Understanding the Highest pH Water to Buy and the Truth About Alkaline Hydration

November 1, 2025 •

5 min read

According to water tests, TEN Spring Water is sold with a pH of 10, making it the highest pH water to buy on the commercial market. This naturally sourced and mineral-rich water is at the top of the scale for bottled options, but understanding its implications for nutrition and health requires a closer look at what high pH truly means.

Quick Summary

An exploration of the highest pH bottled waters, examining options like TEN Water (pH 10) and Perfect Hydration (9.5+). This article explains how high pH is achieved, the distinction between natural alkaline and ionized water, and what to consider when choosing a product for your lifestyle.

Key Points

Highest pH Brands: TEN Spring Water is noted for having a pH of 10, one of the highest commercially available. Perfect Hydration is another high-pH option at 9.5+.
Alkaline vs. Ionized: Naturally alkaline water gets its high pH from minerals in its source, while ionized water is created through electrolysis and can contain molecular hydrogen.
Limited Scientific Evidence: Many claims of health benefits, such as fighting disease or slowing aging, are not supported by strong scientific evidence and require more research.
Potential Health Risks: High pH water may pose risks for individuals with kidney issues or those on certain medications, and over-consumption could affect the body's natural pH balance.
Consider Cost and Purpose: High-pH bottled waters can be expensive. Regular, properly filtered tap water is often a more cost-effective option for everyday hydration for most people.

What is the highest pH water to buy?

If you're in the market for bottled water with the highest pH, research indicates that TEN Spring Water is a top contender. This brand is marketed with a pH level of 10, sourcing its water from springs in the Great Appalachian Valley. Unlike some other alkaline waters, TEN is sourced from natural spring water rather than a municipal source that has been treated and then enhanced. Other options on the market, such as Perfect Hydration, are often electrolyte-enhanced purified water with a pH of 9.5+. For context, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends a pH range of 6.5 to 8.5 for municipal drinking water. Water above this range is not necessarily unsafe but can be quite basic.

Factors that influence pH in water

Source: Water from natural springs like TEN often derives its alkalinity from naturally occurring alkaline minerals picked up as the water flows through rock formations.
Filtration and Additives: Purified bottled waters like Perfect Hydration undergo filtration processes, with minerals and electrolytes added back in to enhance taste and raise the pH.
Ionization: Water ionizers use electrolysis to separate water into alkaline and acidic streams, and infuse the alkaline water with molecular hydrogen. This process can achieve a high pH, but the water's properties may be unstable.

Natural alkaline vs. ionized water

When exploring high pH options, it's crucial to understand the difference between naturally occurring alkaline water and water that has been artificially altered. Natural alkaline water, like TEN, is naturally filtered and enriched with minerals from its source. Ionized water is created through electrolysis, which separates the water into alkaline and acidic streams.

Naturally Alkaline Water:

Sourced from mineral-rich springs.
Contains a stable balance of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Offers a more stable pH and Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP).
Provides essential nutrients that support various bodily functions.

Alkaline Ionized Water:

Created via an artificial electrolysis process.
The pH and ORP can be unstable and diminish over time.
Requires specialized equipment (a water ionizer) to produce.
Can lead to potential over-alkalization if not properly regulated.
Some ionizers produce water with dissolved molecular hydrogen, which is believed to offer additional antioxidant properties.

The truth behind alkaline water health claims

Advocates of alkaline water attribute numerous health benefits to it, such as neutralizing acid in the body, slowing bone loss, and supporting the immune system. However, as the Mayo Clinic notes, more research is needed to prove many of these claims, and a lot of the evidence is limited or inconclusive. The human body has an effective system for regulating its own pH, and consuming alkaline water has no significant impact on the body's overall pH level.

While science hasn't proven most sweeping health claims, some limited studies have suggested potential benefits for specific conditions:

Acid Reflux: A 2012 study suggested that alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 may help relieve acid reflux symptoms.
Hypertension and Cholesterol: A 2016 study found that people with high blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol who drank alkaline water for three to six months showed some improvement in these markers.
Hydration and Performance: One small study on athletes found that those drinking alkaline water performed slightly better and had improved hydration compared to those drinking regular water.

It is important to remember that these are small studies and the evidence is not yet conclusive. For most people, proper hydration is the key to reaping the benefits often attributed to alkaline water. Ultimately, there is little strong scientific evidence that alkaline water is significantly healthier than plain tap water.

Comparing high pH bottled water options

To make an informed choice, consider the source, pH, and added components of popular high-pH bottled waters. The table below compares several readily available options based on information from market research and product claims.


Feature	TEN Spring Water	Perfect Hydration	Essentia Water	Tap Water (EPA recommendation)
Source	Natural Spring Water	Purified Municipal Water	Purified Municipal Water	Public Water System
pH Level	pH 10	9.5+ pH	9.5+ pH	6.5-8.5 pH
Method	Naturally alkaline from minerals	Electrolyte-enhanced	Ionized with electrolytes	Varies, typically close to neutral
Electrolytes	Rich with natural electrolytes	Added electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium	Added electrolytes	Varies by source
Taste	Often described as smooth	Enhanced flavor from electrolytes	Smooth taste	Varies by source and treatment
Packaging	100% recyclable bottles	Recycled plastic bottles, aluminum cans	Recycled plastic bottles	N/A

Risks and considerations for high pH water

While generally safe for most people, some considerations and potential risks come with drinking highly alkaline water.

Bitter Taste: Water with a pH above 8.5 can develop an unpleasant, bitter or soapy taste. This could potentially discourage consumption and affect hydration.
Kidney Issues: For people with kidney disease, consuming high levels of potassium from alkaline water could be dangerous, potentially leading to hyperkalemia. It is always best to consult a healthcare provider if you have a pre-existing medical condition.
Interactions with Medications: Individuals taking certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors for acid reflux, should be cautious. Highly alkaline water could alter the effectiveness of these drugs.
Digestive Upset: The stomach is naturally acidic to aid digestion. Drinking too much alkaline water could potentially disrupt the stomach's natural pH balance. The body is designed to counteract pH changes, but over-consuming alkaline water can force the body to work harder to maintain balance.

Conclusion: Is the highest pH water right for you?

The search for the highest pH water to buy often leads to products like TEN Spring Water with a pH of 10. However, the decision to opt for a specific high-pH water should not be based solely on the pH number. Consider whether you prefer natural or ionized alkalinity and be aware that scientific backing for many health claims is limited. For most individuals, regular, properly filtered tap water provides sufficient hydration at a fraction of the cost. If you are curious about alkaline water, consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions. For further reading on the limited evidence behind alkaline water's health claims, see this resource from the Mayo Clinic. Ultimately, staying consistently hydrated is the most important factor for overall health and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

TEN Spring Water is marketed with a pH of 10, making it one of the highest commercially available options for bottled water.

The EPA recommends a municipal water pH of 6.5-8.5. While higher pH water is not necessarily unsafe, excessive intake of highly alkaline water could pose risks for individuals with kidney conditions or those on specific medications. A bitter taste is also possible.

Alkaline water can be naturally sourced from mineral-rich springs or have minerals added to it. Ionized water is created through electrolysis, which alters the water's electrical properties and can add molecular hydrogen.

Proponents claim it can help neutralize acid. However, the human body has a well-regulated system for maintaining its pH, and scientific evidence proving that drinking alkaline water significantly changes systemic pH is limited.

Yes, excessive consumption could potentially strain the body as it works to maintain its natural pH balance. It could also interact with certain medications and pose risks for individuals with kidney disease.

You can measure the pH of your water using an electronic pH meter for the most accurate results, or with simpler tools like colorimetric test kits and pH strips for a quick check.

For most people, there is limited scientific evidence to suggest that bottled alkaline water provides significant health benefits over regular tap water. The key to good health is consistent and adequate hydration, regardless of the water's pH.