The Difference Between Artesian Water and Alkaline Water

December 14, 2025 •

5 min read

While most people consider water as simply H2O, there are significant differences between types like artesian and alkaline water. The primary distinction lies in their source and composition, with artesian water defined by its origin in a pressurized underground aquifer and alkaline water defined by its higher pH level. Understanding these characteristics is key to choosing the right hydration for your lifestyle.

Quick Summary

Artesian water comes from a deep, confined aquifer and is under natural pressure, giving it a unique mineral profile. Alkaline water is defined by its pH, which is higher than 7, and may be natural or processed. Their key difference is geological origin versus chemical property, though some artesian sources can also be naturally alkaline.

Key Points

Source vs. pH: Artesian water is defined by its origin in a confined aquifer, while alkaline water is defined by its high pH level, typically over 7.
Pressure, Not pH: The 'artesian' label refers to water rising under natural pressure from underground, not its pH, which can be neutral or alkaline.
Natural vs. Artificial: Alkaline water's high pH can be natural (from mineral exposure) or artificial (from electrolysis or added minerals).
Not Mutually Exclusive: A water can be both naturally artesian and alkaline if it comes from an aquifer with the right mineral composition.
Safety First: Despite 'natural filtration' claims, all artesian water must be tested and treated for contaminants, just like other groundwater.
Science is Debated: Many health claims for alkaline water, such as neutralizing body acid, are not conclusively supported by scientific evidence.
Personal Choice: The best water for you depends on personal taste and preferences, as both options provide essential hydration.

What is Artesian Water?

Artesian water is sourced from a confined aquifer, which is an underground layer of rock or sediment that contains groundwater. The defining characteristic of an artesian source is that the water is trapped between two impermeable layers of rock, creating immense pressure. When a well is drilled into this confined aquifer, the natural pressure can push the water up to the surface without the need for a pump, forming a flowing artesian well. If the pressure is not strong enough to force the water above ground, a pump is still required, but it is still considered artesian water.

Origin and Purity

Artesian water is often marketed as 'naturally filtered' because it is pushed through layers of rock and sediment, which can reduce certain impurities. As it travels, it also absorbs naturally occurring minerals from the surrounding rock, contributing to its unique taste and composition. However, this 'natural filtration' is not a guarantee of purity. The water is still susceptible to contamination and, like any groundwater, must be tested and treated before being bottled for consumption to ensure it is safe.

What is Alkaline Water?

Alkaline water is characterized by its pH level, which is higher than 7, the neutral midpoint of the pH scale. A higher pH indicates a lower concentration of hydrogen ions. Its alkalinity can be achieved in two main ways:

Naturally Alkaline: Water becomes naturally alkaline when it passes over rocks and mineral deposits, such as limestone, and absorbs alkaline minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. This natural process also gives the water a higher Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP), indicating its ability to act as an antioxidant.
Artificially Alkaline: This is water that has been treated to increase its pH. Common methods include electrolysis (ionizers) or adding alkaline mineral additives, such as bicarbonates. These processes raise the pH but may not provide the same mineral balance or antioxidant properties as naturally alkaline water.

Health Claims and Scientific Context

Proponents of alkaline water often claim it helps neutralize acid in the body, boosts immunity, and improves hydration. While some individuals report benefits, many of these claims lack strong scientific evidence. The human body has its own robust mechanisms for regulating pH, and consuming alkaline water has a minimal, temporary effect on overall body pH, which is tightly controlled. Still, many people enjoy the taste and feel of drinking alkaline water, and it can contribute to a healthy hydration routine.

Artesian Water vs. Alkaline Water: A Direct Comparison


Feature	Artesian Water	Alkaline Water
Source	Confined underground aquifer	Any source (tap, spring, artesian), then modified or naturally high in pH
Core Characteristic	The geological origin of its source	A high pH level (typically >8)
Mineral Content	Absorbed naturally from the surrounding rock and sediment	May be naturally occurring or added during processing
Processing	Must be tested and purified for safety, regardless of 'natural filtration'	Can be natural or produced artificially via electrolysis or mineral additives
pH Level	Naturally occurring, can range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (e.g., 6.5-8)	Artificially set or naturally occurring to be higher than 7 (typically 8-9)
Key Takeaway	Defined by its source and natural pressure	Defined by its chemical property (high pH)

The Overlap: When Artesian Water is Alkaline

It is important to note that the two terms are not mutually exclusive. An artesian water source can also be naturally alkaline if the confined aquifer contains a high concentration of alkaline mineral deposits. For example, water from an aquifer rich in limestone could emerge naturally with a high pH. In this case, the water is both artesian (defined by its source) and alkaline (defined by its pH). However, not all artesian water is alkaline, and not all alkaline water is artesian. Most commercially sold alkaline water is produced by adding minerals or using electrolysis on a variety of water sources, not necessarily from a confined aquifer.

How to Choose the Right Water for You

When deciding between artesian and alkaline water, consider the following:

Prioritize Hydration: The most important aspect is drinking enough water, regardless of the type. Both options, when purified and bottled, provide essential hydration.
Evaluate Health Claims: Approach marketing claims with a healthy dose of skepticism. While some people feel benefits from alkaline water, the scientific community is not in full consensus regarding many of the purported health benefits, such as neutralizing body acidity.
Taste and Mineral Content: The mineral profile of artesian water can give it a distinct taste. If you prefer a natural, earthy flavor, artesian water may appeal to you. Artificially created alkaline water may have a different taste profile due to the additives.
Consider the Source: If you prefer water that is less processed and relies on natural geological features for its composition, a naturally artesian and/or alkaline option would be your choice.

Conclusion

In summary, the core difference is that artesian water is defined by its geographical origin from a pressurized aquifer, while alkaline water is defined by its chemical property of having a pH above 7. An artesian source can be naturally alkaline, but commercially available alkaline water may be artificially enhanced. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences for taste, origin, and whether you believe in the specific health claims associated with alkaline water. Regardless of your choice, staying well-hydrated is the most important factor for your health.

Sources

What are the Different Types of Water? - HydroFLOW USA
What to Know about the pH of Drinking Water - Svalbarði Polar Iceberg Water
What is Artesian Water? Its Meaning and Benefits - Pentair
What is Artesian Water? - Leaf Home
What Is Alkaline Water and How Can You Make It at Home? - Phox Water
Benefits and Side Effects of Alkaline Water - Care Health Insurance
Benefits and Side Effects of Alkaline Water - Care Health Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, artesian water can be naturally alkaline if it flows through underground mineral deposits, like limestone, that raise its pH. However, not all artesian water is alkaline, as its final pH depends on the specific geological composition of its source.

While artesian water is naturally filtered by rock and sediment as it travels through the aquifer, this is not a guarantee of purity. It is still susceptible to contaminants, and like all groundwater, it must be properly tested and purified before bottling to ensure it is safe for consumption.

Companies can make alkaline water artificially through two main methods: electrolysis, which uses electricity to separate acidic and alkaline components, and by adding mineral additives, such as calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonates, to raise the pH level.

The health benefits of alkaline water are a subject of ongoing debate, and many claims, such as its ability to neutralize body acidity, lack robust scientific backing. For most people, regular drinking water is sufficient for hydration, and the choice to drink alkaline water is a matter of personal preference.

No, the human body has powerful regulatory systems, particularly in the kidneys and lungs, to maintain a very narrow and stable blood pH range. Drinking alkaline water can cause a temporary, minimal change, but it does not significantly alter your body's overall pH balance.

Yes, some people find that alkaline water has a different taste, often described as smoother or softer due to its higher mineral content. The taste profile can vary depending on whether the water is naturally or artificially alkaline.

An artesian source can also be a spring, but the terms are not interchangeable. A flowing artesian well that naturally bubbles to the surface is an artesian spring. However, a non-flowing artesian well that requires a pump is not considered a spring.