Which Bottled Water Has Low pH? A Comprehensive Guide

According to the EPA, while not regulated for health, drinking water ideally falls within a pH range of 6.5 and 8.5. This guide details which bottled water has low pH, with popular brands like Dasani and Aquafina often noted for their acidic levels.

Quick Summary

This article explores the low pH levels found in certain bottled water brands, explaining how purification processes, especially reverse osmosis, can result in more acidic water. It provides specific examples, discusses the potential effects on dental health, and compares different types of bottled water based on their pH.

Key Points

• Purified Waters: Brands like Dasani and Aquafina, processed via methods like reverse osmosis, often have low pH levels due to the removal of mineral buffers.

• Flavored and Sparkling Waters: Additives and carbonation significantly lower the pH, making products like Vitaminwater, Propel, and Perrier more acidic than plain water.

• Dental Health Risk: Consistently drinking water with a pH below 5.5 can contribute to tooth enamel erosion, increasing sensitivity and decay.

• Source Varies pH: The pH of bottled spring and artesian waters depends on the mineral content from their geological source, leading to a wider and less predictable range.

• Check for Process: To identify low pH water, consumers should check for labels indicating purification, distillation, or carbonation, as these methods are key drivers of acidity.

• Test at Home: Simple and inexpensive pH test kits can be used at home to confirm the acidity of any bottled water.

Understanding the pH Scale and Bottled Water

The pH scale is a measure of how acidic or basic a substance is, ranging from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, anything below 7 is acidic, and anything above 7 is basic or alkaline. While pure water theoretically has a neutral pH of 7, various factors affect the final pH of commercial bottled waters, including the source and treatment process. For instance, purified or distilled waters, especially those created through reverse osmosis, often exhibit low pH because the process removes the minerals that act as buffering agents. Furthermore, carbonation in sparkling waters introduces carbonic acid, which also lowers the pH.

Popular Low-pH Bottled Water Brands

Several well-known bottled water brands are consistently reported to have a low or acidic pH. The variation often depends on whether the water is purified, distilled, or flavored. Below are some examples based on different tests and reports:

• Dasani: A common purified water brand, Dasani is often cited as having a pH in the acidic range, with some reports putting it around 5.0. This is attributed to the mineral additives used for taste after purification.
• Aquafina: Another major purified water brand, Aquafina's pH can also be slightly acidic, sometimes falling around 5.5-6.0. Similar to Dasani, the purification process removes minerals, affecting the final pH.
• Propel Fitness Water: As a flavored water, Propel typically contains additives that lower its pH. Some tests have shown its pH to be as low as 3.5.
• Vitaminwater: With added flavorings and other ingredients, Vitaminwater has a very low pH, often reported between 3.0 and 4.0, making it significantly more acidic than plain water.
• Perrier (Sparkling): Sparkling waters are naturally acidic due to dissolved carbon dioxide. Perrier, for example, is reported to have a pH around 5.5.
• Voss Sparkling: This sparkling water has a particularly low reported pH, sometimes dropping to 4.8.
• Reverse Osmosis Water: This is a processing method, not a brand, but it's crucial to know that water purified this way tends to be low in pH. If left exposed to air, it can absorb carbon dioxide and become even more acidic, with pH levels dropping to 5.5 or lower.

Potential Impacts of Drinking Low-pH Water

Regularly consuming water with a low pH can have several potential effects, particularly concerning dental health. Tooth enamel starts to demineralize at a pH of 5.5, so consistently drinking more acidic water can increase the risk of decay and sensitivity. Furthermore, acidic water can corrode household plumbing over time, potentially leaching heavy metals into the water supply. While your body's internal systems work to maintain a stable pH balance, constant exposure to highly acidic beverages may put additional stress on these processes.

Low-pH vs. High-pH Bottled Water Comparison

Feature	Low-pH Bottled Water (Acidic)	High-pH Bottled Water (Alkaline)
pH Range	Typically below 7, often between 4.5 and 6.5.	Typically above 7, often between 8 and 10.
Processing	Often purified through reverse osmosis or distillation, which removes minerals. Flavored and sparkling varieties can also be very acidic due to additives and carbonation.	Often includes added minerals and electrolytes or is ionized to raise pH. Naturally alkaline sources also exist.
Common Brands	Dasani, Aquafina, Propel, Vitaminwater, Perrier.	Essentia, Fiji, Icelandic Glacial, Evamor, some mineral waters.
Taste Profile	Can have a slightly metallic or bitter taste, especially if pH is very low.	Often described as smoother or softer tasting due to mineral content.
Dental Health Concern	Potential for tooth enamel erosion, especially with prolonged exposure.	Generally considered better for teeth due to buffering acids.
Potential Plumbing Issue	Can cause corrosion of pipes over time, leading to leaks and potential metal leaching.	Does not corrode pipes; however, very high alkalinity might cause mineral scale buildup.

Different Water Types and Their pH

Purified and Distilled Water

This type of bottled water is created by treating municipal or ground water to remove impurities. Common methods include reverse osmosis, deionization, and distillation. The side effect of these processes is the removal of naturally occurring minerals, which leaves the water susceptible to becoming acidic. As the mineral-free water is exposed to air, it absorbs atmospheric carbon dioxide, forming carbonic acid and lowering the pH. Brands like Dasani and Aquafina fall into this category.

Spring and Artesian Water

Bottled spring and artesian waters come from natural underground sources. The pH of these waters depends heavily on the geology of their source. As the water filters through rock and soil, it picks up minerals that can affect its pH. Some spring waters are naturally alkaline, while others are closer to neutral. Due to their multiple sourcing, mass-market spring waters can have a wide pH range. Examples include Poland Spring and Deer Park.

Alkaline Water

Alkaline bottled waters are specifically processed to have a higher pH, usually between 8 and 9.5. This is often achieved by adding alkaline minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, or through an ionization process. Brands like Essentia and Icelandic Glacial market themselves based on their high pH levels.

Sparkling Water

Sparkling water is water that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas. This process creates carbonic acid, which makes the water naturally acidic, with pH levels often falling between 4.5 and 6. Popular sparkling water brands, like Perrier and San Pellegrino, have been measured to have low pH values.

Conclusion

When considering which bottled water has low pH, it is clear that purified, distilled, and sparkling varieties are the most likely candidates. Processing methods like reverse osmosis, which remove buffering minerals, and the addition of carbonation are the primary reasons for this acidity. While the EPA considers a wide pH range safe for drinking, regular consumption of highly acidic bottled water may be a concern for some, particularly regarding dental health due to the risk of enamel erosion. Consumers interested in avoiding low pH water can look for naturally sourced spring, artesian, or specifically marketed alkaline brands. Checking pH levels with a simple at-home test kit is also an option for those who want to be certain about their water's acidity. Ultimately, understanding the source and processing of your bottled water is key to making an informed choice for your health and preferences.

• Healthline: Acidic Water

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered a low pH for bottled water?

A low pH for bottled water is generally considered anything below 7. Many popular purified water brands, like Dasani and Aquafina, often have a pH between 5.0 and 6.0.

Does purified water have a low pH?

Yes, purified water often has a low pH. Processes like reverse osmosis remove minerals that act as buffers, and the water then absorbs carbon dioxide from the air, which makes it slightly acidic.

Is Dasani water high in acid?

Dasani is frequently mentioned as a bottled water brand with a low, acidic pH. Sources report its pH to be around 5.0, which is more acidic than neutral water.

Why is some bottled water acidic?

Bottled water can be acidic for several reasons, including the purification process (which removes minerals), the addition of flavors or sweeteners (in flavored waters), or the addition of carbonation (in sparkling waters).

Can drinking low pH water damage your teeth?

Yes, drinking water with a consistently low pH can potentially damage your teeth. Tooth enamel can begin to demineralize at a pH of 5.5, increasing the risk of cavities and sensitivity.

Does alkaline water have a low pH?

No, alkaline water has a high pH, typically between 8 and 10. It is the opposite of low pH water and is often marketed for its potential health benefits, though scientific evidence is limited.

How can I check the pH of my bottled water?

You can check the pH of your bottled water using inexpensive pH test strips or a digital pH meter. This allows you to verify the acidity level of the water you are drinking.