Neutralizing Rainwater with a Calcite Blend Neutralizer
While most of our letters come from users of well and city water, some are from customers who rely on rainwater at home.
Rainwater often has a low pH when first collected, which can lead to copper leaching in cistern systems due to its acidity. One rainwater user recently contacted us with this issue, so we’re sharing our response for others with similar concerns.
Introduction to Neutralizing Filters
Neutralizing filters are essential for raising the pH of acidic water. On the pH scale, a reading below 7 means the water is acidic. A pH above 7 is considered basic or alkaline. Alkaline water has a higher pH and more minerals. It’s often noted for its possible health benefits and its ability to balance acidic water. In contrast, acidic water can lead to corrosion and health risks.
These filters are often used in homes with low-pH water. This includes rainwater collection systems or shallow wells. The systems use calcite, a natural form of calcium carbonate. Calcite safely raises pH levels and helps protect plumbing and appliances from damage.
How Neutralizing Filters Work
As acidic water passes through a calcite media bed, the calcite dissolves slowly and increases the water’s pH. This process helps maintain safe and balanced water chemistry throughout the home. However, using calcite can also increase water hardness, so pairing the system with a water softener may be recommended.
Key System Components and Considerations
- Calcite media should be NSF-certified for safe use in drinking water systems.
- Upflow neutralizers often use screened white marble, which minimizes metal leaching and improves water clarity.
- Service flow rate affects the filter's efficiency. A correctly sized system ensures optimal performance.
- Backwash filters need periodic maintenance. Replenishing calcite and allowing for proper bed expansion will keep the system running effectively.
- In some cases, Corosex (magnesium oxide) may be blended with calcite. However, Corosex alone can overcorrect pH, so careful blending is essential.
Rainwater is Acidic
If you are experiencing acidic rainwater—or worse, copper leaching due to acidic rainwater—consider installing a calcite blend neutralizer. We have helped many customers with rainwater problems, and this solution always resolves the issue.
For users in remote areas, we recommend using a manual backwash or an upflow type calcite blend neutralizer, which allows you to avoid unnecessary backwash cycles and save energy, water, and money.
Our neutralizer systems, equipped with calcite media, are well-suited for treating acidic rainwater. The natural white eliminates acidic water by slowly dissolving Calcite (calcium carbonate) into the water as it flows through the filter.
Measuring Acidity
Measuring the acidity of your rainwater is a vital first step. It helps ensure your water is safe to drink and won’t damage your plumbing. The pH scale ranges from 1 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline). A pH of 7 is considered neutral. When rainwater or well water has a pH below 7, it’s acidic. This can happen due to acid rain, acidic spring water, or air pollution.
To test your water’s pH, use pH testing kits or test strips made for drinking water. These tools offer a quick and reliable way to track pH levels in your rainwater system. pH can change over time, especially after heavy rain or seasonal shifts. Regular testing helps make sure your water treatment system works as it should.
Why Acidic Water Is a Problem
Acidic water can cause a range of problems in your home. It can corrode metal pipes and plumbing fixtures, leading to pinhole leaks, blue-green stains on sinks and tubs, and the leaching of heavy metals like copper and lead into your water supply. Elevated levels of these metals can pose serious health problems, including neurological damage, kidney stones, and even liver failure, especially if acidic water is used for drinking over long periods.
To treat acidic water and raise the pH to a safe level, several methods are available. Whole-house acid neutralizers that use calcium carbonate (calcite), magnesium oxide, or soda ash (sodium carbonate) are effective solutions. You can use sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) in some cases, but avoid adding too much magnesium oxide, as it may cause a laxative effect. When designing your water treatment system, consider the flow rate to ensure the system can handle your household’s water usage and maintain consistent pH correction.
Regular maintenance is key—check your pH levels frequently, monitor the flow rate, and replenish neutralizing media as needed. Using plastic water tubing, such as PEX or PVC, can help reduce the risk of corrosion compared to metal pipes. Protecting your water heaters, hot water appliances, and plumbing fixtures from acidic water will help prevent costly repairs and health risks associated with heavy metals in your drinking water.
Recommended Neutralizer Systems
<p><p>For users in remote areas, we recommend using a manual backwash or an upflow type calcite blend neutralizer, which allows you to avoid unnecessary backwash cycles and save energy, water, and money.
Our neutralizer systems, equipped with calcite media, are well-suited for treating acidic rainwater. The natural white media eliminates acidic water by slowly dissolving Calcite (calcium carbonate) into the water as it flows through the filter.
How Calcite Works
Calcite dissolves slowly in acidic water, releasing calcium and magnesium ions that raise the pH. It’s typically placed in a backwashing filter to maximize contact with water, ensuring efficient neutralization.
As water flows through the media, the calcium carbonate dissolves, correcting the pH and producing non-corrosive water safe for plumbing. One major benefit of calcite is its self-limiting action—it raises the pH just enough to reach a safe, non-corrosive level without over-correcting. It’s most effective for water with a pH between 6.0 and 6.9.
For very acidic water, calcite can be blended with Corosex (magnesium oxide) for stronger pH correction. Since calcite is a natural mineral, it’s a non-toxic, eco-friendly option.
It’s also cost-effective, long-lasting, reusable, and compatible with other water treatment systems like acid neutralizers. Using calcite helps protect plumbing and appliances while improving overall water quality.
Calcite's Calcium Carbonate Neutralizes Acidic Water
<p>For users in remote areas, we recommend a manual backwash or an upflow type calcite blend neutralizer, which allows you to avoid unnecessary backwash cycles and save energy, water, and money. It is important to monitor service flow rates for optimal performance. Additionally, you will need to add calcite periodically to maintain the system's effectiveness. Be aware of the potential for backwash bed expansion in upflow neutralizers. The inclusion of a bypass valve in the installation ensures easy connections to water lines.
Our neutralizer systems, equipped with calcite media, are well-suited for treating acidic rainwater. The natural white eliminates acidic water by slowly dissolving Calcite (calcium carbonate) into the water as it flows through the filter.
Bacteria and Parasites
When water runs over the roof, it can pick up bacteria and parasites from animal and bird droppings. To make the water safe for drinking, we recommend, as a final stage, the Nano-Ceram Bacteria Filter.
This uses a unique and patented electro-positive filtration technology. The NanoCeram purifier systems are certified for NSF P231, NSF 42, and NSF 53.
<p>Developed with NASA technology, our Nano-Ceram nano-fiber filters remove bacteria, viruses, and turbidity. 7.5 log removal of E. coli, 99.5% endotoxin removal, and 6 log removal of viruses. Removes cysts and parasites.
You might also consider installing a UV sterilizer to treat your rainwater. UV sterilizers are very popular treatment systems for rainwater users on cisterns, as they will kill any bacteria that might come from your catchment device (presumably your roof).
Our sterilizers are great for users in remote areas, too, as they come with an external power supply and lamps rated for 9000 hours of life. Install the UV sterilizer system before the neutralizer to prevent calcium minerals from building up on the UV quartz sleeve. We also recommend installing the Nano-Ceram bacteria filter to remove any cysts and dead bacteria after the UV sterilizer.
If you're experiencing acidic rainwater and copper leaching, we're confident that these systems will resolve your issue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What causes rainwater to become acidic?
Rainwater becomes acidic due to pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere, which form sulfuric and nitric acids when mixed with water.
2. Why is acidic rainwater a problem for home plumbing?
Acidic rainwater can corrode metal pipes, leach heavy metals like lead and copper into your water, and cause damage to plumbing fixtures and appliances.
3. How do I know if my rainwater is acidic?
You can test the pH level using pH test strips or a digital pH meter. A reading below 7 indicates acidity.
4. What pH level is considered safe for drinking water?
A pH level between 6.5 and 8.5 is generally considered safe for drinking water and won't damage plumbing systems.
5. What type of system is used to treat acidic rainwater?
Neutralizing filters using calcite (calcium carbonate), magnesium oxide, or soda ash can raise the pH of acidic rainwater.
6. Can I use baking soda to neutralize acidic rainwater?
In small-scale or emergency situations, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) can temporarily raise pH, but it's not recommended for long-term treatment.
7. How do calcite neutralizers work?
Calcite filters dissolve calcium carbonate into the water as it flows through the system, gradually raising the pH to a neutral level.
8. Do I need electricity for an acid neutralizer system?
Some systems, like upflow neutralizers, don’t require electricity, while others may use electric control valves for automatic backwashing.
9. How often should I test my rainwater pH?
Test your rainwater monthly or after heavy rainfall to ensure the pH remains in a safe range and your system is functioning properly.
10. Can neutralizing acidic rainwater improve the taste of water?
Yes. Treating acidic water often improves taste by reducing metallic flavors caused by pipe corrosion and mineral imbalances.
