How to Make Your Water More Alkaline at Home

December 10, 2025 •

4 min read

While neutral tap water typically sits at a pH of 7, alkaline water has a higher pH, generally ranging from 8 to 9, due to a greater concentration of alkaline minerals. For those exploring potential health benefits or a smoother taste, there are several simple methods you can use to increase your water's alkalinity right at home.

Quick Summary

This article outlines several cost-effective and simple methods for increasing the pH of drinking water, including adding baking soda, using lemons, and investing in filtration devices. Different approaches are compared based on cost, convenience, and effectiveness for optimal at-home use.

Key Points

Baking Soda: A small amount of baking soda can quickly raise your water's pH, but be mindful of its high sodium content if you are on a restricted diet.
Lemon Water: Although acidic, lemons have an alkalizing effect on the body after digestion, making lemon water a natural and refreshing option for internal balance.
pH Testing: Always use pH test strips or a digital meter to check your water's pH before and after treatment to monitor your desired level.
Filtration: Alkaline water filter pitchers offer a convenient way to filter contaminants while adding beneficial alkaline minerals to your water for moderate, consistent alkalinity.
Professional Guidance: Before making significant changes to your diet, including drinking alkaline water, consult with a doctor, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions like kidney disease.

Understanding pH and Alkaline Water

The pH scale is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a liquid is, ranging from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, while anything below 7 is acidic, and anything above 7 is alkaline. The alkalinity of water is primarily determined by its mineral content, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which increase the pH level. While the body's pH is tightly regulated by the lungs and kidneys, some individuals choose to drink alkaline water for its potential effects on hydration, mineral intake, and acid-base balance.

Simple DIY Methods for Increasing Water Alkalinity

The Baking Soda Method

One of the most straightforward and inexpensive ways to increase water's pH is by adding baking soda. Sodium bicarbonate is naturally alkaline and can effectively neutralize acidity.

How to do it: Mix 1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda into an 8-ounce glass of filtered or purified water. Stir or shake until it's completely dissolved. You can also add half a teaspoon to a liter of water and drink it throughout the day.
Considerations: Baking soda is high in sodium, so this method is not suitable for those on low-sodium diets. Excessive intake can also be toxic, causing issues like nausea and muscle weakness.

The Lemon or Lime Method

This method may seem counterintuitive, as lemons and limes are highly acidic fruits. However, once metabolized by the body, they produce alkaline byproducts, creating an alkalizing effect.

How to do it: Squeeze half a lemon or lime into a glass of warm water. For a larger batch, thinly slice two lemons and add them to two quarts of water. Let the water sit for 2-4 hours to allow the infusion to occur.
Considerations: This method does not physically raise the water's pH in the glass, but rather creates an alkaline reaction within the body during digestion.

Mineral Infusion with Fruits and Vegetables

Infusing your water with other alkaline-forming ingredients can also mildly increase its alkalinity and add a refreshing flavor. Some popular options include cucumbers and mint leaves.

How to do it: Add thin slices of cucumber and a few mint leaves to a pitcher of filtered water. Chill in the fridge for a couple of hours to let the flavors and minerals infuse. This water is best consumed within 24 hours.

Advanced Tools for Consistent Alkalinity

Alkaline pH Drops

Alkaline pH drops are a convenient, portable solution made from concentrated minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

How to use: Follow the instructions on the bottle, which usually involves adding a specific number of drops to your water. pH drops increase the alkalinity but do not filter out other contaminants like chlorine.

Alkaline Water Filters and Pitchers

These devices are designed to increase the pH of your tap water while also filtering out impurities. They use a mineralized filter that saturates the water with alkaline minerals as it passes through.

How to use: Simply pour tap water into the pitcher and wait for the filter to do its job. The result is filtered, mineral-rich alkaline water. Some models even come with a digital meter to track the pH level.

Water Ionizers

For a more significant investment, a water ionizer machine can be installed directly to your faucet. It uses electrolysis to separate the water into alkaline and acidic streams, allowing you to choose your desired pH level.

How to use: Attach the machine to your faucet and select the alkaline setting. It produces a continuous supply of ionized alkaline water. Some advanced models also increase the negative oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), giving it antioxidant properties.

Comparison of Alkaline Water Methods


Method	Cost	Convenience	Effectiveness	Key Considerations
Baking Soda	Very low	High (quick prep)	High initial pH boost	High sodium content; taste alteration
Lemon/Lime	Low	Medium (infusion time)	Body's metabolic effect, not direct water pH	Adds flavor; not for those sensitive to citrus
pH Drops	Medium	High (portable)	Quick, direct pH increase	Does not filter contaminants; potential safety risks with mishandling
Filter Pitcher	Medium	Medium (wait time)	Filters water and adds minerals	Filters must be replaced; provides moderate, consistent alkalinity
Water Ionizer	High	High (on-demand)	Highest, adjustable pH boost; filters water	High initial cost; requires regular maintenance

Conclusion

Making your water more alkaline is achievable through several methods, each with its own pros and cons. Simple solutions like adding baking soda or lemon slices offer a quick, low-cost entry point, while advanced filters and ionizers provide a more consistent and robust approach. Always start by testing your water's current pH and introduce alkaline water in moderation to see how your body reacts. For those with underlying health issues, particularly kidney problems, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before significantly changing your water intake. While the scientific evidence for many alkaline water health claims is still limited, ensuring you drink clean, filtered water is always beneficial for your health. For more general information on water science, you can visit the USGS Water Science School.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most healthy individuals, drinking alkaline water in moderation is generally considered safe. However, excessive consumption can potentially disrupt your body's natural pH balance. It's best to consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have kidney disease or are taking certain medications.

Yes. While lemons are acidic outside the body, they have an alkalizing effect once metabolized. This happens when the body breaks down the citric acid, leaving behind alkaline-forming minerals.

You can test your water's pH using simple, inexpensive pH test strips available at most hardware or health food stores. For a more precise measurement, a digital pH meter is also an option.

Yes, it is highly recommended to start with purified or filtered water. Adding alkaline substances to unfiltered tap water can increase the pH, but it won't remove potential impurities like chlorine, heavy metals, or other contaminants.

Overconsumption of alkaline water can lead to side effects like metabolic alkalosis, which can cause nausea, muscle twitching, or confusion. It may also alter your natural stomach acidity, which is essential for proper digestion.

pH drops are made from concentrated alkaline minerals. While they effectively increase water's pH, they do not filter contaminants. It is important to follow the instructions carefully, as mishandling the concentrated drops can cause burns.

Boiling water for about 5 minutes can cause dissolved carbon dioxide to be released, which can result in a slight increase in pH. However, this is a minor effect and is not a reliable long-term method for significant alkalization.