Understanding the pH Scale for Bottled Water
The pH scale is a logarithmic measurement that indicates how acidic or alkaline a substance is, ranging from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, with anything below 7 being acidic and anything above 7 being alkaline. This simple scale is crucial for understanding the properties of the water you drink.
Pure, distilled water has a neutral pH of 7, but very few bottled waters remain perfectly neutral. Most tap and bottled waters fall within the EPA's recommended range of 6.5 to 8.5, which is considered safe for consumption. However, significant variations occur due to the water's origin, filtration, and added ingredients.
Factors That Affect Bottled Water pH
The final pH of bottled water is not random; it's a result of deliberate and natural processes. Here’s what determines the level:
- Source: Spring and artesian waters naturally absorb minerals from rocks and soil, which can alter their pH. For instance, volcanic rock filtration can create a naturally alkaline water, while other geological paths might result in a more neutral or acidic one.
- Purification Methods: Processes like reverse osmosis and distillation strip the water of most impurities and minerals. This often results in a neutral or slightly acidic pH. Smartwater, a distilled product, typically has a mildly acidic pH.
- Added Minerals and Electrolytes: Many brands add minerals and electrolytes back into purified water to achieve a specific taste or pH. Dasani adds minerals that result in an acidic pH, while Essentia adds a blend of electrolytes to achieve a high alkaline level.
- Carbonation: Sparkling waters have carbon dioxide dissolved in them. This creates carbonic acid, which lowers the pH and makes the water acidic.
- Packaging and Storage: Over time, especially in plastic bottles, water can leach substances from the packaging, which can subtly alter its pH. This is a minor factor compared to the others but is still a consideration for some consumers.
Comparison of Bottled Water pH Levels
Different types of bottled water appeal to different consumer preferences based on taste, mineral content, and claimed health benefits. The following table provides a comparison of popular brands based on their typical pH range and source:
| Brand | Typical pH | Source | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essentia | 9.5+ | Purified/Ionized | High alkaline with added electrolytes |
| Icelandic Glacial | 8.4 | Natural Spring | Naturally alkaline, volcanic rock filtered |
| Fiji | 7.7 | Artesian Aquifer | Naturally alkaline with electrolytes |
| Evian | 7.5 | Natural Spring | Mineral-rich, balanced pH |
| Smartwater | 6.5–7.0 | Distilled | Pure taste, adds electrolytes for flavor |
| Aquafina | 5.5–6.0 | Purified | Acidic, purified municipal source |
| Dasani | 5.0–5.6 | Purified | Acidic, adds minerals for taste |
| Perrier (Sparkling) | ~5.5 | Natural Spring | Acidic due to carbonation |
Health Claims vs. Scientific Evidence
The most debated aspect of bottled water pH is its supposed health benefits. Alkaline water is often marketed as a way to neutralize acidity in the body, boost immunity, or aid digestion. Here's what the science says:
- Body Regulation: The human body is remarkably efficient at regulating its own pH levels. The stomach, with its highly acidic hydrochloric acid (pH 1.5-3.5), neutralizes anything you drink, while the kidneys and lungs maintain blood pH within a very tight range. Therefore, drinking alkaline water is unlikely to have a systemic effect on your body's overall pH.
- Digestive Benefits: Small studies suggest that alkaline water might offer temporary relief for people with acid reflux or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by inactivating the enzyme responsible for heartburn symptoms. However, these are not long-term cures and require more research.
- Dental Health: The impact of water pH on dental health is more direct. Highly acidic beverages, like some bottled waters and soft drinks, can contribute to tooth enamel erosion over time. For this reason, some dentists recommend opting for water with a neutral or alkaline pH to help counteract oral acidity.
Ultimately, there is insufficient scientific evidence to support most broad health claims associated with drinking alkaline water, and for a healthy individual, the pH of their drinking water is not a major concern.
Choosing the Right Bottled Water
For most people, the "best" bottled water is the one they enjoy drinking the most, as this encourages consistent hydration. However, if you have specific preferences or health considerations, here's how to choose:
For a crisp, pure taste: Purified waters like Smartwater or Aquafina are filtered to remove minerals, often resulting in a very clean, neutral flavor. Be aware that some are slightly acidic.
For natural minerals: Spring or artesian waters like Fiji, Icelandic Glacial, and Evian offer a more complex flavor profile due to their naturally occurring mineral content. The specific geology of the source determines the final pH and mineral makeup.
For higher alkalinity: If you're drawn to the marketing claims or want to temporarily neutralize oral acidity, ionized alkaline waters like Essentia or TEN Water offer a very high pH level. Natural spring waters like Icelandic Glacial and Fiji also offer naturally occurring alkalinity.
For hydration on the go: Any type of water will provide effective hydration. For optimal hydration during or after exercise, water enhanced with electrolytes can be beneficial for mineral balance. Just be mindful of the pH and added ingredients.
Conclusion
When asking, "Which bottled water is best pH?" the answer is not one-size-fits-all. While highly alkaline waters like Essentia and Icelandic Glacial are popular choices for those seeking a higher pH, the scientific evidence for significant health benefits remains limited. For most people, a well-regulated tap water or a bottled water they enjoy is perfectly fine. The real health concern comes from consistent consumption of very acidic waters, which can impact dental health. Ultimately, your best choice depends on your taste, budget, and personal health goals, with reliable hydration being the most important factor.
For more information on the science behind bottled water, consult the National Institutes of Health.(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26338903/)
Popular Acidic Bottled Water Brands:
- Dasani: Often measures around a pH of 5.0 to 5.6 due to added minerals.
- Aquafina: A purified municipal water that frequently tests around a pH of 5.5 to 6.0.
- Smartwater: Distilled water that, after absorbing carbon dioxide from the air, often settles into a mildly acidic range.
- Sparkling Waters: Almost all sparkling waters are acidic because of the dissolved carbonic acid.
Popular Alkaline Bottled Water Brands:
- Essentia Water: Known for its high, ionized pH of 9.5 or higher.
- TEN Spring Water: Another high-pH option, advertised with a pH of 10.
- Icelandic Glacial Water: Naturally alkaline from a spring source, with a pH of 8.4.
- Fiji Water: Naturally artesian water with a pH of 7.7, naturally alkaline.
The Difference Between Natural and Ionized Alkaline Water:
Natural alkaline waters, like Fiji or Icelandic Glacial, get their higher pH from minerals absorbed from their geological source. Ionized alkaline waters, like Essentia, are purified and then given an electrical charge to separate acidic and alkaline ions, with electrolytes added for taste. Natural variants retain a more complex mineral profile, while ionized waters focus on purity and a specific pH.
The Flavor Impact of Water pH:
The pH of water significantly affects its taste. Acidic water can have a metallic or sour flavor, while highly alkaline water can sometimes feel slippery or taste slightly bitter, like baking soda. Neutral water is typically described as crisp and clean. Mineral content, which influences pH, also plays a huge role in the water's overall taste profile.
The Verdict on Weight Loss and Immunity:
Despite some marketing claims, there is no conclusive scientific evidence that drinking alkaline water leads to weight loss or significantly boosts the immune system. Your body's own regulatory mechanisms are very efficient at handling these processes. Focus on overall healthy eating and consistent hydration for these benefits rather than relying solely on the pH of your water.
