ORP stands for Oxidation-Reduction Potential. It is a measurement, expressed in millivolts (mV), of a liquid’s tendency to either gain or lose electrons. A positive ORP reading means a liquid tends to oxidise other substances. A negative ORP reading means it tends to reduce them, which is to say it donates electrons.
How ORP is measured
ORP is measured with a simple probe meter, the same way pH is measured. Most municipal tap water measures a positive ORP, often between +200mV and +400mV, largely because of the chlorine used in treatment. Freshly ionised or hydrogen-infused water can measure a negative ORP at the moment it is produced.
Water alkalizer machines and ORP
Home water ionisers, sometimes sold as alkalizer machines, use electrolysis to split water into an alkaline stream and an acidic stream. The alkaline stream typically shows a raised pH and a temporarily reduced ORP. These machines can cost anywhere from R15,000 to R60,000, they require filter replacements, and their output depends heavily on the quality of the source water flowing into them.
How Designer Water approaches ORP
Designer Water pH10 is produced at our SANBWA-accredited facility in Midrand through a 14-stage purification and mineralisation process. The water is enriched with Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium, infused with molecular hydrogen at the time of bottling, and has a reduced ORP at the time of bottling. These are factual statements about how the water is produced, not health claims. Designer Water makes no claims that reduced ORP water treats, cures or prevents any disease or medical condition.
Bottled versus machine
The practical difference comes down to cost, convenience and consistency. A machine is a large upfront purchase with ongoing maintenance, and you are the quality controller. Bottled pH10 arrives ready to drink, produced under ISO 22000 food safety certification and independently audited, from R120 for a 24-bottle trial case. In an independent taste test of 390 non-customer respondents, 96.9% preferred Designer Water over the brand they usually drink.
Browse the full pH10 range here, or start with the R120 trial case and taste it for yourself.