Corrosion?
Corrosion is the chemical or electrical degradation of metal in contact with water. Acidic water (pH < 7) is more corrosive than alkaline water.
Even homes with repiped systems may still experience corrosion if small pipe sections remain. Acidic water easily eats through these areas.
How to Treat Acidic Well Water
The most common and effective solution is a calcite neutralizer. Calcite is a natural form of calcium carbonate that dissolves into the water to raise its pH. It’s best for pH levels between 6.0 and 6.9.
For lower pH levels (5.0 to 6.0),