The Science & Quality Behind Designer Water pH10®

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What Makes Designer Water Different

Designer Water pH10® is produced through a proprietary 14-stage advanced filtration process — one of the most rigorous in South Africa. The result: exceptionally pure, alkaline water at pH10 with a smoother taste and an enhanced mineral profile including Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium.

Our pH10 exceeds the thresholds used in published peer-reviewed research — including a study published in JAMA, one of the world's most respected medical journals.

Our Certifications

We hold 6 industry certifications — more than most competitors hold combined:

  • SANBWA — South African National Bottled Water Association
  • ISO 22000 — International food safety management
  • GC Global Conformity —Product quality certification
  • GFSI — Global Food Safety Initiative benchmarked
  • Kosher Certified
  • Halal Certified
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The Benefits of Proper Hydration

Before we talk about alkaline water specifically, let's start with what every doctor, dietitian, and sports scientist agrees on: proper hydration is one of the simplest things you can do for your health.

Drinking enough quality water every day supports:

  • Energy & focus — even mild dehydration (1-2%) can impair concentration, mood, and cognitive performance
  • Physical performance — hydration directly affects endurance, strength, and recovery time
  • Digestion & regularity — water supports healthy bowel function and nutrient absorption
  • Joint & muscle health — water lubricates joints and helps transport nutrients to muscles
  • Kidney function — adequate fluid intake supports your kidneys in filtering waste
  • Temperature regulation — your body relies on water to cool itself during exercise and heat
  • Recovery — rehydration after physical exertion, illness, or dehydrating activities supports the body's natural recovery processes

These aren't alkaline water claims. They're water science. The question isn't whether you should hydrate well — it's whether the water you choose meets a higher standard of purity, mineral content, and filtration.

That's where Designer Water comes in.

What Alkaline Water Research Shows

Beyond the universal benefits of hydration, a growing body of peer-reviewed research has examined alkaline mineral water specifically. Here's what the published science says — and what it doesn't.

Acid Reflux & Digestive Support

STRONGEST EVIDENCE — Published in JAMA

Research published in JAMA Otolaryngology demonstrates that alkaline water may support reflux management. A study of 184 patients found that an alkaline water and Mediterranean diet protocol matched or exceeded the results of conventional PPI medication for reflux symptom reduction (Zalvan et al., 2017).

Separately, laboratory research published in the Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology demonstrated that water at pH 8.8 irreversibly inactivates pepsin — a key enzyme involved in acid reflux damage. Designer Water pH10® exceeds this threshold by 1.2 pH points (Koufman & Johnston, 2012).

Hydration, Exercise Recovery & Acid-Base Balance

While the body tightly regulates blood pH through its own systems, published studies have observed that alkaline mineral water consumption may influence urinary pH, acid-base markers during exercise, and dietary acid load on bone resorption. Research suggests alkaline mineral water may support hydration efficiency and recovery following intense physical activity:

  • A 100-person double-blind study found high-pH water reduced blood viscosity by 6.3% post-exercise compared to 3.36% with standard water (Weidman et al., 2016 — Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition)
  • Three weeks of alkaline water improved acid-base balance and enhanced anaerobic exercise capacity in athletes (Chycki et al., 2018 — PLOS ONE)
  • A crossover trial with cyclists showed faster and more complete hydration recovery versus standard bottled water (Heil, 2010 — Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition)
  • Alkaline water increased blood and urine pH and delayed muscular acidosis during anaerobic exercise (Maszczyk et al., 2018 — Nutrients)

Bone Health

Research suggests alkaline mineral water may support bone health. Studies have found that bicarbonate-rich alkaline water reduced markers of bone resorption (Wynn et al., 2009; 2010), and a randomised controlled trial reported improved bone density markers with alkaline mineral water intake of 1.5L per day over three months (Nasseri et al., 2021).

Cardiovascular & Blood Viscosity

The Weidman et al. (2016) study — the largest in this category at 100 subjects — found a statistically significant reduction in blood viscosity after consuming high-pH water, suggesting alkaline water may support cardiovascular hydration efficiency. Epidemiological research has also associated mineral water intake with lower blood pressure (Rylander, 2004).

 

Our Commitment to Honesty

We’re a water quality company, not a miracle cure company. Transparency is part of our standard.

What We Don’t Claim

  • We do not claim alkaline water cures, prevents, or treats any disease
  • We do not claim it "balances your body’s pH" — your body’s own regulatory systems do that
  • We do not claim it prevents kidney stones, improves skin, or has anti-aging properties
  • We do not claim it replaces medical treatment
  • We do not extrapolate from animal or laboratory studies to make consumer health claims

How Our Messaging Has Evolved

If you've been following Designer Water for a while, you may notice our language has changed. It has — deliberately.

In our earlier years, like many brands in the alkaline water industry, we used broader language about pH balance, energy, and general wellness. As the published research has matured and become more specific, so has our messaging.

Today, we reference specific peer-reviewed findings — published in journals like JAMA — rather than general statements. We've replaced broad claims with tiered, evidence-based language. We include what the science doesn't support alongside what it does.

We believe that's what responsible brands do: evolve with the evidence. We'd rather be precise and credible than vague and viral.

What We Do Guarantee

  • ✅ 14-stage advanced filtration — one of the most rigorous processes in the world
  • ✅ Verifiable pH10 at consumption — exceeds published research thresholds
  • ✅ 6 industry certifications — SANBWA, ISO 22000, GC Mark, GFSI, Kosher, Halal
  • ✅ Enhanced mineral profile — Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium
  • ✅ Published research in JAMA — on alkaline water and reflux management
  • ✅ Full transparency — we tell you what we know and what we don’t

What Our Customers Say

“This water tastes so crisp and fresh. Even my 5-year-old loves it.” — Bev

“The taste difference is like cheap wine versus award-winning wine.” — Nicola

“I picked up my Designer Water, and I have to say—it tastes amazing!” — Jarrett De Jager

“Designer Water is the best bottled water I’ve ever tasted.” — Mpho Tshikalange

“I bought 20 liters, and I love it. The taste is unbeatable.” — Brenda Bree Williams

Premium Quality Assurance: Supporting Alkaline Water Benefits

Quality Control Supporting Benefits

Regular pH testing

Mineral content verification

Microbiological screening

Consistent quality monitoring

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