Is it Okay to Drink Water with a pH of 9? Benefits, Risks, and Facts

November 10, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the recommended pH range for municipal water is between 6.5 and 8.5. However, many people are turning to water with a pH of 9, often called alkaline water, for its potential health benefits, raising the question: is it okay to drink water with a pH of 9?

Quick Summary

This article explores the safety and efficacy of consuming alkaline water with a pH of 9, detailing its purported benefits, associated risks, and the scientific evidence surrounding these claims. It provides a balanced look at this popular health trend, helping you understand how it compares to regular water and what you should consider before making it part of your routine.

Key Points

Generally Safe for Healthy People: Drinking pH 9 water in moderation is considered safe for most healthy individuals, with minimal risk of side effects.
Limited Proven Benefits: Scientific evidence for many purported benefits, like anti-aging or cancer prevention, is weak or non-existent.
Potential for Reflux Relief: Some studies suggest that alkaline water may provide temporary relief for those suffering from acid reflux.
Not a Cure-All: The human body effectively regulates its own pH balance, so alkaline water will not drastically or permanently change your internal chemistry.
Consult a Doctor: Individuals with kidney disease or other serious health conditions should avoid alkaline water and consult a healthcare provider first.
Natural vs. Artificial: Naturally alkaline water contains beneficial minerals, while artificially ionized water might carry risks if the source water is not properly purified.
Cost vs. Benefit: Given the limited scientific evidence for significant health advantages, the premium cost of alkaline water may not be justified for the average consumer.
Regular Water is Sufficient: For general hydration and wellness, regular, clean filtered water is a perfectly effective and healthier choice.

Understanding the pH Scale and Alkaline Water

The pH scale, ranging from 0 to 14, measures acidity and alkalinity, with 7 being neutral. Water above pH 7 is alkaline, and commercially available alkaline water is often between pH 8 and 9. Alkaline water may have more alkaline minerals than standard tap water, either naturally or added through processes like electrolysis. The source and production method influence its quality.

How is Alkaline Water Made?

Natural Alkaline Water: Formed when water flows over mineral-rich rocks.
Artificial Alkaline Water (Ionized): Created using electrolysis with devices called ionizers. Minerals may be added back, and proper filtration is important for source water.

Benefits and Scientific Evidence for pH 9 Water

Claims about the benefits of alkaline water are numerous, but scientific backing is limited. Some studies indicate potential advantages:

Acid Reflux Relief: pH 8.8 alkaline water may help inactivate pepsin, an enzyme involved in acid reflux.
Improved Hydration: Some athlete studies suggest a reduction in blood viscosity after dehydration with alkaline water. More research is needed for general application.
Bone Health & DNA: Studies on mice and postmenopausal individuals with osteoporosis suggest potential benefits for DNA aging markers and bone density, requiring further human trials.
Mineral Source: Natural alkaline water can provide essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The body's kidneys and lungs primarily manage pH balance.

Potential Risks and Considerations for pH 9 Water

While generally safe in moderation for healthy people, excessive pH 9 water consumption can pose risks.

Digestive Disruption: Large amounts of alkaline water can temporarily raise stomach pH, potentially affecting digestion and increasing the risk of bacterial growth.
Mineral Imbalance (Alkalosis): Excessive intake can rarely lead to metabolic alkalosis, especially in those with kidney issues. Symptoms include nausea and muscle twitching.
Medication Interactions: Alkaline water can be risky for those on certain medications, like PPIs, by altering stomach pH and potentially blood chemistry.
Contaminants: Artificially ionized water can concentrate chemicals from unfiltered tap water. Pre-ionization purification is recommended.
Cost and Environment: Bottled alkaline water is expensive and generates plastic waste. Home systems also have high initial costs.

Alkaline Water vs. Regular Water: A Comparison


Feature	Regular Water	Alkaline Water (e.g., pH 9)
pH Level	Typically around 7 (neutral).	Higher pH, typically 8 to 9.
Mineral Content	Varies by source; may contain trace minerals.	Contains higher concentrations of alkaline minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Hydration	Effectively hydrates the body.	Claimed to offer superior hydration, though scientific evidence is limited.
Cost	Generally much lower cost.	Often sold at a premium price.
Taste	Generally neutral, though varies.	Often described as smoother or softer tasting.
Health Claims	Essential for all bodily functions.	Purported benefits include neutralizing acid, antioxidant effects, and improved bone health, with mixed scientific backing.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Is it okay to drink water with a pH of 9? For most healthy individuals, moderate consumption of naturally alkaline pH 9 water is generally safe and might offer temporary relief from acid reflux. However, significant health claims are not strongly supported by science. Your body effectively maintains its pH balance. For those with conditions like kidney disease or taking certain medications, consulting a healthcare provider before regular alkaline water consumption is essential. Prioritizing a healthy diet, sufficient hydration with regular water, and exercise are the most proven path to wellness. If you choose alkaline water, be informed about the facts and risks.

Mayo Clinic

Summary of Key Takeaways

General Safety: For most healthy people, drinking pH 9 water is generally considered safe, but excessive intake is not recommended.
Limited Evidence: Many of the broad health claims associated with alkaline water lack sufficient scientific backing.
Temporary Relief: Some evidence suggests pH 8.8 alkaline water can temporarily help with acid reflux symptoms by deactivating pepsin.
Body's Regulation: The body's kidneys and lungs are highly efficient at regulating blood pH, making any effects from alkaline water temporary.
Potential Risks: Excessive consumption may disrupt normal stomach acidity, and people with kidney disease should avoid it due to the risk of mineral imbalance.
Consider the Source: Naturally occurring alkaline water with minerals is different from artificially ionized water, which may carry risks if not properly filtered.
Hydration is Key: Regular, clean water is the most reliable and affordable source of hydration for most individuals.
Consult a Doctor: If you have underlying health issues or take medication, speak with a healthcare professional before incorporating alkaline water into your routine.

FAQs

Question: What is the ideal pH level for drinking water?

Answer: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends a pH range between 6.5 and 8.5 for public drinking water, which is considered safe and optimal for human consumption.

Question: Is alkaline water safe to drink every day?

Answer: While occasional consumption is likely safe for healthy individuals, there is no definitive consensus on the long-term safety of drinking alkaline water daily, especially artificially ionized versions. Your body is designed to regulate its own pH.

Question: Can alkaline water neutralize stomach acid?

Answer: Yes, alkaline water can temporarily neutralize stomach acid, which may offer relief for people with acid reflux. However, the effect is short-lived as the stomach quickly works to restore its acidic environment for proper digestion.

Question: Does alkaline water help with dehydration?

Answer: Some small studies have suggested alkaline water might improve hydration markers after intense exercise, but regular water is equally effective for general hydration. The key to proper hydration is simply drinking enough fluids.

Question: Who should not drink alkaline water?

Answer: Individuals with kidney disease or other impaired kidney function should avoid alkaline water, as it can be risky for them to consume. It is also advised to consult a doctor if you are on medication, especially for regulating stomach acid.

Question: Is natural alkaline water different from artificial alkaline water?

Answer: Yes. Natural alkaline water gets its higher pH from minerals dissolved from rocks, while artificial alkaline water is often produced using electrolysis. Some artificially created water may lack the beneficial mineral content of its natural counterpart and, if not properly filtered, could contain concentrated contaminants.

Question: Does alkaline water have any side effects?

Answer: Possible side effects of excessive alkaline water consumption include digestive issues, metabolic alkalosis (in very rare cases), and mineral imbalances. Some may also experience nausea or muscle twitching.

Frequently Asked Questions

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends a pH range between 6.5 and 8.5 for public drinking water, which is considered safe and optimal for human consumption.

While occasional consumption is likely safe for healthy individuals, there is no definitive consensus on the long-term safety of drinking alkaline water daily, especially artificially ionized versions. Your body is designed to regulate its own pH.

Yes, alkaline water can temporarily neutralize stomach acid, which may offer relief for people with acid reflux. However, the effect is short-lived as the stomach quickly works to restore its acidic environment for proper digestion.

Some small studies have suggested alkaline water might improve hydration markers after intense exercise, but regular water is equally effective for general hydration. The key to proper hydration is simply drinking enough fluids.

Individuals with kidney disease or other impaired kidney function should avoid alkaline water, as it can be risky for them to consume. It is also advised to consult a doctor if you are on medication, especially for regulating stomach acid.

Yes. Natural alkaline water gets its higher pH from minerals dissolved from rocks, while artificial alkaline water is often produced using electrolysis. Some artificially created water may lack the beneficial mineral content of its natural counterpart and, if not properly filtered, could contain concentrated contaminants.

Possible side effects of excessive alkaline water consumption include digestive issues, metabolic alkalosis (in very rare cases), and mineral imbalances. Some may also experience nausea or muscle twitching.