Clemson University Water Testing

Date: April 6, 2022

To: Clemson Water and Waste Management
From: Clemson Health Department
Subject: Issues with pH of Clemson University Campus Water
Reference: pH of Clemson Water is too Low
Distribution List: Clemson Water and Waste Management employees

It has come to our attention that the water quality on Clemson’s Campus is not meeting the
standards. This means that the Clemson Water and Waste Management team within Clemson’s
Health department is not performing the required duties. The pH should be between a 6.5 and
an 8.5. Currently it is at around a 5. Recently, an email was sent to the Clemson student body
regarding the drop of grades this semester. This is unusual for Clemson students. Clemson
University decided to start a series of tips for students to allow them to regain focus and bring
up their academics. After that email was sent out, there has been a positive impact on the
grade point averages of Clemson students. Thank you Tigers!
This is very concerning because our students and faculty use this water to drink. This is a very
high priority issue.

pH: Why is it Important?

Water pH is crucial. The right pH keeps your body in balance and regulates the metabolic
processes. Currently, our water is too alkaline which makes it impossible for our bodies to get
the nutrients we need. Our bodies are constantly working to achieve perfect pH levels. Pure
water is considered neutral with a pH level of 7.

What is impacting our pH?This memo is to remind our students to keep up the good work and
keep drinking water. Water has so many health benefits, and it improves brain function and
memory.

Many things can change and mess up the pH of water. The most prominent factor is bedrock
and soil seeping into our waterways. This is particularly hard on Clemson’s campus because we
strive to have lush greenery around campus. Other factors can be dumping chemicals, rain
water, and trash entering the water.

Method for Testing pH

There are different ways to test for the pH levels of water. pH testing strips contain different
color bars that change color after being exposed to acids or chemicals. You simply dip a strip
into the water and wait for the colored bar to show the results. This is the easiest, cheapest,
and most effective way to test for pH.

Conclusion

This is a serious problem that your department should be aware of. Testing pH levels is not hard
but it does take time.

Reccomendations

The first recommendation to you is to regularly test for pH. Getting behind on testing will only
make the pH levels drop more. Also, it would be helpful to revise waste management
strategies. Be sure students and people on campus know where to dispose of trahs and pick up
regularly. Also, ensure that Clemson’s campus irrigation systems are effectively working and not
draining into waterways.
Academic Statistic Summary

To give some background, overall grade point averages have been down by 27% this semester
compared to the 5 previous semesters. Clemson University officials decided to create some
initiative by sending out tip emails to students on how to bring their grades up. After sending
the first Tip email last month, grades have increased by 17%. Students answered that the email
did remind them to drink more water. Overall, 70% of students stated that they increased their
water intake to at least 8 glasses.

Student Questions

Was the Tip email clear?

Yes, the email was clear. I understood why it would be beneficial to drink more water

Have you been drinking more water after reading the email?
Yes, now I drink at least 8 glasses a day.

Do you feel like you are better focused now?

Yes, I have also seen an improvement in my grades.

Recommendations to Help Students Drink More Water

Always carry a water bottle with you to class.
In the dining halls, drink water over soda. If you do want soda, drink one cup of soda and one
cup of water.
Drink water right when you wake up. Our bodies need to be replenished in the morning.
Before going to sleep, drink 8 oz of water.
If adding flavor or lemon juice helps you want to drink more water, do it!

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC

Conclusion

Tigers, thank you for taking the time to read our first tip email. We have already seen
improvement and look forward to providing you more tips and tricks to help your focus and
positively impact your grades. Keep drinking plenty of water!

References

https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/water-and-healthier-
drinks.html#:~:text=Water%20helps%20your%20body%3A,%2C%20perspiration%2C%20and
%20bowel%20movements.
https://www.dignityhealth.org/articles/6-reasons-to-drink-more-water--doctors-orders
https://www.clemson.edu/