Alkalinity
What is it? Alkalinity in freshwater refers to the water’s capacity to neutralize acid or resist decreases in pH.
Why is it important? The alkalinity of the water is environmentally important because it helps to keep fish and other aquatic animals within the range of acidity that they are able to tolerate.
What does it mean? Water alkalinity is measured in terms of an equivalent concentration of calcium carbonate in a water sample:
- 10 mg/L : Very Low
- 11-50 mg/L : Low
- 51-150 mg/L : Moderate
- 151-300 mg/L : High
- > 300 mg/L : Very High