Compare brands, prices, certifications, and pH levels. Whether you’re buying for home, office, or business — this is the only bottled water guide you need in South Africa.
Shop Designer Water →By John Thompson, CEO & Founder · Updated July 2026 · 12+ years in the SA bottled water industry
The South African Bottled Water Market in 2026
South Africa’s bottled water industry has grown steadily over the past decade, driven by concerns about municipal water quality, rising health consciousness, and the convenience of packaged hydration. The market spans purified, spring, alkaline, mineral, and sparkling waters — each with different production methods, mineral profiles, and price points.
According to the South African National Bottled Water Association (SANBWA), the local bottled water market continues to expand as more households switch from tap water to packaged alternatives. This guide covers every type of bottled water available in South Africa, how they compare on price and quality, and what to look for before you buy.
Designer Water was founded in 2013 and began bottling in 2015. We hold quality certifications and accreditations and our pH 10 water is preferred by 96.9% of 390 non-customer respondents in our company-run, sighted survey.
The 5 Types of Bottled Water in South Africa
Every bottle on the shelf starts somewhere different. Here’s how the five main types compare.
PURIFIEDPurified Water
pH 6.5 – 7.0 (PureSafe: pH 8–9)
Municipal or borehole water that has been filtered through reverse osmosis, UV treatment, and carbon filtration. The most common and most affordable type of bottled water in South Africa. Most mass-market bottled water falls in this category. Note: PureSafe is Designer Water’s purified range but is remineralised to pH 8-9, making it alkaline despite being a purified product.
Pros: Most affordable · Widely available · Consistent taste
Cons: No added minerals · Neutral pH only · May lack trace electrolytes
SPRINGSpring Water
pH 6.5 – 8.0
Water that flows naturally from an underground source and is bottled at the source. Mineral content varies with the geology of the spring, which means taste can differ between brands. Several well-known spring water brands are sold in South Africa. Spring water requires no treatment beyond minimal filtration.
Pros: Natural source · No processing needed · Unique mineral profile
Cons: Variable taste between brands · Higher price · pH not guaranteed
ALKALINEAlkaline Water
pH 8.0 – 10+
Purified water that has been remineralised with calcium, magnesium, and potassium to raise the pH above 8.0. Designer Water pH10® sits at the top of this range at pH 10. Alkaline water has gained popularity for its smoother taste and higher mineral content. The higher pH comes from natural minerals, not chemicals.
Pros: Highest pH available · Added minerals (Ca, Mg, K) · Smoother taste
Cons: Premium price point · Fewer brands available · Not all are independently certified
MINERALMineral Water
Varies
Water containing at least 250 ppm of dissolved solids from a protected underground source. True mineral water is less common on South African retail shelves than purified or spring water. The mineral content is naturally occurring and consistent from the source.
Pros: Naturally occurring minerals · Consistent source · Premium positioning
Cons: Less widely available · Higher price · Mineral content varies by source
SPARKLINGSparkling Water
pH 3 – 5
Water that has been carbonated either naturally (from a carbonated spring) or by adding CO₂. Sparkling water hydrates the same as still water, but the carbonation process creates carbonic acid, which drops the pH significantly. This makes sparkling water more acidic than any other type of bottled water.
Pros: Carbonated option · Zero sugar · Refreshing alternative to soft drinks
Cons: Acidic (pH 3-5) · Can cause bloating · Not suitable for everyone
What to Check Before You Buy Bottled Water in South Africa
The bottled water shelf in South Africa is full of similar-looking plastic bottles. The real differences sit in places most shoppers never look. Here’s what actually matters.
Rule of thumb: If the brand doesn’t print pH on the bottle, they’re probably not confident enough about it to put it in writing.
SANBWA Accreditation
The South African National Bottled Water Association independently audits bottling facilities for safety and quality. Not every brand carries it. SANBWA membership means the facility meets strict hygiene, processing, and quality standards verified by annual audits.
ISO 22000 Certification
The international food safety management standard. This is especially important if you’re buying for offices, events, hospitality, or any regulated environment. ISO 22000 covers the entire supply chain from source to bottle.
pH Printed on the Bottle
Designer Water pH10 declares its pH on the label. Compare the information each producer provides, including water type, mineral content and quality standards.
Independent Certifications
Kosher and Halaal documents address specific dietary requirements. Designer Water holds SANBWA accreditation, ISO 22000 certification, Kosher, Halaal. Each document has its own site, product scope and validity dates.
Bottling Date and Expiry
Fresh water tastes better. Check the bottling date on the label. Most bottled water has a shelf life of 12–24 months, but fresher is always better for taste and quality.
Source Transparency
Does the brand say where their water comes from? Reputable brands disclose their water source — whether it’s municipal, borehole, or spring. If the source is vague or absent, that’s a red flag.
South Africa's Bottled Water Brands Compared (2026)
How Designer Water pH10® stacks up against the major brands on price, certifications, and pH level. All prices are 500ml retail unless noted otherwise. Prices captured April 2026.
Swipe across to see the full table.
| BRAND | TYPE | pH | 500ML | PER LITRE | SANBWA | ISO 22000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Designer Water pH10® | Alkaline | 10 | R12.08 | R24.17 | ✓ | ✓ |
| PureSafe (Designer Water) | Purified | 8–9 | R6.90 | R13.80 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Typical purified brand | Purified | ~6.5 | Varies | Varies | ✓ | Varies |
| Typical spring brand | Spring | ~7.2 | Varies | Varies | ✓ | ✓ |
| Retailer own-brand spring | Spring | ~7.0 | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Typical spring brand | Spring | ~7.5 | Varies | Varies | ✓ | Varies |
Prices approximate, captured April 2026. Case pricing offers materially better per-unit value. Competitor pricing varies by retailer.
Is Bottled Water Safer Than Tap Water in South Africa?
South Africa’s tap water is generally safe to drink in major metropolitan areas, but quality varies significantly between municipalities. Ageing infrastructure, load shedding affecting treatment plants, and contamination events have driven many households to switch to bottled water.
Bottled water in South Africa is regulated by the Department of Health under regulations R. 718 (Bottled Water) and must meet strict microbiological and chemical standards. SANBWA-accredited brands undergo additional independent audits beyond legal requirements.
Designer Water’s 14-stage purification process includes sediment filtration, carbon filtration, reverse osmosis, UV sterilization, ozonation, and remineralisation — with testing and production controls under our quality standards.
Key takeaway: Bottled water from a certified source is consistently safer than tap water in areas with unreliable municipal supply. Always look for SANBWA accreditation on the label.
Bottled Water Price Per Size: Which Is Best Value?
Designer Water pH10® comes in five sizes. The bigger the bottle, the cheaper the per-litre rate — the 5L drops to R11.00 per litre.
Swipe across to see the full table.
| SIZE | PACK | PRICE | PER LITRE | BEST FOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 330ml | Case of 24 | R264 | R33.33 | Lunchboxes, meetings and events |
| 500ml | 24-pack case | R290 | R24.17 | Lunchboxes, on-the-go |
| 750ml | 12-pack case | R211 | R23.44 | Office, daily hydration |
| 1 Litre | 12-pack case | R211 | R17.58 | Home, office, gym |
| 5 Litre | 4-pack case | R220 | R11.00 | Family, home use |
Bottled Water Delivery Across South Africa
Order before 12:00 and we dispatch same day. Or pick up locally from one of 5,500+ Waterpreneur distributors operating across all nine provinces.
Order Bottled Water Delivery →Frequently Asked Questions About Bottled Water in South Africa
What is the best bottled water in South Africa?
It depends what you’re optimising for. Designer Water pH10 offers alkaline water with calcium, magnesium and potassium. We hold quality certifications and accreditations (SANBWA, ISO 22000, Kosher, Halaal) and 96.9% of 390 non-customer respondents preferred Designer Water in our company-run, sighted survey. If you want purified still water, PureSafe uses an 11-stage process and has a pH of 8.5.
How much does bottled water cost in South Africa?
Prices range from approximately R9 to R14 for a 500ml bottle at retail, depending on the brand and type. Purified water is generally cheapest (R9–R12), spring water is mid-range (R10–R14), and alkaline water sits at the premium end (R12+). Buying in cases significantly reduces the per-litre cost — Designer Water’s 5L bottle works out to R11.00 per litre.
Is bottled water safer than tap water in South Africa?
South Africa’s tap water quality varies significantly by municipality. While major metros generally meet SANS 241 drinking water standards, ageing infrastructure and load shedding have caused contamination events. Bottled water from SANBWA-accredited brands undergoes testing and is subject to defined quality requirements. Designer Water’s 14-stage purification process uses treatment and testing controls under our quality standards.
What certifications should bottled water have?
At minimum, look for SANBWA accreditation — it means the facility is independently audited for safety and quality. ISO 22000 is the international food safety standard and adds another layer of verification. Additional certifications like Kosher, Halaal indicate broader quality assurance. Designer Water holds SANBWA accreditation, ISO 22000 certification, Kosher, Halaal.
Can I get bottled water delivered in South Africa?
Yes. Designer Water delivers nationwide. Order before 12:00 and we dispatch same day to Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, and major metros. We also have 5,500+ Waterpreneur distributors across all nine provinces for local pickup. Bulk and business pricing is available for offices, events, and hospitality.
What is the difference between alkaline water and purified water?
Purified water has been filtered to remove contaminants and typically has a neutral pH of 6.5–7.0. Alkaline water starts as purified water but is then remineralised with calcium, magnesium, and potassium to raise the pH above 8.0. Designer Water pH10® achieves pH 10 through this process. Alkaline water has a smoother taste and higher mineral content than standard purified water.
Can I start a bottled water business in South Africa?
Yes. Designer Water’s Waterpreneur programme lets you start a bottled water distribution business from R539. You get branded stock, marketing materials, and access to our 5,500+ distributor network. No experience required — we provide training and support. Visit our Waterpreneur page to learn more.
What is the cheapest bottled water per litre in South Africa?
The cheapest bottled water per litre depends on pack size. Single 500ml bottles cost R18–R28 per litre depending on the brand. Buying in bulk dramatically reduces the cost — Designer Water’s 10L bottle works out to R9.90 per litre, which is competitive with or cheaper than most brands’ case pricing. PureSafe (Designer Water’s purified range) offers the lowest entry price at R13.80 per litre in a 20 × 500ml case at R138.
Does bottled water expire?
Yes, bottled water has a shelf life, typically 12–24 months from the bottling date. The water itself doesn’t spoil, but the plastic bottle can leach compounds over time, especially if stored in warm conditions. Always check the bottling date and expiry on the label. Designer Water prints both on every bottle.
What pH is healthy drinking water?
The World Health Organization (WHO) does not specify a recommended pH for drinking water, but SANS 241 (South Africa’s drinking water standard) allows a range of pH 5.0–9.7. Most bottled water in South Africa falls between pH 6.5 and 8.0. Alkaline water (pH 8+) has become popular for its smoother taste and higher mineral content. Designer Water pH10® is at the top of the alkaline range.
Which bottled water brands are SANBWA accredited?
SANBWA-accredited brands include Designer Water, Bonaqua, Valpre, Aquellé, and several others. Not all brands on the shelf carry SANBWA accreditation — always check the label. Designer Water holds SANBWA accreditation plus ISO 22000, Kosher, Halaal.
Is alkaline water better for hydration?
All water hydrates, but alkaline water may offer additional benefits due to its higher mineral content. Calcium, magnesium and potassium are electrolytes. Alkaline water does not change your blood pH, which your body regulates on its own. The most important thing is to drink enough water — regardless of type.
How is Designer Water different from other brands?
Designer Water holds quality certifications and accreditations (SANBWA, ISO 22000, Kosher, Halaal). Our pH 10 alkaline water is produced through a 14-stage purification and remineralisation process. We’ve been in business since 2013, have 5,500+ active Waterpreneur distributors, and 888 archived reviews (2020–2026). Our water is preferred by 96.9% of participants in company-run, sighted surveys.
Can I buy bottled water in bulk for my office?
Yes. Designer Water offers bulk and business pricing for offices, events, hospitality, and retail. The 10L bottle at R9.90 per litre is the most cost-effective option for high-volume use. Contact us at [email protected] or call 087 550 1231 for business pricing and scheduled delivery.
Where is Designer Water bottled?
Designer Water is bottled at our facility in Johannesburg, South Africa. Our 14-stage purification and bottling process is ISO 22000 certified and SANBWA certified. We use reverse osmosis, UV sterilization, ozonation, and remineralisation to produce consistent, high-quality alkaline water.
Ready to Choose the Best Bottled Water in South Africa?
quality certifications and accreditations. pH 10. 14-stage filtration. Delivered across South Africa or available from 5,500+ Waterpreneurs near you.
Shop the Range → Become a Waterpreneur →Disclaimer: This guide provides general product and educational information only. Designer Water products are beverages, not medical products. For health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional. Product details may change; we aim to keep website information accurate and up to date. Prices approximate and may vary by retailer. Taste test: 390 non-customer respondents, July 2025.
Dietary certification applies to the products listed in the current certificate register. SANHA lists pH10 still water in 330ml, 500ml, 750ml, 1L and 5L, and PureSafe in 500ml and 1.5L. The Kosher certificate covers pH10 alkaline ionized water and PureSafe still water; not Kosher for Passover.