What does it mean if water has a pH greater than 7?

When water has a pH greater than 7, it indicates that the water is alkaline, which means it has a higher concentration of hydroxide ions than hydrogen ions. In the pH scale, which ranges from 0 to 14, a pH of 7 is considered neutral, indicating an equal balance of hydrogen and hydroxide ions. Values below 7 are classified as acidic due to a greater concentration of hydrogen ions, while values above 7 reflect increased alkalinity. Alkaline water can occur naturally or as a result of specific dissolved minerals like calcium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate. Understanding the pH of water is crucial for various applications, including agriculture, aquaculture, and human consumption, as it can impact the solubility of nutrients and minerals, the biological activity in water, and overall water quality.