Understanding Purified Water
Purified water is drinking water that has been mechanically filtered or processed to remove impurities and contaminants. This process is designed to strip the water of virtually everything except H₂O molecules, leaving a clean, neutral-tasting product. Common purification methods include reverse osmosis (RO), distillation, and deionization.
The Purification Process
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): This process forces water through a semi-permeable membrane to eliminate dissolved solids, heavy metals, microorganisms, and other chemical pollutants.
- Distillation: Water is boiled, and the resulting steam is condensed into a clean container, leaving solid contaminants and minerals behind.
- Deionization: Ion-exchange resins are used to remove mineral ions like sodium, calcium, and magnesium.
As a result of this extensive filtering, purified water has a neutral pH of 7 and a very low Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) count. While this ensures high purity, it also means that beneficial minerals are removed along with the unwanted contaminants.
Understanding Alkaline Water
Alkaline water has a higher pH level than standard purified water, typically ranging from 8 to 9.5. The increased alkalinity comes from dissolved minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are either naturally occurring or added back into the water after filtration.
How Alkaline Water is Made
Alkaline water can be produced in several ways:
- Naturally: Water passing over rocks and through springs can pick up minerals that naturally increase its pH.
- Electrolysis: A process using an ionizer to separate acidic and alkaline streams of water, often adding minerals for a higher pH.
- Added Minerals: Purified water has minerals like calcium and magnesium added to it to raise the pH level artificially.
Unlike purified water, alkaline water's primary characteristic is its mineral content and higher pH, which its proponents believe offer certain health benefits.
The Science Behind the Claims: Benefits and Skepticism
Proponents of alkaline water claim it can neutralize acid in the body, improve hydration, support bone health, and act as an antioxidant. However, many of these claims are controversial and lack strong scientific backing.
For example, while some studies suggest a link between alkaline water and certain health markers, medical experts, including those at Harvard Health and the Mayo Clinic, point out that the human body has a sophisticated system of kidneys and lungs to regulate blood pH within a very tight range (7.35-7.45). Any temporary effect from drinking alkaline water is quickly counteracted by these natural processes. The Mayo Clinic also notes that more research is needed to prove claims related to bone health and other benefits.
Comparison Table: Alkaline vs. Purified Water
| Feature | Purified Water | Alkaline Water |
|---|---|---|
| pH Level | Neutral (pH of 7) | Higher (pH of 8 to 9.5) |
| Mineral Content | Very low to non-existent; minerals are removed during filtration | Enhanced with minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium |
| Purification Method | Reverse Osmosis, Distillation, Deionization | Filtration followed by mineral addition or electrolysis |
| Health Claims | Considered safe and clean for daily consumption | Claims include neutralizing acid, improved hydration, and detoxification |
| Scientific Evidence | Provides baseline safety and purity | Many claims lack sufficient scientific support |
| Best for... | General, everyday use; cooking; machines requiring pure water | People with specific health interests or taste preferences for a smoother water |
| Taste | Neutral, clean | Smoother or slightly sweeter due to mineral content |
Making an Informed Decision
Choosing between alkaline and purified water is a matter of personal preference and specific needs. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Purified Water
- Pros: Guaranteed purity from contaminants, chemicals, and pollutants; neutral taste; suitable for general use, cooking, and appliances where mineral buildup is undesirable.
- Cons: Beneficial minerals are removed; some purification methods, like reverse osmosis, can waste a significant amount of water.
Alkaline Water
- Pros: Contains essential minerals like calcium and magnesium; some people prefer the smoother taste; may provide temporary relief for acid reflux.
- Cons: Health claims are largely unsubstantiated by scientific evidence; potentially risky for individuals with certain medical conditions, especially kidney disease, if pH levels are very high; often more expensive than purified water.
For most people, the physiological effect of drinking alkaline water is minimal and transient due to the body's powerful buffering systems. Therefore, the choice often comes down to taste preference, cost, and whether the added minerals are a priority. For individuals seeking absolute purity without concern for mineral content, purified water is the clear choice. For those interested in the mineral content and who enjoy the taste, alkaline water is a viable option, provided they are aware of the limited scientific support for many of its health claims. If you have a specific health condition, consulting a medical professional is always recommended before making a significant change to your diet. For more information on the efficacy of alkaline water, a review by the Mayo Clinic offers a balanced perspective.
Conclusion
In the debate over what is better, alkaline or purified water, there is no single answer for everyone. The fundamental difference lies in their mineral content and pH level, which are a result of their respective processing methods. Purified water offers maximum purity by stripping away almost all dissolved solids, including minerals, resulting in a neutral pH. Alkaline water, while also filtered, is enhanced with minerals to achieve a higher pH, with many of its purported health benefits still awaiting conclusive scientific evidence. The best choice ultimately depends on your priorities: a pure, neutral taste or water with added minerals and potential, though unproven, health advantages.
