The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14 (Figure 15.10). Pure water is pH
7 (neutral). Surface water ranges from about 6.5 to 8.5. Most
organisms in an aquatic ecosystem function best when the water
pH is about 7. Many life processes do not function well when pH is
too high or low. For example, fish have trouble reproducing when
the pH of their water environment is too low (acidic).