why acid is added to water during electrolysis of water code example

Example: Explain why in the electrolysis of water, acidified water is used.

Acidified water is used for two reasons. Firstly, the ions provided by the acid greatly increase the electrical conductivity of the water, and this allows the decomposition of water to occur at a much increased rate. Secondly, the acid provides H+ions, which react, forming hydrogen, at the cathode