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Basics
Acidity levels are indicated by the pH of the water. Measuring the water's pH will tell you if the water source is neutral, alkaline or acidic. pH functions on a scale between 0 and 14. A pH of 7 indicates neutrality in the water, while a pH higher than 7 indicates that the water is alkaline. Alkalinity may affect the taste of drinking water. Water with high acidity levels have a pH below 7, indicating that the water has corrosive properties.
Acid Rain
Acid rain contributes to rising acidity levels in freshwater ecosystems such as rivers, lakes, streams and marshes. The natural pH of most freshwater sources is between 6 and 8, reports the Environmental Protection Agency. If the pH drops, the water becomes too acidic, which can be caused by acid rain. Acid rain falls directly on freshwater sources, but it can also wash into ecosystems as runoff. Acid rain affects aquatic ecosystems by killing fish and plant life. Aquatic ecosystems are extremely interdependent, making a spike in water acidity levels devastating in some cases.
Drinking Water
Acidity levels in drinking water are a common area of concern for those with well water. Homeowners with wells often send water samples away, or test pH levels themselves to make sure their drinking water is not too acidic. Well water with high acidity levels will typically leave stains around sink fixtures. People with copper fixtures will see blue-green stains, while those with galvanized iron fixtures will notice reddish brown stains. Acidic well water can cause the metals in plumbing pipes to leach, leading to health problems if you drink the water. Homeowners with well water may have to implement a system to neutralize water with high acidity levels.
Ocean Water
The acidity levels in the ocean water are a concern among environmentalists and scientists. The ocean is becoming more and more acidic as it absorbs carbon dioxide from the air pollution. By the end of this century, the ocean water is predicted to increase in acidity by as much as 0.5 pH units, causing the pH of the ocean to reduce from 8.2 to 7.7 if we do not drastically reduce emissions, according to Nature News. This rise in acidity will upset the chemical balance of the ocean water, disrupting the ecosystem and killing marine life. Even with emission reduction it could take thousands of years before the ocean waters regain their natural balance.