Unfortunately my area has horrible water, the pH tops out my meter at 8.5 and I have no doubt it's much higher. Also straight from tap it test roughly 750ppm, so ya.. It's nasty stuff. This season was one that really taught me the hard lesson about having GOOD water regardless if it's soil or hydro. Once I figured out why my plants were looking like sick aliens I started to water with pH adjusted water and the outcome was amazing, a complete 180! I personally adjust to exactly 6.0 and have been getting great results in both soil and hydro.
-J