What is the average PH level of our Philadelphia rain water?
Answer Dear Andrew: The pH of rainwater in the Philladelphia area can vary depending on where you live with respect to industry. If you live within a few miles of industrial plants you might have a local rainwater that is more acidic than normal. Rainfall pH is not reported routinely. I suggest you contact the local board of health or the local air pollution control people who can give you the value or perhaps lead you to another organization that might be keeping records on this. Usually the pH of rainwater is only determined during occasional research studies by universities. The pH of rainwater is 5.6 in those areas of the world where there are no direct industrial pollution. Otherwise, the value is typcally lower than that. Rainwater is naturally acidic due to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. When water and carbon dioxide come together they form an acid known as carbonic acid. So, natural rainwater has been and always will be acidic. Other gases occuring from natural sources like
