Acid Well Water: When to Use Soda Ash Systems to Treat Acidic Well Water

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

Hi, this is Gerry Bulfin, Water Treatment Contractor and WQA-Certified Master Water Specialist. Thanks for tuning in to Episode 14 of the Clean Water Made Easy Podcast.

In this episode, we’re covering:

- What low pH water is and why you want to correct it.
- What soda ash is and how it compares to calcite neutralizers.
- When to choose soda ash over other chemicals.
- How to set up a soda ash injection system.
- How much soda ash to inject into your well water.

What Is Low pH and Why Fix It?

- Low pH (below 7.0) means water is acidic.
- Acidic water corrodes copper pipes, water heaters, fixtures, and appliances.
- Signs include blue-green stains, rust on galvanized pipes, or leaks.
- Common causes: acid rain, carbon dioxide in groundwater, or geology without natural buffering (granite, sand, mine runoff).
- Fixing pH helps protect plumbing, appliances, and your health.

What Is Soda Ash?

- Soda ash = sodium carbonate.
- For drinking water, use NSF-certified soda ash (not industrial grade).
- Comes from the natural mineral trona or can be synthetic.

Soda Ash vs. Calcite Neutralizers

- Calcite (crushed marble, calcium carbonate): Works well for slightly acidic water (pH 6.0–6.5). Adds hardness to water.
- Soda ash injection: Better for very low pH (below 6.0, especially under 5.0). Doesn’t add hardness.
- Soda ash handles higher flow rates better than calcite tanks.
- Sodium hydroxide (lye) is another alkaline chemical but too dangerous for home use. Soda ash is much safer.

How a Soda Ash Injection System Works

Chlorination system for well water with a J-Pro-38 meter

- Mix soda ash with clean water in a solution tank (usually a 10% solution).
- A metering pump injects the soda ash solution whenever the well pump runs.
- The pH is instantly corrected in the water line.

Types of setups:

- Pump wired to well pump (basic).
- Flow switch system (injects only when water flows).
- Proportional feed system (adjusts injection based on flow rate—ideal for variable speed well pumps).

How Much Soda Ash Should You Inject?

- Depends on flow rate + pH level.
- Example: A 10 GPM well with a target of 150 ppm soda ash needs a pump sized for ~22 gallons/day.
- Start with a 10% solution (4 lbs soda ash in 5 gallons of water).
- Always use warm, clean water to mix—soft or distilled is best.

Tip: Avoid oversaturation. Soda ash won’t dissolve above certain levels and will settle as sludge.

Check your system by testing pH:

- Use test strips or drops.
- Aim for neutral pH (7.0–8.0).
- If too high, dial the pump back.

Benefits of Soda Ash Systems

- Corrects very acidic water where calcite falls short.
- Doesn’t add hardness like calcite.
- Provides steady pH adjustment.
- Handles high flow demand with ease.
- Requires less frequent maintenance compared to refilling calcite tanks.

Simple Solution for Acidic Well Water and Corrosion

Key Takeaways

- Use soda ash injection if your well water pH is below 6.0, especially under 5.0.
- Safer and easier than sodium hydroxide, and more reliable for very acidic water.
- Test your pH regularly and size your pump correctly for best results.
- Soda ash systems are low-maintenance and effective for long-term protection.

Article last updated July 2026.