- +2787 550 1231
- [email protected]
- Mon - Fri: 8:00 - 17:00
Everything you need to know about pH, minerals, how alkaline water is made, and why it matters. Science-backed, written by the people who bottle it.
By John Thompson, Founder & CEO of Designer Water | Updated 27 March 2026
Alkaline water is water with a pH level above 7.0. Regular tap water in South Africa typically falls between pH 6.5 and 8.5. Alkaline water ranges from pH 8 to pH 10 or higher.
What makes water alkaline is its mineral content. Dissolved minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium naturally raise the pH. These are the same essential minerals your body uses every day.
Designer Water is bottled at pH 10, making it one of the highest-pH alkaline waters available in South Africa.
The pH scale runs from 0 to 14. A pH of 7.0 is neutral. The scale is logarithmic: water at pH 10 is 1,000 times more alkaline than neutral water at pH 7.
The pH Scale
pH 2-3
Lemon juice
pH 4-5
Coffee
pH 7
Pure water
pH 10
Designer Water
Your body maintains blood pH within 7.35 to 7.45 through its own buffering systems. Drinking alkaline water does not change your blood pH. What it provides is essential minerals and a smoother drinking experience. SANS 241 sets SA drinking water standards.
The minerals in alkaline water give it both its higher pH and smooth taste. See alkaline foods that complement mineral-rich water.
Essential for bone health, muscle function, and nerve signalling. The WHO notes drinking water as a meaningful calcium source.
Over 300 enzymatic reactions. Supports energy production, muscle recovery, and sleep quality. Many South Africans are deficient.
Critical for fluid balance, heart rhythm, and blood pressure regulation. Mineral-rich water helps bridge the gap.
“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 struggled drinking water but I’m now a disciplined water drinker. I love drinking water.”
— Zukiswa, verified Takealot review
4.7/5 stars from 888 verified reviews on Takealot
| Property | Alkaline | Tap | Spring | Purified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| pH Range | 8.0-10.0 | 6.5-8.5 | 6.5-8.0 | 5.0-7.0 |
| Minerals | Enhanced (Ca, Mg, K) | Variable | Natural | Minimal |
| Chlorine | None | Present | None | None |
| Taste | Smooth, clean | Chlorine taste | Mineral-forward | Flat |
The key difference: purified water has minerals removed. Alkaline water retains or restores calcium, magnesium, and potassium. pH 10 water is 1,000 times more alkaline than neutral purified water.
Water drawn from a controlled source.
Sediment and carbon filters remove particles and chlorine.
Semi-permeable membranes remove up to 99% of contaminants.
Calcium, magnesium, and potassium added for target pH.
Batch tested for pH, minerals, microbiology, and taste.
Filled and sealed in a hygienic environment.
Ioniser machines (Kangen) use electrolysis instead. The pH can be unstable. Mineral-enhanced water maintains pH from dissolved minerals. Full Kangen vs bottled alkaline comparison.
Available in 330ml, 500ml, 750ml, 1L, 5L, and 10L. Delivered nationwide.
A 2012 peer-reviewed study in the Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology (Koufman & Johnston) found that water at pH 8.8 denatured pepsin, the enzyme responsible for acid reflux tissue damage. Designer Water is bottled at pH 10.
pH also affects taste. Water below pH 7 can taste sour. Neutral water tastes flat. Above pH 8 is noticeably smoother. In a blind taste test with 574 participants, 96.9% preferred Designer Water.
Produced at our SANBWA-certified facility in Midrand. Proprietary reverse osmosis and remineralisation to consistent pH 10.
ISO 22000 certified. Kosher, Halal, and GC Mark. Every batch independently tested.
Infused with molecular hydrogen and reduced ORP at time of bottling. ORP measures electron-donating potential. Lower = fresher water at bottling.
| Brand | pH | Type | SANBWA | Kosher | Halal | GC Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Designer Water | pH 10 | Alkaline | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Thirsti | pH 8.9 | Natural Alkaline | ✓ | - | - | - |
| Valpre | ~pH 7-8* | Spring | ✓ | ✓ | - | - |
| aQuelle | ~pH 6.5-8* | Spring | ✓ | - | - | - |
| BonAqua | ~pH 6.5-7* | Purified | ✓ | - | - | - |
*Approximate. All brands are SANBWA members. March 2026.
Designer Water (pH 10) is the most alkaline bottled water in South Africa. Thirsti is the closest competitor at pH 8.9. Designer Water is the only brand holding Kosher, Halal, and GC Mark alongside SANBWA and ISO 22000.
Water with pH above 7.0 from dissolved minerals. Designer Water is pH 10.
Logarithmic scale 0-14. pH 10 is 1,000x more alkaline than pH 7.
Calcium, magnesium, and potassium. They give the water its pH and smooth taste.
Yes. 2-3 litres daily. Consult your doctor if you have kidney disease. Daily intake guide.
Tap water is pH 6.5-8.5, chlorinated. Alkaline water is pH 8-10, mineral-enhanced, smoother taste.
No. Kangen uses electrolysis. Designer Water uses mineral enhancement after RO.
Koufman & Johnston (2012) found pH 8.8 denatured pepsin in lab conditions. Not a medical claim. Read the research.
Provides essential minerals. Research shows improved hydration markers. Full benefits guide.
Yes. Smoother and softer. 96.9% preferred Designer Water in a blind test.
330ml, 500ml, 750ml, 1L, 5L, 10L. Shop all sizes.
1. Koufman JA, Johnston N. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2012;121(7):431-434.
2. SANBWA
3. SABS SANS 241/1657
4. WHO Drinking-water Guidelines
5. Weidman et al. (2016). J Int Soc Sports Nutr, 13:45.
6. Chycki et al. (2017). J Int Soc Sports Nutr, 14:36.
Premium alkaline water pH 10. SANBWA-certified. 96.9% preferred. Six sizes, delivered nationwide.