Alkaline water has become a buzzword for health-conscious individuals intrigued by claims of enhanced hydration, supportive mineral content, and potential wellness advantages. While regular water remains a key staple of everyday life, some people wonder whether raising water’s pH makes a meaningful difference. If you’re curious about other varieties beyond alkaline, you might also explore our discussion on mineral water to see how different forms of drinking water compare.
What Is Alkaline Water?
Alkaline water typically has a pH level between 8 and 9.5, which is higher than the neutral pH of 7 found in most regular water. This level of alkalinity can occur naturally in mineral-rich springs or be artificially created using water ionizers. The main selling point is that alkaline water contains added minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are thought to provide better hydration and other health benefits.
In recent years, its popularity has soared. Between 2013 and 2018, the volume of alkaline water sold worldwide climbed from 357 million liters to 635 million liters, reflecting a 12.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Experts anticipate the market to reach approximately US$4.32 billion by the end of this year (Fi Global, 2018).
On the flip side, there’s no shortage of skepticism regarding whether higher pH alone conveys any significant advantages. Regular water is vital for hydration, and many argue it adequately meets the body’s fluid requirements without the extra cost associated with alkaline products.
The Science of pH and Mineral Content
pH Levels in Alkaline vs. Regular Water
pH is a measure of acidity or alkalinity ranging from 0 to 14, with 7 designated as neutral. Regular water typically falls close to this neutral point, though municipal systems often vary between 6.5 and 8.5. Alkaline water exceeds 8 on this scale, which is why some consumers believe it can neutralize excess acid in the body. However, the human body has multiple systems that regulate internal pH, making large changes from water intake unlikely.
For a deeper look at pH standards in drinking water and how levels are regulated, check out our breakdown of the pH of drinking water. Understanding these guidelines helps show why moderately alkaline water may be safe but not necessarily transformative.
Minerals That Make a Difference
Alkaline water often includes elevated amounts of calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which can alter the taste and mouthfeel. These minerals contribute to the higher pH and may offer small nutritional benefits. In contrast, regular water’s mineral content varies widely based on geographic source and how it is processed. Certain tap sources contain moderate mineral levels, while others are more purified.
A small number of studies support that consuming water with higher concentrations of specific minerals can have slight benefits for bone density or hydration status. However, such findings are often tied to overall dietary patterns, meaning water alone seldom makes or breaks a person’s nutrient intake.
Production Methods
Alkaline water can form naturally when groundwater passes over rocks that enrich it with minerals. Many consumers, however, access artificially alkaline water produced by ionizers. These devices use an electrical charge to separate the acidic and alkaline components of water, raising pH beyond its natural state. Although some people prefer the taste of ionized water, it involves an initial investment and ongoing maintenance.
Regular water, by comparison, is sourced from municipal supplies or springs and processed to meet safety standards. If you’re curious about the debate surrounding public utilities and commercial products, you might find additional insights by reading Tap Water vs. Bottled Water: Which Is Better?
Potential Health Benefits and Claims
Fans of alkaline water often point to several prominent claims, though not all are backed by conclusive studies. Researchers have examined its effects on hydration, acid reflux, and even bone health. Some findings are promising, but others show only mild or no clear improvements.
Hydration and Exercise Performance
A study of 100 healthy adults found that alkaline water was twice as hydrating as regular water after vigorous exercise. This suggests that its higher mineral content may help replenish certain electrolytes. Yet many experts maintain that total fluid intake is ultimately far more critical than the specific pH of the water.
Bone Health and Acid Reflux Studies
In a 2021 study published in a medical journal for menopausal health, postmenopausal women who drank about six cups of alkaline water daily over three months saw a slight improvement in bone density, compared to a control group. Both groups also took medication to support bone health, making it difficult to attribute results solely to alkaline water.
Another trial of 184 patients found that combining alkaline water with a Mediterranean diet could help manage acid reflux as effectively as proton pump inhibitors. While these projects generated interest, they also highlight the need for longer-term research to pinpoint how much these benefits differ from what regular water provides.
Other Popular Claims
Some individuals believe alkaline water can assist with detoxification, skin health, and immune function. While anecdotal reports exist, peer-reviewed data remains limited. The stomach’s natural acidity quickly neutralizes ingested alkaline substances, casting doubt on how thoroughly the higher pH persists as it travels through the digestive system.
Cost and Environmental Considerations
Many brands market alkaline water at a premium price, reflecting additional processing or specialized bottling. At-home ionizers can cost over a thousand dollars, but advocates see this as a long-term investment. Still, critics argue the financial burden is high when regular water is widely available and inexpensive.
From an environmental standpoint, purchasing single-use plastic bottles—whether it’s alkaline or regular—can significantly contribute to plastic waste. Those aiming to reduce plastic usage can look into home filtration or reusable containers. Even so, ionizer machines use electricity, introducing another resource factor to weigh.
How They Compare in Taste and Availability
Many enthusiasts claim alkaline water tastes smoother and less metallic than standard tap water. This difference often comes down to the mineral profile, which varies by brand or source. Regular water, on the other hand, can present tastes ranging from neutral to slightly chlorinated, again depending on local treatment processes.
Availability differs, too. Regular tap water is almost universally accessible, while alkaline water is usually stocked in select grocery stores, online retailers, and health-focused shops. For anyone interested in the broader benefits of staying hydrated, check out why some experts emphasize the health benefits of drinking water—no matter its pH—over other sugary drinks.
Key Takeaway
For overall hydration, both alkaline and regular water can be effective. While some early research hints at certain wellness perks tied to higher pH, the body’s natural regulatory processes keep internal pH tightly balanced, suggesting that most people experience similar results from either water type. If you're deciding whether to pay extra for alkaline options, consider costs, taste preference, and how it fits into your broader nutritional goals.
Those who want to explore more strategies for healthy beverage choices or compare different water types may benefit from our tips on what is the healthiest water to drink. It’s always wise to ask a healthcare professional if you have specific concerns about medical conditions or dietary needs when selecting the water you drink.
References
1. Fi Global. (2018). “Alkaline Water Market Potential.” Available at: https://insights.figlobal.com/beverages/alkaline-water-market-potential.
2. Arthritis Foundation. (2021). “Alkaline Water and Bone Health.” Available at: https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/nutrition/alkaline-water-benefits.
3. Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology. (2012). “Potential Benefits of Alkaline Water in Treating Reflux.” Available at: https://journals.sagepub.com/home/aor.
