Which spring water is the most alkaline?

December 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to water quality experts, the pH of spring water can vary dramatically based on its source, mineral content, and bottling process. For those seeking the highest pH from a bottled source, the question of which spring water is the most alkaline has a clear answer, but understanding the nuances is key.

Quick Summary

This article explores the contenders for the most alkaline spring water, providing a direct comparison of brands and their pH levels. It explains how water becomes alkaline, differentiates between natural and enhanced products, and discusses the importance of mineral content for hydration and overall well-being.

Key Points

TEN Spring Water boasts the highest pH: TEN Alkaline Spring Water has a pH of 10, making it the most alkaline bottled spring water widely available.
Alkalinity can be natural or artificial: Water can become alkaline naturally by absorbing minerals from rocks or artificially through processes like electrolysis and added mineral salts.
Naturally alkaline options exist: Brands such as Icelandic Glacial (pH 8.4) and Eternal Water (pH 7.8-8.2) achieve their alkalinity naturally through geological filtration.
High pH doesn't guarantee health benefits: Many health claims surrounding alkaline water lack extensive scientific backing, and the body maintains a strict blood pH regardless of water intake.
Check the source and process: Read the label to understand if the water's alkalinity comes from natural spring minerals or artificial additives, as this impacts the water's composition.
Consider potential side effects: Consuming excessively high pH water can cause digestive issues, and individuals with kidney problems should be cautious and consult a doctor.

Unveiling the Most Alkaline Spring Water

When examining the vast market of bottled waters, many consumers are seeking a higher pH for its reported health benefits. While marketing can be confusing, a direct comparison based on certified pH levels helps clarify which options are genuinely alkaline. The champion of the bottled spring water market, specifically engineered for high alkalinity, is TEN Alkaline Spring Water, boasting a pH of 10. This is at the very top end of the bottled water pH spectrum and stands out from many other brands, which are either less alkaline or are artificially enhanced through a different process.

How Spring Water Becomes Alkaline

Water's pH is determined by its mineral content. As spring water flows over and filters through ancient rock and mineral formations deep underground, it naturally picks up alkaline-rich minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium. The composition of the rock and the length of the filtration process determine the final mineral content and alkalinity of the water.

Natural Process: Water from the legendary Ölfus Spring in Iceland, for example, is filtered slowly through layers of lava rock, giving it a naturally high pH. Similarly, Eternal Water is naturally filtered through ancient rock in locations like the Shasta-Trinity Alps.
Artificial Process: Not all alkaline water is created equal. Some products achieve a higher pH through artificial means, such as electrolysis or the addition of mineral salts like potassium bicarbonate, to municipal water sources. While this increases the pH, it does not provide the same mineral composition found in naturally sourced water. This distinction is important, as the World Health Organization has cautioned against daily consumption of water with low mineral content derived from artificial methods.

The Contenders: Comparing High-pH Spring Waters

Here is a comparison of several popular spring water brands, highlighting their claimed pH levels and source details based on manufacturer information and third-party tests.


Brand	Source	Claimed pH Range	Natural or Enhanced?
TEN Spring Water	Great Appalachian Valley springs	pH 10	Enhanced (infused with minerals)
Icelandic Glacial	Ölfus Spring, Iceland	pH 8.4	Natural
Eternal Water	Shasta-Trinity Alps, CA & Smoky Mountains, TN	pH 7.8–8.2	Natural
FIJI Water	Artesian aquifer, Viti Levu	pH 7.7	Natural (filtered through volcanic rock)
Evian	French Alps	pH 7.5	Natural
Proud Source Water	Rocky Mountains, Idaho & Apalachicola Forest, Florida	pH 8.1–8.5	Natural

Beyond pH: The Importance of Minerals and Source

While TEN Spring Water has a notably high pH of 10, it's infused with minerals like potassium and sodium to achieve this level. Naturally alkaline spring waters, such as Icelandic Glacial and Eternal, derive their alkalinity solely from the mineral content absorbed from the earth, with no additives. This offers a more organic and unprocessed hydration experience. For those prioritizing natural sourcing, Icelandic Glacial with its consistent pH of 8.4 is a strong contender for the most alkaline naturally sourced spring water widely available. Eternal Water also offers a naturally alkaline option, with a pH ranging from 7.8 to 8.2.

Potential Health Implications and Considerations

While proponents suggest benefits such as neutralizing body acidity and better hydration, these claims are not universally supported by extensive scientific evidence. The pH of your blood is tightly regulated by your body, and drinking alkaline water is not going to drastically alter it. However, some smaller studies have shown potential benefits related to acid reflux and blood viscosity. It is also worth noting that excessive consumption of high pH water could interfere with natural digestive processes, especially in individuals with low stomach acid. As with any wellness choice, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have pre-existing conditions like kidney disease.

Conclusion

When considering which spring water is the most alkaline, TEN Alkaline Spring Water stands out with its engineered pH of 10. However, for those prioritizing a naturally occurring mineral profile without additives, brands like Icelandic Glacial (pH 8.4), Proud Source Water (pH 8.1-8.5), and Eternal Water (pH 7.8-8.2) are the top contenders. While TEN offers the highest measurable pH, its enhancement process is a key differentiator from the naturally mineralized options. Choosing the 'best' alkaline spring water depends on individual priorities, whether it's the highest pH, a naturally sourced mineral balance, or a specific taste preference. Ultimately, the most important aspect of hydration is consistency, and selecting a water you enjoy is a key part of maintaining a healthy habit.

Practical Shopping Checklist

When selecting a high-pH water, keep these factors in mind:

Source: Does the water come from a natural spring, or is it municipal water that has been treated?
Method of Alkalinity: Is the alkalinity naturally occurring from minerals or artificially created with additives?
pH Level: Check the label for the specific pH level or range.
Mineral Content: Look at the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) on the label for a measure of mineral richness.
Packaging: Consider packaging materials and environmental impact, especially for international brands.
Recyclability: Many brands, like TEN, use 100% recyclable bottles.

For more in-depth information on the health aspects of alkaline water, consider consulting reliable medical resources like the Mayo Clinic to separate fact from marketing claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. While a higher pH indicates alkalinity, the source of that alkalinity is important. Natural spring water gets its pH from essential minerals, while artificially alkaline water uses other methods. The highest pH isn't always the healthiest, as balanced mineral content is also crucial.

Icelandic Glacial spring water has a naturally occurring pH level of 8.4. Its alkalinity is a result of it being filtered through lava rock in Iceland, absorbing minerals in the process.

TEN Spring Water is sourced from natural springs but is then enhanced with a formulation of minerals like potassium and sodium to achieve its optimal pH of 10. It is not considered naturally alkaline in the same way as water that gets its alkalinity solely from the spring source.

While alkaline water can help neutralize some acidity in the stomach, the body has a robust internal system involving the kidneys and lungs to regulate blood pH within a very tight, healthy range. The idea that alkaline water can neutralize your entire body's acidity is not supported by conclusive research.

Naturally alkaline water gets its pH from minerals absorbed as it filters through rock formations. Artificially alkaline water is made using treated municipal water, which has its pH raised through electrolysis or by adding mineral salts.

For most healthy people, drinking naturally alkaline water in moderation is considered safe. However, excessive consumption of very high pH water, particularly if artificially created, could cause issues like digestive discomfort. Individuals with specific health conditions should consult a doctor.

Yes, you can test pH at home using a calibrated electronic pH meter or pH test strips. However, some brands, like Eternal Water, caution that simple test strips may not give an accurate reading for highly purified or mineralized water and recommend using a calibrated meter.