✓ Science-Backed. SANBWA-Certified. pH 10.

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 Certified · ✓ ISO 22000 · ✓ Kosher · ✓ Halal · ✓ GC Mark of Conformity

designer water

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 an independent blind test, alkaline water at pH 10 is changing how South Africans think about their daily water. Here’s what the science says, what 888 verified customers report, and why Designer Water is the most reviewed alkaline water brand on Takealot.

Alkaline Water Taste: Why 96.9% Chose Designer Water

People who try Designer Water say the same thing. It’s smoother. Cleaner. And once you’ve had it, everything else tastes flat.

In an independent blind taste test with 574 participants, 96.9% preferred Designer Water over other leading brands including Valpre, Bonaqua, Aquelle, and Thirsti. 94% said they would switch permanently.

The smooth, clean taste comes from our mineral profile and pH 10 formulation. Higher minerals, higher pH, better water.

“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, review

What Minerals Are in Alkaline Water?

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

Calcium

The most abundant mineral in your body. Essential for bone health, muscle function, and nerve signalling.

Magnesium

Involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions. Supports energy production, muscle recovery, and sleep quality.

Potassium

Critical for fluid balance, heart rhythm, and blood pressure regulation. Most South Africans don't get enough.

Every bottle is also infused with molecular hydrogen and has a reduced ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential) at time of bottling. ORP measures how readily water can donate electrons. A lower number indicates fresher water at time of bottling. These are measurable properties of the water, not marketing claims.

While food remains the primary source of these minerals, drinking mineral-rich water provides supplementary intake throughout the day, particularly during exercise or hot weather when mineral loss through sweat increases.

Learn more about alkaline foods that complement alkaline water →

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 neutral water at pH 7. As a pH 10 water, Designer Water is one of the highest-pH options available in South Africa.

0 — Acidic
7 — Neutral
14 — Alkaline
pH 2-3
Lemon Juice
pH 4-5
Coffee
pH 7
Pure Water
pH 10
Designer Water

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 and a noticeably different drinking experience.

Read our full guide on what alkaline water is →

Benefits of Alkaline Water: What Research Indicates

We don’t make health claims. We point you to published, peer-reviewed research and let you decide. The alkaline water benefits and risks are both covered honestly on this page.

Hydration Support

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. The researchers measured blood viscosity as a hydration indicator and found a statistically significant difference.

Source: Weidman et al. (2016). J Int Soc Sports Nutr, 13:45.

Mineral Supplementation

The World Health Organization has noted that drinking water can be a meaningful source of calcium and magnesium intake. Alkaline water that derives its pH from dissolved minerals provides these nutrients in a form the body can readily absorb.

Taste and Hydration Habits

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. I love drinking water.”

— Zukiswa, verified Takealot review

Exercise and Recovery

Research suggests that alkaline mineral water may support faster rehydration after intense exercise, with one study finding reduced cardiovascular strain during strenuous activity. Designer Water is the Official Hydration Partner of PFL Africa and is trusted by athletes including South African sprinters Wayde van Niekerk and Akani Simbine.

Source: Chycki et al. (2017). J Int Soc Sports Nutr, 14:36.

Hydrogen Water Benefits

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. This is a factual description of our process, not a health claim.

Alkaline Water for Acid Reflux: The Koufman Study

Key Study: 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. Pepsin is the enzyme responsible for the tissue damage associated with acid reflux. The study also found that pH 8.8 water had good acid-buffering capacity.

Designer Water is bottled at pH 10.

Full citation: Koufman JA, Johnston N. “Potential benefits of pH 8.8 alkaline drinking water as an adjunct in the treatment of reflux disease.” Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2012;121(7):431-434.

This is the most consistently reported benefit from our customers:

“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 since.”

— Valencia, verified 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 may vary.

OFFICIAL HYDRATION PARTNER

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 (400m world record holder) and Akani Simbine (Africa’s fastest man). When performance matters, they choose pH 10 alkaline water.

Wayde van niekerk
Akani Simbine

Designer Water Reviews: 888 Verified on Takealot

4.7 out of 5 stars from 888 verified reviews. Not paid endorsements. Real customers.

Rated 5 out of 5

“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 and it brought immediate relief.”

— Rachael, verified Takealot review

Rated 5 out of 5

“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

Rated 5 out of 5

“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, verified Takealot review

Rated 5 out of 5

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

— Manoko, verified Takealot review

Rated 5 out of 5

“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, verified Takealot review

Rated 5 out of 5

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

— Norman, verified Takealot review

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

Alkaline Water Side Effects and Risks

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

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.

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 accreditation and ISO 22000 certification.

Check with your doctor if you have kidney disease or take medications that affect electrolyte balance.

The research is promising but early. We present what exists honestly and don’t overstate it.

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 your body can use.

Ready to Taste the Difference?

Premium alkaline water at pH 10. Molecular hydrogen infused. SANBWA-certified. Available in 330ml, 500ml, 750ml, 1L, 5L, and 10L.

Best Alkaline Water in South Africa

Not all alkaline water is created equal. Here’s what sets Designer Water apart.

Available online at designerwater.co.za, through independent retailers and selected stores across South Africa.

Alkaline Water FAQ

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 on daily intake.

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.

pH 10. One of the highest-pH naturally sourced alkaline waters in South Africa. Every batch is tested for consistency.

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 from standard purified water. Learn what makes alkaline water different.

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 a blind taste test.

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 treatment. It is not a replacement for medical advice. Read the full acid reflux 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. This is a factual description of our process.

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.

South Africa's Premium Alkaline Water

SANBWA-certified. ISO 22000. pH 10. Molecular hydrogen infused. Delivered to your door or available at retailers nationwide.