The sodium hydroxide test is well underway, and soon to be extended citywide. We have received emails from people who are concerned by some of the changes in their drinking water. Prior to this test , our city water had an excellent pH level but this has been downgraded since the chemical manipulations . Our water has gone from a near perfect pH of close to 8 , to an unnaturally high pH near 9.5 For the record , after decades of being an avid gardener and having terrific health in both garden and houseplants that I've cared for all those years , many of my plants are now struggling to survive. The most sensitive plants are dying and the others are yellowing and showing signs of stress , rot and disease. The only thing that has changed in their care is the alteration in our tap water . Is this plant illness due to the high pH of the water ? Also for the first time , I am having unusual rashes and changes with my skin and my eyes are much more irritated than usual , especially after showering. I can not be certain if it is related to the water, but am very curious for your feedback and have received a few emails mentioning similar reactions . One person shared that since the change they are now needing to bring their water in from elsewhere, both for drinking and even for watering houseplants. This is such a shame when they had zero issues with using the tap water prior to the NaOH. We would like to encourage you to send feedback on any changes that your family is experiencing. Many more people are having their water tested , can you share your results ? Do you feel it is really worth degrading the near perfect pH of our water for a tiny increment of reduction in lead levels ? Will we be satisfied by this band-aid solution that would require us to add costly and dangerous chemicals to our water forevermore or is this a plan worth revising ? What are your thoughts on the chemicals soon going citywide? Do you feel that this is the government's way of saying that they are now adequately addressing the lead problem and washing their hands clean , instead of dealing with a serious underlying cause that still needs attention and more effective and permanent solutions? Let's keep the conversation going ! ALL your comments are welcome . Please post your feedback here or send your emails to: Tbaywaterwatch@gmail.com. And especially , thank you for your continuing support and for caring about our water ❤️