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. 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?

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.
Recommendations

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.