I thought pH = -log[H+]? where [H+] is the molarity of the hydrogen ion? That doesn't involve water in the definition... what is the definition you're referring to?
Edit regarding your reply asserting water is necessary (I can't reply now due to throttling):
What about all the acid/base reactions that don't involve water? You can't ascribe any pH to either of them in that case?
Edit regarding your reply asserting water is necessary (I can't reply now due to throttling):
What about all the acid/base reactions that don't involve water? You can't ascribe any pH to either of them in that case?