Understanding the pH Scale and Alkaline Water
The pH scale is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is, ranging from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Anything below 7 is considered acidic, while anything above 7 is alkaline, or basic. In the bottled water market, alkaline water is typically marketed with a pH level between 8 and 10. Interest in high pH water has grown due to marketing claims suggesting various health benefits, though many of these remain unsupported by rigorous scientific research.
How Water Becomes Alkaline
Water can become alkaline in one of two primary ways: naturally or artificially. Naturally alkaline water acquires its higher pH and mineral content (like calcium, magnesium, and potassium) as it passes over mineral-rich rocks during its journey through the earth. Artificially alkaline water, on the other hand, is created through a chemical process called electrolysis, which uses an ionizer to separate acidic and alkaline molecules. Some brands also achieve higher pH by adding alkaline compounds such as sodium bicarbonate after purification.
Leading Water Brands with the Highest pH
When seeking the highest pH, certain brands consistently top the charts, whether through natural sourcing or advanced ionization. Here are some of the most prominent high pH water brands:
- TEN Alkaline Spring Water: Advertised with a pH of 10, TEN is sourced from spring water in the Great Appalachian Valley. It is enhanced with electrolytes to help maintain its high pH.
- Essentia: Known for its ionized alkaline water, Essentia boasts a pH of 9.5 or higher. The water is purified using micro-filtration and reverse osmosis before being infused with electrolytes.
- Perfect Hydration: This brand offers a purified, 9.5+ pH alkaline water that is enhanced with a proprietary blend of electrolytes.
- Trinity: Sourced from geothermal springs, Trinity is a high-pH water with a natural pH of 9.55.
- Icelandic Glacial: This is a natural spring water with an alkaline pH of 8.4. It is sourced from Iceland's Ölfus Spring.
- Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Water: Filtered naturally through volcanic rocks, Waiakea has a pH between 7.6 and 8.2.
- Alkalen: A water-based electrolyte drink with a pH of 8.5 to 9.5.
Comparison of Water Brands by pH, Source, and Method
| Brand | pH Level | Source | Method | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEN Alkaline | 10 | Spring Water | Electrolyte-enhanced, Ionized | Sourced from Appalachian Valley |
| Essentia | 9.5+ | Municipal (Purified) | Ionization, Electrolyte-enhanced | Uses reverse osmosis for purity |
| Perfect Hydration | 9.5+ | Municipal (Purified) | Ionization, Electrolyte-enhanced | Claims superior hydration |
| Trinity | 9.55 | Geothermal Spring | Natural | Naturally high pH |
| Icelandic Glacial | 8.4-8.7 | Natural Spring | Natural | Sourced from Ölfus Spring, Iceland |
| Waiakea | 7.6-8.2 | Volcanic Well | Natural | Filters through volcanic rock |
| Fiji | 7.7 | Artesian Aquifer | Natural | Protected from external elements |
| Acqua Panna | 8.0 | Natural Spring | Natural | Sourced from Italian springs |
| Smartwater Alkaline | 9.5+ | Municipal (Distilled) | Added minerals/electrolytes | Vapor-distilled, enhanced with antioxidants |
Scrutinizing the Health Claims of Alkaline Water
While alkaline water is widely marketed with various health claims—such as neutralizing body acid, improving hydration, and slowing aging—the scientific community remains cautious. Healthline and other sources point out that there is limited research to support many of these claims. The human body has sophisticated mechanisms, primarily involving the kidneys and lungs, to maintain a very specific and stable blood pH range (7.35-7.45). Drinking water with a higher pH is unlikely to significantly alter this delicate balance, as stomach acid quickly neutralizes beverages.
Potential Considerations
There are some potential considerations associated with highly processed alkaline water. For example, some artificially ionized waters might contain fewer beneficial minerals than their naturally sourced counterparts. Moreover, regular consumption of very high-pH water (>9.8) could potentially lead to issues like hyperkalemia, especially for individuals with kidney function impairments. For most healthy people, however, drinking alkaline water is generally considered safe.
Choosing the Right Water for Your Needs
When evaluating high pH water brands, it's wise to consider your personal goals. If you are interested in a product for a specific health reason, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional. If you are simply curious about alkaline water, comparing the source (natural vs. processed) and tasting different brands can help you find a preference. The mineral content in natural spring water will often provide a different flavor profile than ionized municipal water with added minerals. For those concerned about plastic, many brands, both high and low pH, offer alternatives in glass bottles or aluminum cans.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to weighing the marketing against the science and understanding that while some brands have a higher pH, the health benefits often associated with them are not universally proven. Drinking water—regardless of its pH—is fundamental for proper hydration. A more important consideration for many might be ensuring the water is pure and free of contaminants.
Conclusion
Brands like TEN Alkaline Water and Essentia represent some of the highest pH options on the market, achieving their alkalinity through ionization and added electrolytes. Naturally alkaline waters like Icelandic Glacial and Waiakea, while often lower on the pH scale, offer mineral content from their natural sources. While marketing for high pH water frequently touts numerous health benefits, it is important to remember that scientific evidence for these claims is limited, and the human body effectively regulates its own pH. The safest and most reliable approach is to choose a water brand that is pure and fits your personal taste and budget, rather than focusing solely on a high pH number.
Consult Healthline for more on the potential benefits and risks of alkaline water.
