{"id":10565,"date":"2022-06-08T16:56:14","date_gmt":"2022-06-08T14:56:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/ph-waarde-meten-water\/"},"modified":"2026-11-09T20:27:25","modified_gmt":"2026-11-09T19:27:25","slug":"measure-ph-level-water","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/en\/measure-ph-level-water\/","title":{"rendered":"Test pH of water"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"pct-kb-hero\">\n<svg class=\"pct-kb-leaf\" viewBox=\"0 0 200 300\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill=\"#2d5a27\" d=\"M100 5C30 70 10 170 100 295 190 170 170 70 100 5Z\"\/><path stroke=\"#eaf4e8\" stroke-width=\"4\" fill=\"none\" d=\"M100 20V290M100 90l-40-30M100 140l-55-35M100 190l-55-30M100 90l40-30M100 140l55-35M100 190l55-30\"\/><\/svg>\n<div class=\"pct-kb-hero-inner\">\n<div class=\"pct-kb-hero-left\">\n<div class=\"pct-kb-badge\">Knowledge base \u00b7 Test pH of water<\/div>\n<h1 class=\"pct-kb-title\">How to test pH of water: <span class=\"pct-accent\">pH<\/span> of water for plants and hydroponics<\/h1>\n<p class=\"pct-kb-desc\">Test pH of water with a calibrated pH meter. Here you\u2019ll find what pH water plants like, the right pH for hydroponics and rainwater, how to measure accurately, and how to raise or lower the pH.<\/p>\n<div class=\"pct-kb-meta\"><span><b>Updated<\/b> 2026<\/span><span><b>Reading time<\/b> 5 minutes<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<style>\n.pct-kb-hero,.pct-kb-hero *{box-sizing:border-box}\n.pct-kb-hero{width:100vw;max-width:100vw;margin-left:calc(-50vw + 50%);margin-right:calc(-50vw + 50%);margin-top:0;background:linear-gradient(135deg,#eaf4e8 0%,#d6edcc 60%,#c5e8be 100%);padding:56px 5% 64px;position:relative;overflow:hidden}\n.pct-kb-hero-inner{max-width:1100px;margin:0 auto;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:48px;position:relative;z-index:1}\n.pct-kb-hero-left{flex:1 1 440px;min-width:0}\n.pct-kb-leaf{position:absolute;left:-150px;top:50%;transform:translateY(-50%) 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(max-width:767px){.pct-kb figure.pct-kb-img{max-width:220px}.pct-kb figure.pct-kb-img img{max-height:200px}}\n<\/style>\n<script>(function(){function l(){document.querySelectorAll(\".pct-kb-table table\").forEach(function(t){var h=[].map.call(t.querySelectorAll(\"thead th\"),function(x){return x.textContent.trim()});t.querySelectorAll(\"tbody tr\").forEach(function(r){[].forEach.call(r.children,function(c,i){if(h[i])c.setAttribute(\"data-label\",h[i])})})})}if(document.readyState!==\"loading\")l();else document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",l)})();<\/script>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" id=\"pct-kb-faq-schema\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/en\/measure-ph-level-water\/#faq\",\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How do you test the pH of a liquid?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"With a pH meter or with pH test strips (litmus paper). A pH meter measures with an electrode and is the most accurate, provided you calibrate it. Test strips change colour and only give a rough estimate (USGS).\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What does the pH value mean?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"pH shows how acidic or alkaline a liquid is, on a scale from 0 to 14. Below 7 is acidic, 7 is neutral and above 7 is alkaline. The scale is logarithmic: pH 5 is ten times more acidic than pH 6 (USGS).\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can I test pH of water without a meter?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes, with pH test strips or litmus paper. However, they only give a rough estimate (USGS). For hydroponics or liquid fertiliser you need a calibrated pH meter.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What pH water do plants like?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Most plants do best with water between pH 5.0 and 7.0 (UMass Amherst). pH determines how well roots can take up nutrients. If the pH is too high or too low, nutrients are in the water, but the plant can\u2019t absorb them well (Oklahoma State University).\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the right pH for hydroponics?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Keep the nutrient solution between pH 5.0 and 6.0, usually around 5.5. Then the pH at the roots stays around 6 to 6.5. It differs per crop: cucumber 5.0\u20135.5, pepper 5.5\u20136.0, tomato 6.0\u20136.5 (Oklahoma State University).\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What pH should tap water have?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"In the EU, drinking water must have a pH between 6.5 and 9.5 (EU Drinking Water Directive). Ask your water supplier for the values in your area.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the pH of rainwater?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Normal rain has a pH of about 5.6. It is slightly acidic because carbon dioxide from the air dissolves in the rain (EPA). Rainwater also contains almost no lime, so it suits lime-hating plants.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How do you calibrate a pH meter?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Put the electrode in buffer solution with a known pH, usually first pH 7 and then pH 4 or 10, and set the meter to it. Stir and wait until the reading is stable (Oklahoma State University). Recalibrate after cleaning the electrode (Hanna Instruments).\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How do you lower the pH of water?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Slowly add a pH down product, such as phosphoric acid or citric acid. Wait a few minutes, measure again and repeat until the pH is right (Oklahoma State University). Add the acid before the fertiliser (UMass Amherst).\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How often should you check pH in hydroponics?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Every day, at the same time. Measure EC first and pH second (Oklahoma State University).\"}}]}<\/script>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group pct-kb is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/en\/\">Home<\/a><\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do you test pH of water?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You test the pH of water with a pH meter or with pH test strips. The pH scale runs from 0 to 14: below 7 is acidic, 7 is neutral and above 7 is alkaline. In addition, each step is ten times stronger, so water at pH 5 is ten times more acidic than water at pH 6 (USGS).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>pH meter with electrode:<\/strong> measures the voltage difference between two electrodes and converts it into a pH value. This is the most accurate method, provided you calibrate the meter (USGS).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>pH test strips or litmus paper:<\/strong> change colour in the liquid. Cheap, but they only give a rough estimate (USGS).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For plants, the pH of water matters, because pH controls how well roots can take up nutrients. That\u2019s why you test regularly, especially in hydroponics, where there is no soil to buffer changes (Oklahoma State University).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large pct-kb-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/pH__meter_liquids_PlantCareTools.jpg\" alt=\"Test pH of water with a pH meter for liquids\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A pH meter for liquids measures the pH of water and nutrient solution.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What pH is right? Table by type of water<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table pct-kb-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Type of water<\/th><th>pH<\/th><th>Source<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Hydroponic nutrient solution<\/td><td>5.0 \u2013 6.0 (usually 5.5)<\/td><td>Oklahoma State University<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Water for plants (pot and greenhouse)<\/td><td>5.0 \u2013 7.0<\/td><td>UMass Amherst<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Rainwater<\/td><td>about 5.6<\/td><td>EPA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tap water (EU drinking water standard)<\/td><td>6.5 \u2013 9.5<\/td><td>EU Directive 98\/83\/EC<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">In hydroponics, keep the nutrient solution around 5.5, so the pH at the roots stays around 6 to 6.5 (Oklahoma State University).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hydroponic pH and EC chart by crop<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table pct-kb-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Crop<\/th><th>pH<\/th><th>EC (mS\/cm)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Tomato<\/td><td>6.0 \u2013 6.5<\/td><td>2.0 \u2013 4.0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Lettuce<\/td><td>6.0 \u2013 7.0<\/td><td>1.2 \u2013 1.8<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pepper<\/td><td>5.5 \u2013 6.0<\/td><td>0.8 \u2013 1.8<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cucumber<\/td><td>5.0 \u2013 5.5<\/td><td>1.7 \u2013 2.0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Basil<\/td><td>5.5 \u2013 6.0<\/td><td>\u2013<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: Oklahoma State University. Read more about EC under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/en\/fertilizing-plants-faq\/\">measuring fertiliser<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to test pH of water in 4 steps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list pct-kb-steps\">\n<li><strong>Calibrate the meter.<\/strong> Use buffer solution, usually pH 7 and then pH 4 (or 10). Stir and wait until the reading is stable (Oklahoma State University). Also recalibrate after cleaning the electrode (Hanna Instruments).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Take a sample.<\/strong> Put water or nutrient solution in a clean cup. In hydroponics, measure EC first and pH second (Oklahoma State University).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Measure and read.<\/strong> Rinse the electrode, hold it in the liquid, stir briefly and read once the value stops changing. A meter with temperature compensation corrects for warm or cold water itself.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Measure at a fixed time.<\/strong> In hydroponics, check pH and EC every day at the same time (Oklahoma State University). Check tap water or rainwater now and then, and after every change.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rinse the electrode after measuring and store it in storage solution, not in distilled or tap water, because that shortens the life of the electrode. A pH electrode typically lasts 1 to 2 years (Hanna Instruments). You can find the manuals for our meters under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/en\/download-manuals\/\">download manuals<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Test pH of water: test strips or pH meter?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table pct-kb-table pct-kb-compare\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><\/th><th>pH test strips<\/th><th>pH meter (Bluetooth)<\/th><th>EC and pH meter set<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>How<\/td><td>Strip in water, compare colour<\/td><td>Electrode in water, value on screen and app<\/td><td>Two meters: pH and nutrient salts<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Accuracy<\/td><td>Rough estimate<\/td><td>Accurate after calibration<\/td><td>Accurate after calibration<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Also measures<\/td><td>\u2013<\/td><td>Temperature<\/td><td>EC, TDS and temperature<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Best for<\/td><td>Quick indication<\/td><td>Tap water, rainwater, aquarium<\/td><td>Hydroponics and liquid fertiliser<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Example<\/td><td>\u2013<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/en\/ph-meter-liquids-kopie\/\">pH meter for liquids<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/en\/ec-ph-meter-with-bluetooth\/\">EC and pH meter set<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">According to the USGS, test strips give a rough estimate; a pH meter with an electrode is more accurate.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you grow hydroponically or use liquid fertiliser, measure both pH and EC: pH tells you whether roots can take up nutrients, EC tells you how much nutrient is in the water. That\u2019s why the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/en\/ec-ph-meter-with-bluetooth\/\">EC and pH meter set<\/a> is the most practical choice. If you only want to check tap water or rainwater for your plants, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/en\/ph-meter-liquids-kopie\/\">pH meter for liquids<\/a> is enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">After you test pH of water: lower or raise it<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lower pH (pH down)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the pH is too high, slowly add a pH down product, such as phosphoric acid or citric acid. Wait a few minutes, stir, measure again and repeat until the pH is right (Oklahoma State University). Always add acid to the water before the fertiliser (UMass Amherst).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Raise pH (pH up)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the pH is too low, slowly add a pH up product, such as potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate. Again: small amounts, wait and measure again (Oklahoma State University).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hard tap water: watch the alkalinity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tap water in Europe may have a pH of 6.5 to 9.5 and is hard in many regions. For plants, alkalinity (the buffer of lime and bicarbonate) matters more than pH itself: it determines how strongly the water raises the pH of potting mix over time (UMass Amherst). Water with alkalinity above 75 ppm raises pH. You lower alkalinity with acid, an acidic fertiliser or reverse osmosis (Oklahoma State University). Rainwater naturally has a pH of about 5.6 (EPA) and almost no alkalinity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our picks to test pH of water<\/h2>\n\n\n<div data-block-name=\"woocommerce\/handpicked-products\" data-columns=\"3\" data-content-visibility=\"{&quot;title&quot;:true,&quot;price&quot;:true,&quot;rating&quot;:false,&quot;button&quot;:false}\" data-orderby=\"menu_order\" data-products=\"[20075,20176,20086]\" class=\"wc-block-grid wp-block-handpicked-products wp-block-woocommerce-handpicked-products wc-block-handpicked-products has-3-columns has-multiple-rows\"><ul class=\"wc-block-grid__products\"><li class=\"wc-block-grid__product\"><span class=\"gtm4wp_productdata\" style=\"display:none; visibility:hidden;\" data-gtm4wp_product_data=\"{&quot;internal_id&quot;:20176,&quot;item_id&quot;:&quot;20176&quot;,&quot;item_name&quot;:&quot;EC and pH meter with Bluetooth&quot;,&quot;sku&quot;:&quot;PCT905&quot;,&quot;price&quot;:39.95,&quot;stocklevel&quot;:30,&quot;stockstatus&quot;:&quot;instock&quot;,&quot;google_business_vertical&quot;:&quot;retail&quot;,&quot;item_category&quot;:&quot;Measuring Instruments&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;20176&quot;,&quot;productlink&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.plantcaretools.com\\\/en\\\/ec-ph-meter-with-bluetooth\\\/&quot;,&quot;item_list_name&quot;:&quot;General Product List&quot;,&quot;index&quot;:0,&quot;product_type&quot;:&quot;simple&quot;,&quot;item_list_id&quot;:&quot;general-product-list&quot;,&quot;item_brand&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/en\/ec-ph-meter-with-bluetooth\/\" class=\"wc-block-grid__product-link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wc-block-grid__product-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"272\" height=\"272\" src=\"https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/EC_and_pH_meter_liquids_with_Bluetooth_PlantCareTools-1-272x272.jpg\" class=\"attachment-woocommerce_thumbnail size-woocommerce_thumbnail\" alt=\"EC en pH-meter Vloeistoffen met Bluetooth functie\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/EC_and_pH_meter_liquids_with_Bluetooth_PlantCareTools-1-272x272.jpg 272w, https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/EC_and_pH_meter_liquids_with_Bluetooth_PlantCareTools-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/EC_and_pH_meter_liquids_with_Bluetooth_PlantCareTools-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/EC_and_pH_meter_liquids_with_Bluetooth_PlantCareTools-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/EC_and_pH_meter_liquids_with_Bluetooth_PlantCareTools-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/EC_and_pH_meter_liquids_with_Bluetooth_PlantCareTools-1-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/EC_and_pH_meter_liquids_with_Bluetooth_PlantCareTools-1-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/EC_and_pH_meter_liquids_with_Bluetooth_PlantCareTools-1.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 272px) 100vw, 272px\" data-wp-pid=\"21377\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wc-block-grid__product-title\">EC and pH meter with Bluetooth<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wc-block-grid__product-price price\"><span class=\"sale-price\"><del aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"woocommerce-Price-amount amount\"><bdi><span class=\"woocommerce-Price-currencySymbol\" dir=\"auto\">&euro;<\/span>49,95<\/bdi><\/span><\/del> <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Original price was: &euro;49,95.<\/span><ins aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"woocommerce-Price-amount amount\"><bdi><span class=\"woocommerce-Price-currencySymbol\" dir=\"auto\">&euro;<\/span>39,95<\/bdi><\/span><\/ins><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Current price is: &euro;39,95.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/li><li class=\"wc-block-grid__product\"><span class=\"gtm4wp_productdata\" style=\"display:none; visibility:hidden;\" data-gtm4wp_product_data=\"{&quot;internal_id&quot;:20086,&quot;item_id&quot;:&quot;20086&quot;,&quot;item_name&quot;:&quot;EC - Liquid conductivity meter with Bluetooth&quot;,&quot;sku&quot;:&quot;PCT584&quot;,&quot;price&quot;:16.9,&quot;stocklevel&quot;:46,&quot;stockstatus&quot;:&quot;instock&quot;,&quot;google_business_vertical&quot;:&quot;retail&quot;,&quot;item_category&quot;:&quot;Measuring Instruments&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;20086&quot;,&quot;productlink&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.plantcaretools.com\\\/en\\\/ec-meter-liquids-kopie\\\/&quot;,&quot;item_list_name&quot;:&quot;General Product List&quot;,&quot;index&quot;:0,&quot;product_type&quot;:&quot;simple&quot;,&quot;item_list_id&quot;:&quot;general-product-list&quot;,&quot;item_brand&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/en\/ec-meter-liquids-kopie\/\" class=\"wc-block-grid__product-link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wc-block-grid__product-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"272\" height=\"272\" src=\"https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/EC_Geleidbaarheidsmeter_Vloeistoffen_met-_Bluetooth_Plantcaretools1-272x272.jpg\" class=\"attachment-woocommerce_thumbnail size-woocommerce_thumbnail\" alt=\"EC - Liquid conductivity meter with Bluetooth\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/EC_Geleidbaarheidsmeter_Vloeistoffen_met-_Bluetooth_Plantcaretools1-272x272.jpg 272w, https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/EC_Geleidbaarheidsmeter_Vloeistoffen_met-_Bluetooth_Plantcaretools1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/EC_Geleidbaarheidsmeter_Vloeistoffen_met-_Bluetooth_Plantcaretools1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/EC_Geleidbaarheidsmeter_Vloeistoffen_met-_Bluetooth_Plantcaretools1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/EC_Geleidbaarheidsmeter_Vloeistoffen_met-_Bluetooth_Plantcaretools1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/EC_Geleidbaarheidsmeter_Vloeistoffen_met-_Bluetooth_Plantcaretools1-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/EC_Geleidbaarheidsmeter_Vloeistoffen_met-_Bluetooth_Plantcaretools1-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/EC_Geleidbaarheidsmeter_Vloeistoffen_met-_Bluetooth_Plantcaretools1.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 272px) 100vw, 272px\" data-wp-pid=\"20099\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wc-block-grid__product-title\">EC &#8211; Liquid conductivity meter with Bluetooth<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wc-block-grid__product-price price\"><span class=\"woocommerce-Price-amount amount\"><bdi><span class=\"woocommerce-Price-currencySymbol\" dir=\"auto\">&euro;<\/span>16,90<\/bdi><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/li><li class=\"wc-block-grid__product\"><span class=\"gtm4wp_productdata\" style=\"display:none; visibility:hidden;\" data-gtm4wp_product_data=\"{&quot;internal_id&quot;:20075,&quot;item_id&quot;:&quot;20075&quot;,&quot;item_name&quot;:&quot;pH - Acidity meter for liquids with Bluetooth&quot;,&quot;sku&quot;:&quot;PCT583&quot;,&quot;price&quot;:16.9,&quot;stocklevel&quot;:42,&quot;stockstatus&quot;:&quot;instock&quot;,&quot;google_business_vertical&quot;:&quot;retail&quot;,&quot;item_category&quot;:&quot;Measuring Instruments&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;20075&quot;,&quot;productlink&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.plantcaretools.com\\\/en\\\/ph-meter-liquids-kopie\\\/&quot;,&quot;item_list_name&quot;:&quot;General Product List&quot;,&quot;index&quot;:0,&quot;product_type&quot;:&quot;simple&quot;,&quot;item_list_id&quot;:&quot;general-product-list&quot;,&quot;item_brand&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/en\/ph-meter-liquids-kopie\/\" class=\"wc-block-grid__product-link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wc-block-grid__product-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"272\" height=\"272\" src=\"https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/pH__meter_liquids_PlantCareTools-272x272.jpg\" class=\"attachment-woocommerce_thumbnail size-woocommerce_thumbnail\" alt=\"pH - Acidity meter for liquids with Bluetooth\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/pH__meter_liquids_PlantCareTools-272x272.jpg 272w, https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/pH__meter_liquids_PlantCareTools-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/pH__meter_liquids_PlantCareTools-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/pH__meter_liquids_PlantCareTools-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/pH__meter_liquids_PlantCareTools-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/pH__meter_liquids_PlantCareTools-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/pH__meter_liquids_PlantCareTools-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/pH__meter_liquids_PlantCareTools.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 272px) 100vw, 272px\" data-wp-pid=\"20186\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wc-block-grid__product-title\">pH &#8211; Acidity meter for liquids with Bluetooth<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wc-block-grid__product-price price\"><span class=\"woocommerce-Price-amount amount\"><bdi><span class=\"woocommerce-Price-currencySymbol\" dir=\"auto\">&euro;<\/span>16,90<\/bdi><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions about testing pH of water<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Testing pH<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details pct-kb-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How do you test the pH of a liquid?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With a pH meter or with pH test strips (litmus paper). A pH meter measures with an electrode and is the most accurate, provided you calibrate it. Test strips change colour and only give a rough estimate (USGS).<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details pct-kb-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What does the pH value mean?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">pH shows how acidic or alkaline a liquid is, on a scale from 0 to 14. Below 7 is acidic, 7 is neutral and above 7 is alkaline. The scale is logarithmic: pH 5 is ten times more acidic than pH 6 (USGS).<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details pct-kb-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can I test pH of water without a meter?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, with pH test strips or litmus paper. However, they only give a rough estimate (USGS). For hydroponics or liquid fertiliser you need a calibrated pH meter.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details pct-kb-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What pH water do plants like?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most plants do best with water between pH 5.0 and 7.0 (UMass Amherst). pH determines how well roots can take up nutrients. If the pH is too high or too low, nutrients are in the water, but the plant can\u2019t absorb them well (Oklahoma State University).<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Right pH values<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details pct-kb-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What is the right pH for hydroponics?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep the nutrient solution between pH 5.0 and 6.0, usually around 5.5. Then the pH at the roots stays around 6 to 6.5. It differs per crop: cucumber 5.0\u20135.5, pepper 5.5\u20136.0, tomato 6.0\u20136.5 (Oklahoma State University).<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details pct-kb-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What pH should tap water have?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the EU, drinking water must have a pH between 6.5 and 9.5 (EU Drinking Water Directive). Ask your water supplier for the values in your area.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details pct-kb-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What is the pH of rainwater?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Normal rain has a pH of about 5.6. It is slightly acidic because carbon dioxide from the air dissolves in the rain (EPA). Rainwater also contains almost no lime, so it suits lime-hating plants.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Measuring and adjusting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details pct-kb-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How do you calibrate a pH meter?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Put the electrode in buffer solution with a known pH, usually first pH 7 and then pH 4 or 10, and set the meter to it. Stir and wait until the reading is stable (Oklahoma State University). Recalibrate after cleaning the electrode (Hanna Instruments).<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details pct-kb-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How do you lower the pH of water?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Slowly add a pH down product, such as phosphoric acid or citric acid. Wait a few minutes, measure again and repeat until the pH is right (Oklahoma State University). Add the acid before the fertiliser (UMass Amherst).<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details pct-kb-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How often should you check pH in hydroponics?<\/summary>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every day, at the same time. Measure EC first and pH second (Oklahoma State University).<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Want to measure the pH of soil instead? Read how to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/en\/measure-ph-level-soil\/\">test soil pH<\/a>. More about nutrient salts and EC under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/en\/fertilizing-plants-faq\/\">measuring fertiliser<\/a>, and about watering in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/en\/watering-plants-faq\/\">watering plants FAQ<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group pct-kb-cta is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Not sure which meter you need?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tell us what you want to measure: tap water, rainwater or your hydroponic nutrient solution. We\u2019ll help you choose the right pH or EC meter, free of charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"pct-kb-btns\"><a class=\"pct-kb-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/en\/measuring-instruments\/\">View measuring instruments<\/a><a class=\"pct-kb-btn alt\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plantcaretools.com\/en\/contact\/\">Ask for free advice<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list pct-kb-sources\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.okstate.edu\/fact-sheets\/electrical-conductivity-and-ph-guide-for-hydroponics.html\" rel=\"noopener\">Singh &#038; Dunn, Electrical Conductivity and pH Guide for Hydroponics, Oklahoma State University<\/a>: pH and EC for hydroponics, by crop, adjusting pH<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.umass.edu\/agriculture-food-environment\/greenhouse-floriculture\/greenhouse-best-management-practices-bmp-manual\/water-quality-for-crop-production\" rel=\"noopener\">Water Quality for Crop Production, Greenhouse BMP Manual, UMass Amherst<\/a>: pH and alkalinity of water for plants<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usgs.gov\/special-topics\/water-science-school\/science\/ph-and-water\" rel=\"noopener\">pH and Water, U.S. Geological Survey<\/a>: how pH is measured, logarithmic scale<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/acidrain\/what-acid-rain\" rel=\"noopener\">What is Acid Rain?, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency<\/a>: pH of rainwater<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/legislation.gov.uk\/eudr\/1998\/83\/annex\/I\/part\/C\/data.htm?view=plain\" rel=\"noopener\">EU Drinking Water Directive 98\/83\/EC, Annex I Part C (indicator parameters)<\/a>: pH standard for drinking water<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.hannainst.com\/caring-for-a-ph-ec-or-orp-tester-the-5-tips-and-tricks-for-home-users\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Hanna Instruments, Caring for a pH, EC or ORP tester<\/a>: care and storage of a pH tester<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"pct-kb-updated wp-block-paragraph\">Last updated: 9 November 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Knowledge base \u00b7 Test pH of water How to test pH of water: pH of water for plants and hydroponics Test pH of water with a calibrated pH meter. Here you\u2019ll find what pH water plants like, the right pH for hydroponics and rainwater, how to measure accurately, and how to raise or lower the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_hide_featured_image":false,"_jetpack_featured_image_duplicate_dismissed":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-10565","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.4 (Yoast SEO v28.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Test pH of water: pH chart, method and tips - Plant Care Tools<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Test pH of water: water for plants pH 5.0\u20137.0, hydroponics 5.5, rainwater 5.6, tap water 6.5\u20139.5. 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