Science-Backed · pH 10 · SANBWA Certified

Alkaline water benefits: what 96.9% of taste testers already know.

Premium alkaline water at pH 10, infused with molecular hydrogen, rich in calcium, magnesium and potassium. Bottled at source in South Africa. Official Hydration Partner of PFL Africa.

SANBWA ISO 22000 Kosher Halal GC Mark GFSI
The Difference

The benefits of alkaline water go beyond what most people expect.

From better hydration and mineral intake to a smoother taste that 96.9% of people preferred in a taste challenge.

Alkaline water at pH 10 delivers calcium, magnesium and potassium in every glass, plus molecular hydrogen and reduced ORP at time of bottling. It's not magic. It's mineralised water that tastes better and gets more of it down you.

96.9%
Preferred Designer Water
in independent taste tests · n=574
The Taste Test

Why 96.9% chose Designer Water.

In a taste challenge with 574 South African participants, 96.9% preferred Designer Water over leading brands. Smoother. Cleaner. Once you've had it, everything else tastes flat.

You can taste the difference between this water and other brands. Like cheap wine vs award-winning wine. My body loves this.

Nicola · verified customer

I used to prefer Valpre… then I tasted Designer Water and boy! Water has never been so pleasant.

Customer · Takealot review

What's Inside

Your alkalinity comes from real minerals.

Most bottled water is filtered tap with a label. Designer Water is different — our alkalinity comes from dissolved minerals your body uses every day.

Ca
Calcium

Bones and teeth

Essential for bone density, muscle function and nerve signalling. Designer Water adds calcium during the mineralisation stage of bottling.

Mg
Magnesium

Energy and recovery

Involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions including muscle and nerve function. Magnesium-rich water is one of the simplest ways to top up.

K
Potassium

Hydration and balance

Helps maintain fluid balance and supports nerve and muscle function — especially during exercise and hot weather.

H₂

Molecular hydrogen + reduced ORP

Every bottle is infused with molecular hydrogen and has a reduced Oxidation-Reduction Potential at time of bottling. Factual process descriptors of how the water leaves the line.

The pH Scale

What pH level is alkaline water?

The pH scale runs from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline), with 7 being neutral. Every whole number represents a tenfold change. Water at pH 10 is 1,000 times more alkaline than pH 7.

024678101214
Lemon
Coffee
Pure Water
pH 10 — Designer Water
2-3

Lemon Juice

Strongly acidic.

4-5

Coffee

Mildly acidic.

7

Pure Water

Neutral.

10

Designer Water

Premium alkaline.

Your body maintains blood pH within a tight range of 7.35 to 7.45 through its own buffering systems. Drinking alkaline water does not change your blood pH — what it provides is a source of essential minerals in every glass.

What the Research Says

Benefits of alkaline water — peer-reviewed.

We don't make health claims. We point you to published research and let you decide. Both the alkaline water benefits and risks are covered honestly on this page.

★ Hydration

Improved hydration markers

A 2016 study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that high-pH alkaline water improved hydration markers compared to standard purified water following exercise-induced dehydration.

J Int Soc Sports Nutr · 2016

★ Minerals

Calcium and magnesium intake

The World Health Organization has noted that drinking water can be a meaningful source of calcium and magnesium. Alkaline water that derives its pH from added minerals contributes to daily intake.

WHO · Drinking-water Guidelines

★ Habits

Smoother taste, more litres

Higher mineral content and elevated pH contribute to a smoother taste. When water tastes better, people drink more of it. That alone is worth paying attention to.

"I struggled drinking water but I'm now a disciplined water drinker." — Zukiswa, verified Takealot review

★ Recovery

Exercise and rehydration

Research suggests alkaline mineral water may support faster rehydration after intense exercise, with one study finding reduced cardiovascular strain during recovery.

Biology of Sport · published research

★ Hydrogen

Molecular hydrogen water

Hydrogen water benefits are an emerging area of research. Designer Water is infused with molecular hydrogen at time of bottling. Molecular hydrogen (H₂) is the smallest molecule and is added during our production process.

Factual process description, not a health claim

★ Acid Reflux

Pepsin denaturation (Koufman 2012)

Research published in The Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology found that water with a pH of 8.8 irreversibly denatured human pepsin in laboratory conditions and buffered acid effectively.

Koufman & Johnston · 2012

Acid Reflux

Alkaline water for acid reflux: the Koufman study.

The most consistently reported benefit from our customers — backed by the only peer-reviewed paper that addresses pepsin and pH directly.

★ Key Study · 2012

Koufman & Johnston (2012)

Research published in The Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology found that water with a pH of 8.8 irreversibly denatured human pepsin in laboratory conditions and buffered acid effectively. This suggests a potential complementary role alongside conventional reflux care.

This water helped me with my acid reflux and heartburn. I would always take an antacid but there was a time when it wouldn't work so I started drinking this water and I've never looked back.

Verified customer · Takealot review

No muscle aches, and I used to suffer gastric reflux — thanks to the pH 10 ionized alkaline water, acidic reflux is the thing of the past.

Connie · verified Takealot review

Important: Alkaline water is not a medical treatment for acid reflux or any condition. If you experience chronic reflux symptoms, consult a healthcare professional. Individual results vary. Read our detailed guide on alkaline water and acid reflux →

★ Official Hydration Partner · PFL Africa

Trusted by elite athletes.

Designer Water is the Official Hydration Partner of PFL Africa and is trusted by South African sprint legends Wayde van Niekerk and Akani Simbine.

★ 400m World Record Holder

Wayde van Niekerk

★ Africa's Fastest Man

Akani Simbine

977+ Verified Reviews

Real customers. Real results.

Not paid endorsements. Real customers from across South Africa.

★★★★★
4.7 / 5
Across 888 verified Takealot reviews
★★★★★

This water has genuinely changed my life. I have gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and despite medication, I experience constant burning. I began drinking alkaline water a week ago…

Verified customer · Takealot

★★★★★

The smooth taste keeps you coming back for more. A very easy water to drink. My hair and nails are stronger and healthier.

Bronwyn Ingram · verified customer

★★★★★

Everyone who takes their health seriously will go for this pH 10 alkaline water because there is no better water on the market. Tastes great too.

Lenique · Takealot review

★★★★★

My family love this brand and the water is the best. Once you use this brand, you'll never drink any other brand.

Manoko · Takealot review

★★★★★

The pH 9.5+ balance makes it feel smoother and more hydrating than regular bottled water. I've noticed I stay energized longer and feel less bloated.

Emmanuel · Takealot review

★★★★★

This water has done wonders to my skin. I now have a glowing skin full of life. It gives me more energy.

Norman · Takealot review

Individual results may vary. Testimonials reflect personal experiences and are not medical claims.

Honest Balance

Alkaline water side effects and risks.

A balanced view of the alkaline water benefits and risks. Here's what you should know.

1

It won't change your blood pH

Your body handles that on its own. What alkaline water provides is a source of essential minerals in every glass.

2

Not all alkaline water is equal

Some brands artificially raise pH without adding minerals. Designer Water's alkalinity comes from a natural remineralisation process. Look for SANBWA-certified.

3

Check with your doctor

If you have kidney disease or take medications that affect electrolyte balance, speak to a healthcare professional first.

4

The research is promising but early

We present what exists honestly and don't overstate it.

5

Hydration is the priority

The most important thing is that you drink enough water — 2 to 3 litres a day. If you're going to drink that much, it might as well taste incredible and carry minerals you actually need.

Designer Water's approach

SANBWA-certified, ISO 22000, mineralised at source, molecular hydrogen infused. We don't ask you to take our word — we point you at the certifications.

FAQ

Alkaline water — your questions, answered.

Eight of the most asked alkaline water questions, answered straight.

How much alkaline water can I drink a day?
As much as you'd normally drink. 2 to 3 litres is the general recommendation. If you have kidney conditions or take medication that affects pH balance, check with your doctor first. Read our full guide.
What are the side effects of alkaline water?
For most people, none. Some notice mild digestive adjustment in the first few days. If you have kidney disease, consult your doctor. Read about side effects in detail.
What is the pH of Designer Water?
pH 10. One of the highest-pH naturally sourced alkaline waters in South Africa. Every batch is tested for consistency.
Is alkaline water good for you?
Alkaline water provides essential minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium in every glass. Research shows improved hydration markers with high-pH water. It's not a medicine, but it's a meaningful upgrade on plain bottled water.
Is alkaline water better than regular water?
Both hydrate you. The difference is mineral content and taste. A 2016 study showed improved hydration markers with high-pH water, and 96.9% of people preferred Designer Water in our taste test.
Does alkaline water help with acid reflux?
Research by Koufman & Johnston (2012) found that water at pH 8.8 denatured pepsin in laboratory conditions and buffered acid effectively. This suggests a potential complementary role alongside conventional care, not a replacement.
What is molecular hydrogen water?
Designer Water is infused with molecular hydrogen at time of bottling. Molecular hydrogen (H₂) is the smallest molecule and is added during our production process. This is a factual description of our process, not a health claim.
Where can I buy Designer Water?
Online at designerwater.co.za with delivery nationwide. Also available through independent retailers and selected stores across South Africa. Available in 330ml, 500ml, 750ml, 1L, 5L and 10L.
Ready to taste it

Premium alkaline water. pH 10. Bottled in SA.

Molecular hydrogen infused. SANBWA-certified. Available in 330ml, 500ml, 750ml, 1L, 5L and 10L. Delivered nationwide.

SANBWA ISO 22000 Kosher Halal GC Mark GFSI Made in SA · Since 2013