An honest comparison of South Africa's top bottled water brands by pH, certifications, price per litre, and taste. Updated April 2026.
South Africa has dozens of bottled water brands on the shelf, but they are not all the same. The differences come down to five things: water type, pH level, certifications, price per litre, and taste. This guide compares the major players so you can make an informed choice.
| Brand | Type | pH | SANBWA | ISO 22000 | 500ml Price | Per Litre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Designer Water pH10 | Alkaline | 10+ | Yes | Yes | R12.08 (case) | R24.17 |
| Bonaqua | Purified | ~7 | Yes | Varies | ~R12 | ~R24 |
| Valpre | Spring | ~7.5 | Yes | Yes | ~R14 | ~R28 |
| Thirsti | Spring | ~7 | Yes | Varies | ~R10 | ~R20 |
| Aquelle | Spring | ~7.5 | Yes | Varies | ~R11 | ~R22 |
| Mountain Falls | Spring | ~7 | Varies | Varies | ~R9 | ~R18 |
| Woolworths Still | Spring | ~7 | Varies | Varies | ~R10 | ~R20 |
| PureSafe (Designer Water) | Purified | 7-8 | Yes | Yes | R9.00 | R18.00 |
Prices approximate as of April 2026. Case pricing offers better per-unit value.
The best bottled water is not just about marketing. Five measurable factors separate premium water from average water:
Designer Water is not a spring water or a basic purified water. It goes through a 14-stage purification and mineralisation process that produces water at pH 10+ with controlled levels of Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium. The water is also infused with molecular hydrogen at time of bottling and has a reduced ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential) at time of bottling.
| Size | Case | 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 bring the per-litre cost down to R9.30 to R11.00, which is competitive with or cheaper than most spring and purified water brands.
South Africa's most widely distributed bottled water. It is purified water (reverse osmosis) with minerals added back. Available everywhere from petrol stations to supermarkets. Neutral pH (~7). SANBWA accredited. The benchmark for availability, but not premium.
Spring water sourced from the Western Cape. One of South Africa's oldest bottled water brands. SANBWA accredited, ISO 22000. Available in still and sparkling. Higher price point (~R28/litre for 500ml) without the alkaline or mineral enrichment benefits.
Spring water brand available at many independent retailers and some chain stores. Affordable option. Mineral content varies by source. SANBWA accredited.
Spring water from KwaZulu-Natal. Available in still, sparkling, and flavoured variants. Mid-range pricing. SANBWA accredited.
PureSafe is Designer Water's everyday purified water range. It goes through an 11-stage filtration process with trace minerals added. Same SANBWA and ISO 22000 certifications as the pH10 range. Positioned as an affordable alternative at R18/litre for 500ml.
| Certification | Designer Water | Bonaqua | Valpre | Thirsti | Aquelle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SANBWA | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ISO 22000 | Yes | Varies | Yes | Varies | Varies |
| Kosher | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Halal | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| GC Mark | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| GFSI | Yes | Varies | Varies | No | No |
Designer Water is the only alkaline water brand in South Africa that holds all six independent certifications. For businesses that require Kosher, Halal, or GFSI compliance (hotels, airlines, hospitals, event caterers), this is a significant differentiator.
If you are buying bottled water regularly for your household or office, the per-litre cost is what matters. Buying 500ml bottles is expensive at R20 to R28 per litre. The 5L Designer Water at R11/litre and the 10L at R9.30/litre are the most cost-effective premium water options in South Africa.
Offices, restaurants, gyms, hotels, and event organisers can order in bulk directly or through the Waterpreneur Programme. Full pallet quantities are available across all sizes. Distributor pricing is available for volume buyers.
For bulk pricing, contact us on WhatsApp or email [email protected].
Try South Africa's most certified alkaline water
6 certifications. 14-stage purified. 96.9% preferred in a taste test. Delivered nationwide.
Shop Our RangeIt depends on what you prioritise. For certifications, mineral content, and pH level, Designer Water pH10 leads the market with six independent certifications and a pH above 10. For everyday affordability, Bonaqua and PureSafe are widely available at lower price points.
Alkaline water contains more dissolved minerals (Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium) and has a higher pH than regular purified or spring water. Research by Koufman & Johnston (2012) found that water at pH 8.8 permanently denatures pepsin, the enzyme involved in acid reflux. Whether that matters to you depends on your priorities. Read more about alkaline water benefits.
Designer Water holds six independent certifications: SANBWA, ISO 22000, Kosher, Halal, GC Mark of Conformity, and GFSI. This is the most of any alkaline water brand in South Africa.
Designer Water is available through the online shop with nationwide delivery, or through 5,500+ Waterpreneur distributors across South Africa. Contact us on WhatsApp to find your nearest distributor.
The Designer Water 10L at R9.30 per litre is the most cost-effective premium alkaline water in South Africa. The 5L format is R11.00 per litre.
Last updated: April 2026. Prices approximate and subject to change. Competitor certifications verified where publicly available. Related: Alkaline Water Guide | Bottled Water in South Africa | Types of Water Explained | Alkaline vs Spring Water