How to Make Alkaline Water at Home
(5 Methods Compared)
From baking soda to ionizer machines, here is every way to make alkaline water at home. We compare cost, taste, pH consistency, and how each stacks up against bottled alkaline water.
Searching for how to make alkaline water at home? You have several options. Some are practically free, others require a serious investment. The real question is not just how to do it, but whether the result matches what you are actually looking for: consistent pH, good mineral content, and water that tastes clean.
Below we break down five DIY alkaline water methods honestly, including what works, what does not, and what you should know before choosing any of them. We also explain why many people who start making alkaline water at home end up switching to bottled alkaline water instead.
Quick note: Alkaline water simply means water with a pH above 7. Regular tap water usually sits between 6.5 and 7.5. The methods below raise that pH to varying degrees.
5 Ways to Make Alkaline Water at Home
Each method has trade-offs. Here is a clear look at what to expect from each one.
1. Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)
CHEAPEST
How it works: Add roughly 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda to 250ml of water. Sodium bicarbonate is naturally alkaline (pH around 8.3 in solution), so it raises the pH of your water immediately.
Pros
- Extremely cheap (under R5 per batch)
- Available at any grocery store
- Quick and simple
Cons
- Noticeably salty, metallic taste
- High sodium content (not suitable for everyone)
- Does not add beneficial minerals (Ca, Mg, K)
- pH varies depending on your tap water source
pH Achieved: ~8.0 – 9.0
Taste: Salty/metallic
2. Lemon Water
MOST DEBATED
How it works: Squeeze half a lemon into a litre of water. The theory is that although lemon juice is acidic (pH 2-3), it produces alkaline byproducts when metabolised. However, the water itself remains acidic when tested with a pH strip.
Pros
- Inexpensive and widely available
- Adds vitamin C and flavour
- Pleasant taste for most people
Cons
- Does NOT actually raise the pH of the water
- Acidic on contact (may affect tooth enamel)
- “Alkaline effect” claim is not measurable in the water
- Not a true alkaline water method by any standard test
pH Achieved: 3.0 – 4.0 (acidic)
Taste: Citrus/tangy
3. pH Drops (Alkaline Concentrates)
MOST PORTABLE
How it works: pH drops are concentrated alkaline mineral solutions. Add 2-3 drops per 250ml of water per the product instructions. They contain highly concentrated minerals that raise pH on contact.
Pros
- Portable, easy to carry in a bag
- Does genuinely raise pH
- Some brands add trace minerals
Cons
- Ongoing cost adds up (R150-R400 per bottle)
- pH varies depending on source water
- Can leave a slightly chemical taste
- Mineral content varies widely between brands
pH Achieved: ~8.5 – 10.0
Taste: Slight mineral note
4. Water Ionizer Machine
MOST EXPENSIVE
How it works: A water ionizer connects to your tap and uses electrolysis to separate water into an alkaline stream and an acidic stream. You drink the alkaline side. Most machines let you select your target pH level.
Pros
- Adjustable pH settings
- Unlimited supply once installed
- Some models include built-in filtration
Cons
- Extremely expensive (R15,000 – R60,000+)
- Results depend heavily on your source water quality
- Requires regular maintenance and filter replacement
- Does not add minerals that are not already present in the source water
pH Achieved: ~7.5 – 11.0 (adjustable)
Taste: Depends on source water
5. Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher
MIDDLE GROUND
How it works: An alkaline filter pitcher uses a multi-layer filter cartridge that typically contains mineral balls, activated carbon, and ion-exchange resin. As tap water passes through, it adds minerals and raises the pH. You pour water in the top and it filters into the jug below.
Pros
- Affordable upfront cost (R500 – R1,500)
- Adds some minerals during filtration
- Also filters out chlorine and some sediment
- No electricity needed
Cons
- pH level drops as filter ages
- Replacement filters cost R150-R400 every 2-3 months
- Small capacity (1-2 litres at a time)
- Mineral content is not standardised or certified
pH Achieved: ~8.0 – 9.5
Taste: Cleaner than tap
Side-by-Side Comparison
All 5 DIY methods vs bottled alkaline water, at a glance.
| Method | Cost | pH Level | Consistency | Taste | Minerals | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baking Soda | Under R5/L | 8.0 – 9.0 | Low | Salty | None added | Easy |
| Lemon Water | R5 – R10/L | 3.0 – 4.0* | N/A | Citrus | Vitamin C only | Easy |
| pH Drops | R3 – R8/L | 8.5 – 10.0 | Medium | Slight mineral | Varies by brand | Portable |
| Ionizer Machine | R15,000 – R60,000+ | 7.5 – 11.0 | Medium | Varies | Source-dependent | Home only |
| Filter Pitcher | R500 – R1,500+ | 8.0 – 9.5 | Medium | Clean | Some added | Home only |
| Designer Water (Bottled) | From ~R10/L | pH 10 (every bottle) | High | 97.9% preferred | Ca, Mg, K (certified) | Grab and go |
*Lemon water is acidic when tested. The “alkaline” claim refers to metabolic byproducts, not the water’s actual pH.
Why Most People Choose Bottled Alkaline Water Instead
Making alkaline water at home is possible. But once people try it, they often switch to bottled for a few straightforward reasons.
Consistent pH
Every bottle of Designer Water is pH 10. No guessing, no testing strips, no variation based on your tap water source.
Certified Quality
SANBWA-accredited, ISO 22000-certified, Kosher, Halal, and GC Mark of Conformity. Third-party verified.
Real Mineral Content
Calcium, magnesium, and potassium in every bottle. Not dependent on what happens to be in your tap water.
Taste You Prefer
In a blind taste test, 97.9% of participants preferred Designer Water. No salty aftertaste, no chemical notes.
Skip the DIY. Get Consistent pH 10 Alkaline Water.
Designer Water is produced through a multi-stage purification and mineralisation process, delivering pH 10 alkaline water with calcium, magnesium, and potassium in every bottle. SANBWA-accredited and ISO 22000-certified. Available in 330ml, 500ml, 750ml, 1L, 5L, and 10L.
SANBWA Accredited
ISO 22000
Kosher
Halal
GC Mark of Conformity
Frequently Asked Questions
Is baking soda water the same as alkaline water?
Can you make alkaline water with lemon?
How long does homemade alkaline water last?
What pH level should alkaline water be?
Is it cheaper to make alkaline water at home?