Understanding the pH Scale and Your Body
The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is, ranging from 0 to 14. A value of 7 is considered neutral, with anything below being acidic and anything above being alkaline (or basic). Your body maintains a tightly regulated blood pH, typically around 7.4, and consuming water with a different pH level is not likely to alter your body's overall pH. However, the pH of drinking water can still affect your health, particularly concerning dental and digestive issues associated with highly acidic water.
For example, water with a pH below 6.5 can leach heavy metals from plumbing, and overly acidic beverages can erode tooth enamel. Conversely, some proponents of alkaline water claim it offers benefits like enhanced hydration and acid reflux relief, although these claims require more scientific support. The EPA recommends that public drinking water fall within a range of 6.5 to 8.5, and bottled waters can also vary significantly.
Popular Bottled Water pH Levels: A Comparison
Bottled water brands can be categorized into several types, each with a typical pH range. Spring and artesian waters naturally draw minerals from their source, influencing their pH. Purified waters, often sourced from municipal supplies, undergo processes like reverse osmosis and may have minerals re-added for taste. Ionized or enhanced alkaline waters are processed to achieve a higher pH, often 9.5 or above. Sparkling waters are almost always acidic due to the carbonic acid formed from dissolved carbon dioxide.
Comparison Table of Common Bottled Waters
| Brand | Source Type | Reported pH Level | General pH Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essentia | Ionized Alkaline | 9.5+ | Alkaline |
| TEN | Alkaline Spring | 10 | Highly Alkaline |
| Icelandic Glacial | Natural Spring | 8.4 | Naturally Alkaline |
| Fiji | Artesian | ~7.7 | Slightly Alkaline |
| Evian | Natural Spring | ~7.4 | Neutral to Slightly Alkaline |
| Core Hydration | Purified | ~7.4 | Neutral to Slightly Alkaline |
| Nestle Pure Life | Purified | ~7.3 | Neutral |
| LIFEWTR | Purified | 6.8-7.2 | Neutral |
| Smartwater | Distilled | ~6.7 | Slightly Acidic |
| Aquafina | Purified | ~6.0 | Slightly Acidic |
| Dasani | Purified | ~5.6 | Acidic |
| Voss Sparkling | Carbonated | ~4.8 | Highly Acidic |
Choosing the Right Water for Your Hydration Needs
The "best" pH level is not a one-size-fits-all answer. For general, everyday hydration, most people are fine with water in the EPA's recommended 6.5-8.5 range. A neutral or slightly alkaline water is generally considered gentler on tooth enamel and less likely to cause plumbing corrosion than highly acidic options. If you have a sensitive stomach or acid reflux, some small studies suggest that alkaline water may provide relief, but a balanced diet remains the primary factor for internal pH regulation.
It is also important to consider the water's source. Naturally alkaline spring waters like Icelandic Glacial get their minerals from passing through rock, whereas processed alkaline waters like Essentia achieve their high pH through ionization and added electrolytes. Some purified and distilled brands can be slightly acidic because their mineral content has been stripped away. While many bottled brands add electrolytes back in, their ultimate pH is still variable. The health claims for highly alkaline water are not yet definitively proven, so a naturally balanced water is a safe and often cost-effective choice for daily consumption.
Making an Informed Decision
When evaluating which bottled water has the best pH levels, consumers should think about their personal health goals. Those focused on dental health might prefer waters with a pH closer to neutral or slightly alkaline to prevent enamel erosion. People seeking potentially enhanced hydration might choose a brand advertising electrolytes. Environmental concerns are also a factor; many brands, like TEN, offer packaging in aluminum cans to reduce plastic waste, which is a major issue with single-use bottles.
Ultimately, the science suggests that for most healthy individuals, the pH of drinking water has a minimal systemic effect. However, for specific conditions like acid reflux or for dental health, opting for a neutral or slightly alkaline water may be beneficial. Before investing heavily in a specific brand for targeted health benefits, it is always wise to consult a medical professional. You can find additional information from a reliable source like the Safe Drinking Water Foundation, which offers fact sheets on various water quality topics.
Conclusion
There is no single "best" pH level for bottled water, but a balanced pH between 6.5 and 8.5 is widely accepted as ideal for most people. Naturally alkaline brands like Icelandic Glacial and Fiji offer mineral-rich options, while processed alkaline waters such as Essentia are engineered for a specific high pH. Consumers should be aware that many popular purified and sparkling water brands are acidic and could potentially affect tooth enamel or cause a metallic taste over time. Focusing on brands with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH is a sensible choice for general health and hydration without relying on unsubstantiated health claims.
Choosing the Right Bottled Water
- For Everyday Hydration: Neutral to slightly alkaline waters (pH 7.0-8.0) like Evian or Core Hydration are excellent choices, providing a clean taste without extreme pH levels.
- For Dental Health: To prevent enamel erosion, avoid excessively acidic brands like Dasani and Voss Sparkling. Brands like Fiji or Icelandic Glacial, with a pH of 7.5 or higher, are better options.
- If You Have Acid Reflux: You might benefit from trying an alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 or higher, as some studies have shown it can help inactivate pepsin, the enzyme responsible for reflux symptoms. Essentia and TEN are examples of brands in this range.
- For Natural Mineral Content: Choose naturally sourced spring or artesian waters, which acquire beneficial minerals from their geological source rather than having them added back in.
- Beware of Claims: While alkaline water is popular, many of its most hyped benefits lack solid scientific backing. Focus on balanced hydration over marketing buzz.
