Research cited · pH 10 · SANBWA certified

Alkaline water benefits: what 96.9% of tasters already know.

The alkaline water benefits people actually notice: calcium, magnesium and potassium in every glass, molecular hydrogen infused at bottling, and a taste 96.9% preferred in an independent taste test of 390 non-customer respondents. pH 10, bottled at source in South Africa. Official Hydration Partner of PFL Africa.

Designer Water pH10 alkaline water 500ml bottle with the purple cap
96.9%
preferred
pH 10 · Ca Mg K · H₂ at bottling
The difference

Alkaline water benefits go further than most people expect.

From better hydration and mineral intake to a smoother taste that 96.9% preferred in an independent taste test of 390 non-customer respondents.

Alkaline water at pH 10 delivers calcium, magnesium and potassium in every glass, plus molecular hydrogen and reduced ORP at time of bottling. It's not magic. It's mineralised water that tastes better and gets more of it down you.

96.9%
Preferred Designer Water
Independent taste test · 390 non-customer respondents
96.9%
The taste test

Why 96.9% chose Designer Water.

In an independent taste test of 390 non-customer respondents, 96.9% preferred Designer Water over their usual brand. Smoother. Cleaner. Once you've had it, everything else tastes flat.

Taste it yourself

"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 testimonial

"I used to prefer Valpre... then I tasted Designer Water and boy! Water has never been so pleasant."

Instagram customer
Verified customer testimonial
What's inside

Your alkalinity comes from real minerals.

Much bottled water is filtered tap water with a label. Ours is different. The alkalinity comes from dissolved minerals your body uses every day.

Ca
Calcium

Bones and teeth

Essential for bone density, muscle function and nerve signalling. Designer Water adds calcium during the mineralisation stage of bottling.

Mg
Magnesium

Energy and recovery

Involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions including muscle and nerve function. Magnesium-rich water is one of the simplest ways to top up.

K
Potassium

Hydration and balance

Helps maintain fluid balance and supports nerve and muscle function, especially during exercise and hot weather.

H₂

Molecular hydrogen and reduced ORP

Every bottle is infused with molecular hydrogen and has a reduced Oxidation-Reduction Potential at time of bottling. These are factual descriptions of how the water leaves the line, not health claims.

The pH scale

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 is a tenfold change. Water at pH 10 is 1 000 times more alkaline than pH 7.

Acidic7 · Neutral10 · Designer WaterAlkaline
2 to 3
Lemon juice
Strongly acidic.
4 to 5
Coffee
Mildly acidic.
7
Pure water
Neutral.
pH 10
10
Designer Water
Premium alkaline.

Your body keeps 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 in every glass.

What the research says

Alkaline water benefits. Peer reviewed.

We don't make health claims. We point you to published research and let you decide. Both the alkaline water benefits and risks are covered honestly on this page.

Hydration

Improved hydration markers

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 following exercise-induced dehydration.

J Int Soc Sports Nutr · 2016
Minerals

Calcium and magnesium intake

The World Health Organization has noted that drinking water can be a meaningful source of calcium and magnesium. Alkaline water that gets its pH from added minerals contributes to daily intake.

WHO · Drinking-water Guidelines
Habits

Smoother taste, more litres

Higher mineral content and a higher pH give 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." Zukiswa, verified Takealot review
Recovery

Exercise and rehydration

Research suggests alkaline mineral water may support faster rehydration after intense exercise, with one study finding reduced cardiovascular strain during recovery.

Biology of Sport · published research
Hydrogen

Molecular hydrogen water

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.

Factual process description, not a health claim
Acid reflux

Pepsin denaturation (Koufman 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 and buffered acid effectively.

Koufman & Johnston · 2012
Acid reflux

Alkaline water for acid reflux: the Koufman study.

The most consistently reported benefit from our customers, backed by a peer-reviewed paper that addresses pepsin and pH directly.

Key study · 2012

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 and buffered acid effectively. This suggests a potential complementary role alongside conventional reflux care.

"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 medicine and is not a substitute for medical care, for acid reflux or anything else. If you have ongoing reflux symptoms, see a healthcare professional. Individual results may vary. Not medical advice.

Read the acid reflux guide
Official Hydration Partner · PFL Africa

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 and Akani Simbine.

Wayde van Niekerk, Designer Water athlete
Wayde van Niekerk400m world record holder
Akani Simbine, Designer Water athlete
Akani SimbineAfrica's fastest man
977+ verified reviews

Real customers. Real reviews.

Not paid endorsements. Real customers from across South Africa.

4.7 out of 5Across 977+ verified Takealot reviews

"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

"The smooth taste keeps you coming back for more. A very easy water to drink, especially for camels like me. My hair and nails are stronger and healthier."

Bronwyn Ingram
Verified customer testimonial

"Everyone who takes their health seriously will go for this Ph10 Alkaline water because there is no better water on the market. Tastes great too."

Lenique
Verified Takealot review

"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

"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

"This water has done wonders to my skin. I now have a glowing skin full of life."

Norman
Verified Takealot review

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

Honest balance

Alkaline water side effects and risks.

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

01

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.

02

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 certified.

03

Check with your doctor

If you have kidney disease or take medication that affects electrolyte balance, speak to a healthcare professional first.

04

The research is promising but early

We present what exists honestly and don't overstate it.

05

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 you actually need.

06

Designer Water's approach

SANBWA certified, ISO 22000, mineralised at source, molecular hydrogen infused. We don't ask you to take our word for it. We point you at the certifications.

FAQ

Alkaline water. Your questions, answered.

Eight of the most asked alkaline water questions, answered straight.

How much alkaline water can I drink a day?
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.
What are the side effects of alkaline water?
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.
What is the pH of Designer Water?
pH 10. The alkalinity comes from added calcium, magnesium and potassium, and every batch is tested for consistency.
Is alkaline water good for you?
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 on plain bottled water.
Is alkaline water better than regular water?
Both hydrate you. The difference is mineral content and taste. A 2016 study showed improved hydration markers with high-pH water, and 96.9% preferred Designer Water in an independent taste test of 390 non-customer respondents.
Does alkaline water help with acid reflux?
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 care, not a replacement.
What is molecular hydrogen water?
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.
Where can I buy Designer Water?
Online at designerwater.co.za, delivered nationwide, or from your nearest Master Distributor. Look for the purple cap at your local independent store. Sizes: 330ml, 500ml, 750ml, 1L and 5L, all by the case.
Ready to taste it

Premium alkaline water. pH 10. Bottled in SA.

Molecular hydrogen infused. SANBWA certified. 330ml, 500ml, 750ml, 1L and 5L by the case, from R211. Delivered nationwide.

SANBWA · ISO 22000 · Kosher · Halal · GC Mark · GFSI benchmarked · Made in SA · Since 2013

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