What is the pH level of Designer Water?

Designer Water has a pH level of 10, making it one of the most alkaline bottled waters available in South Africa. Our water is SANBWA certified and ISO 22000 compliant.

Where is Designer Water sourced from?

Designer Water is sourced and bottled in South Africa under strict SANBWA (South African National Bottled Water Association) and ISO 22000 food safety standards.

What minerals are in Designer Water?

Designer Water contains naturally occurring minerals including Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), and Potassium (K). Full mineral analysis is available on each product label.

What pack sizes does Designer Water come in?

Designer Water is available in: 330ml (24 per case), 500ml (24 per case), 750ml (12 per case), 1L (12 per case), 5L (4 per case), and 10L (sold as individual units).

How does Designer Water compare to Kangen Water?

Unlike Kangen Water which requires an expensive machine to produce alkaline water at home, Designer Water provides naturally alkaline pH10 water in convenient bottled form, certified by SANBWA. No machine, no installation, no maintenance costs.

What is the Waterpreneur program?

The Waterpreneur program is Designer Water's distribution opportunity that allows entrepreneurs across South Africa to build their own water delivery business with full training, marketing support, and branded stock.

Alkaline Water vs Purified Water: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever stood in the water aisle wondering whether to grab alkaline water or purified water, you’re not alone. Both are popular choices in South Africa and both offer something different. In this guide, we break down exactly how alkaline water and purified water differ, from filtration and pH levels to mineral content and taste, so you can choose the right water for your lifestyle.

What Is Purified Water?

Purified water is water that has been filtered or processed to remove impurities such as chemicals, contaminants, bacteria, and dissolved solids. Common purification methods include reverse osmosis (RO), distillation, and deionisation. The goal is simple: produce water that is as clean and neutral as possible.

Because purification strips out most dissolved minerals, purified water typically has a very neutral pH usually around 6.5 to 7.0. It has a clean, crisp taste with no mineral aftertaste.

What Is Alkaline Water?

Alkaline water has a pH level above 7, meaning it is less acidic than standard tap or purified water. The higher pH comes from naturally occurring or added minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Premium alkaline water like Designer Water Alkaline Water pH10® undergoes advanced multi-stage filtration before minerals are reintroduced, resulting in a pH of 10.

Alkaline water is known for its distinctively smooth, soft mouthfeel, many people describe it as easier to drink than regular water.

Filtration Processes Compared

Purified water typically goes through reverse osmosis or a similar process that removes virtually all dissolved solids, minerals, and contaminants. The result is ultra-clean water with minimal mineral content.

Alkaline water (as produced by Designer Water) goes through a 14-stage filtration process that first purifies the water to the highest standard, then reintroduces a carefully formulated mineral profile. This means you get both purity and a defined mineral composition.

pH Levels Compared

The pH scale runs from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline), with 7 being neutral.

Purified water: Typically pH 6.5-7.0 (neutral)
Standard tap water: Usually pH 6.5-8.5 depending on your municipality
Designer Water Alkaline Water pH10®: pH of 10 (alkaline)

The difference is significant on the scale, but what matters most to everyday drinkers is how the water tastes and feels.

Mineral Content

Purified water has very low mineral content that’s by design. If you prefer water with no mineral taste whatsoever, purified water delivers exactly that.

Alkaline water like Designer Water Alkaline Water pH10® contains added minerals including calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These are the same minerals commonly found in mineral water, and they contribute to the water’s smooth taste and higher pH.

Taste Difference

This is where most people notice the biggest distinction:

Purified water tastes clean, light, and completely neutral â no aftertaste.
Alkaline water tends to taste smoother and softer, with a slightly silky mouthfeel that many drinkers prefer.

Taste is personal. Neither is objectively “better” it comes down to what you enjoy drinking. The best water is the one that makes you reach for another glass.

When You Might Choose One Over the Other

Choose purified water if you:

Prefer a completely neutral, no-frills taste
Want ultra-clean water for mixing with coffee, baby formula, or cooking
Like the simplicity of stripped-back, pure water

Choose alkaline water if you:

Enjoy a smoother, softer-tasting water
Want water with a natural mineral profile
Prefer a premium drinking experience

Designer Water Offers Both

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to choose just one. Designer Water produces both Alkaline Water pH10® (premium alkaline water) and PureSafe (purified water), so you can stock your fridge with whichever suits your mood or both.

Both products are produced in a facility holding six industry certifications: SANBWA, ISO 22000, GC Mark of Conformity, GFSI benchmarked, Kosher, and Halal. Whether you choose alkaline or purified, you’re getting water produced to the highest quality and safety standards in South Africa.

Browse the full Designer Water range

Frequently Asked Questions

Is alkaline water better than purified water?

Neither is inherently “better”, they’re different products for different preferences. Alkaline water contains minerals and has a higher pH with a smoother taste, while purified water is ultra-clean with a neutral flavour. Choose based on what you enjoy drinking most.

Can I drink alkaline water every day?

Alkaline water is a food-grade beverage produced under strict quality controls. Like any bottled water, it’s designed for daily consumption. If you have specific health concerns, consult your healthcare provider.

What does pH10 mean?

A pH of 10 means the water is alkaline and above the neutral point of 7 on the pH scale. Designer Water pH10® achieves this through its mineral formulation added after a thorough 14-stage filtration process.

Does Designer Water deliver nationwide?

Yes. Designer Water has a network of distributors across South Africa, and products are also available through the online shop and selected retail outlets.

What sizes are available?

Designer Water pH10® and PureSafe are available in a range of sizes from 500ml to 10 litres, suitable for personal use, families, and offices. View all sizes here.

Try Both Today

The best way to decide? Taste them side by side. Visit the Designer Water shop to order pH10Â® alkaline water, PureSafe purified water, or both, and discover which one becomes your everyday favourite.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or health advice. Designer Water makes no therapeutic or health claims about its products.