Water pH measures how acidic or basic water is on a scale from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, meaning the water is neither acidic nor basic. Values below 7 indicate acidity, while values above 7 indicate alkalinity. The pH level can affect aquatic life, as different organisms thrive in specific pH ranges. Factors influencing water pH include carbon dioxide, pollution, and mineral content. For example, rainwater typically has a pH around 5.6 due to dissolved carbon dioxide, while water from limestone areas may have a higher pH due to minerals. Monitoring pH is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems.