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pH

pH is a measure of acidity or alkalinity. The water quality regulations specify that the pH of tap water should be between 6.5 and 9.5. Water leaving our treatment works typically has a pH between 7 and 8, but this can change as it passes through the network of reservoirs and water mains.

If the pH of your water has changed, and yours is the only property affected, the source will be your internal pipework and plumbing. Possible sources include plumbed-in water filters or softeners, incorrectly installed washing machines or dishwashers, incorrect fittings and taps supplied from storage tanks. If you have had any recent work carried out on your plumbing then excessive use of solder or flux could be the cause. In this case the problem may improve over time, or you might want to consider changing the pipework or joints.

There are no health risks associated with consuming water that is slightly acidic or alkaline. After all, we can eat lemons and drink soft drinks. However, when the pH of the water is much lower than the standard it can lead to metals from plumbing and fixtures in properties to be released. This could cause a health problem. In these circumstances the water may have a slightly bitter or metallic taste. If the pH of your water is too high, it will have a taste similar to baking soda and have a slippery feel to it. It will also begin to leave scale deposits on plumbing and fixtures.

For more information, please take a look at our factsheet on pH (PDF 47 KB opens in a new window).

Important Notice

Cold Weather

Due to the freezing weather conditions across the region a number of our customers are experiencing no water or reduced pressure, caused by frozen pipes in their home. There are a few things you can do to check if you have frozen pipes. If you are unable to complete these checks please reach out to your family, friends or neighbours to see if they can help:

  1. If there are no local issues check with your neighbours. If they have water, you may have a frozen pipe in your property.
  2. Here’s what to do. Turn off your stop tap by turning it clockwise, it’s usually found under your kitchen sink, but can be in your garage or cellar.
  3. Once you’ve turned your stop tap off, turn on your cold tap in the kitchen
  4. If you have no water, this could be due to a frozen pipe somewhere in your home. This may be the pipe which comes into your home near to where your stop tap is located.
  5. Carefully thaw the pipe using a warm towel, or if safe to do so a hairdryer in short bursts, ensuring you keep well away from water. If you can get water from a neighbour you could try a hot water bottle too. This could take a while, depending on how frozen and big your pipes are.
  6. Switch your stop tap back on to see if the water is running.

You can find more information at www.unitedutilities.com/frozenpipes.

If you have followed all of the advice provided and still want to talk to us, please give us a call. As we are experiencing really high call volumes at the moment, please bear with us as wait times will be longer than usual. 

Due to the freezing weather conditions across the region a number of our customers are experiencing no water or reduced pressure, caused by frozen pipes in their home. For more help and advice if you have a frozen pipe head to www.unitedutilities.com/frozenpipes.

Cold Weather

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