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

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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

• • 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

1. • 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.

Read more:

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.

Resources:

Soda Ash Statistics and Information – U.S. Geological Survey provides data on the worldwide supply, demand, and flow of soda ash. Read more.