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What alkaline water is, how it differs from tap and purified water, what the research says, and where to buy the highest-rated alkaline water in South Africa.
Alkaline water is drinking water with a pH above 7. Most alkaline water products range between pH 8 and pH 10+. The "alkaline" refers to the water's position on the pH scale, which measures how acidic or basic a substance is.
The difference between alkaline water and regular water comes down to two things: pH level and mineral content. Alkaline water contains dissolved alkaline minerals, primarily Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium, which raise the pH above neutral. Regular tap water in South Africa typically sits between pH 6 and 8, while purified water can drop as low as pH 5.5 after reverse osmosis strips the minerals out.
Designer Water pH10 is one of the highest-pH bottled waters available in South Africa, with a tested pH above 10. It goes through a 14-stage purification and mineralisation process at our SANBWA-accredited facility in Midrand.
There are two ways to produce alkaline water:
Water starts as purified water processed through reverse osmosis to remove all contaminants. Then it passes through a controlled mineralisation stage where alkaline minerals (Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium) are added back in precise quantities. This raises the pH naturally and consistently. Every batch is identical.
Designer Water's full process includes 14 stages: sediment filtration, carbon block filtration, reverse osmosis, UV sterilisation, ozonation, mineralisation, molecular hydrogen infusion, and quality testing at multiple checkpoints.
Water ionisers use electrolysis to separate water into acidic and alkaline streams. The alkaline stream is kept for drinking. This is the technology behind Kangen water machines, which typically cost R50,000 to R80,000.
The key difference: mineralisation adds actual minerals to the water, while ionisation rearranges existing minerals in your tap water. If your tap water has low mineral content, an ioniser cannot create meaningful alkalinity.
The pH scale runs from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline), with 7 being neutral. Each number represents a tenfold change, so pH 10 water is 1,000 times more alkaline than pH 7 water.
| Water Type | Typical pH | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SA municipal tap water | 6.0 to 8.5 | Varies by municipality and pipe age |
| Purified / RO water | 5.5 to 7.0 | Often slightly acidic after filtration |
| Spring water | 6.5 to 8.0 | Depends on geological source |
| Mineral water | 7.0 to 8.5 | Natural minerals buffer the pH |
| Designer Water pH10 | 10+ | 14-stage purification + mineralisation |
| Sparkling water | 3.0 to 5.0 | Carbonation drops pH significantly |
For a deeper dive into water pH, read our Water pH Guide.
The minerals in alkaline water are what give it both its pH and its potential health value. Designer Water pH10 contains three key alkaline minerals:
These minerals are added during the controlled mineralisation stage, which means the levels are consistent in every batch. Spring water mineral content, by contrast, varies depending on the rock formations at the source.
The benefits of alkaline water fall into two categories: what is well-established, and what is being studied.
For the full breakdown, see our Alkaline Water Benefits guide.
The most frequently cited study on alkaline water and acid reflux is Koufman & Johnston (2012), published in a peer-reviewed journal. The researchers demonstrated that alkaline water at pH 8.8 irreversibly inactivated pepsin in vitro. This is a specific, verifiable finding with a clear mechanism.
Research into alkaline water is ongoing. It is important to distinguish between what has been demonstrated in controlled studies and what is anecdotal. We make claims based on our certifications, our mineral content, our process, and published research. We do not make medical claims.
For most healthy adults, drinking alkaline water is well-tolerated. Water between pH 6.5 and pH 10.5 is considered safe by major health guidelines.
Some people may experience mild digestive adjustment when first switching to high-pH water. This typically passes within a few days. If you have kidney disease or take medications that affect electrolyte balance, consult your doctor before making alkaline water a significant part of your daily intake.
Your body has robust pH buffering systems. Drinking alkaline water does not significantly change your blood pH. The body maintains blood pH between 7.35 and 7.45 regardless of what you drink.
More detail: Alkaline Water Side Effects
| Factor | Alkaline Water (pH10) | Purified Water | Spring Water | Tap Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 10+ (controlled) | 5.5 to 7 | 6.5 to 8 | 6 to 8.5 |
| Minerals | Ca, Mg, K (added) | Stripped then trace | Natural (varies) | Variable |
| Consistency | Same every batch | Consistent | Varies by season | Varies daily |
| Purification | 14-stage | RO + UV | Minimal filtration | Municipal treatment |
| Certifications | 6 (SANBWA, ISO, Kosher, Halal, GC, GFSI) | Varies | Varies | SANS 241 |
| Taste | Smooth, clean | Neutral, flat | Varies by source | Chlorine taste common |
See also: Alkaline Water vs Spring Water | Types of Water Explained
The general recommendation for daily water intake is 2 to 3 litres for adults, depending on body weight, activity level, and climate. There is no widely accepted medical guideline setting a specific upper limit for alkaline water consumption in healthy individuals.
Most people who switch to alkaline water simply replace their existing water intake. If you currently drink 2 litres of tap or purified water daily, you can drink 2 litres of alkaline water daily. Start with your normal intake and adjust based on how you feel.
Full guide: How Much Alkaline Water Per Day?
Designer Water pH10 is available in six sizes, from 330ml to 10L. You can order directly from our website and have it delivered across South Africa.
| Size | Case Contents | Case Price | Per Litre |
|---|---|---|---|
| 330ml | 24 bottles | R225 | R28.41 |
| 500ml | 24 bottles | R290 | R24.17 |
| 750ml | 12 bottles | R190 | R21.11 |
| 1 Litre | 12 bottles | R211 | R17.58 |
| 5 Litre | 4 bottles | R220 | R11.00 |
| 10 Litre | 1 bottle | R93 | R9.30 |
The 5L and 10L formats are the best value for households and offices at R11 and R9.30 per litre respectively.
You can also purchase through one of 5,500+ Waterpreneur distributors across South Africa. Find your nearest by contacting us on WhatsApp.
Try South Africa's highest-rated alkaline water
96.9% preferred Designer Water pH10 in a taste test. 14-stage purified. 6 certifications. Delivered nationwide.
Shop Our RangeYes. For healthy adults, alkaline water within the pH 8 to 10.5 range is safe for daily consumption. Designer Water pH10 falls within this range. If you have kidney conditions or take pH-affecting medication, check with your healthcare provider.
Drinking water between pH 6.5 and 10.5 is considered safe. Higher pH water (8 to 10+) offers a smoother taste and carries more dissolved alkaline minerals. Designer Water is pH 10+.
Kangen is a brand name for water produced by ioniser machines. Both Kangen and bottled alkaline water have elevated pH, but the production method is different. Read our full Kangen comparison.
Research published by Koufman & Johnston (2012) found that water at pH 8.8 permanently denatured pepsin, the enzyme that causes acid reflux damage. This suggests alkaline water may complement reflux management. Read our acid reflux guide.
Designer Water holds six independent certifications (SANBWA, ISO 22000, Kosher, Halal, GC Mark, GFSI), uses a 14-stage purification process, and achieves a pH of 10+. It is also infused with molecular hydrogen and has a reduced ORP at time of bottling. 96.9% of new tasters preferred it in a taste test.
Order directly from our website for nationwide delivery, or contact us on WhatsApp to find your nearest Waterpreneur distributor.
Yes. The Waterpreneur Programme lets you start distributing Designer Water from R539 with no franchise fees, no contracts, and no equipment needed. Read the full guide.
Last updated: April 2026. All claims comply with Designer Water's brand compliance guidelines. Certifications: SANBWA, ISO 22000, Kosher, Halal, GC Mark, GFSI. Shop alkaline water.