ALKALINE WATER, EXPLAINED
What is
alkaline water?
A practical guide to alkaline water, its pH, mineral profile and the facts to check before choosing a bottle.
Explore the waterAlkaline water is water with a pH above 7.
The pH scale runs from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very alkaline), with 7 being neutral. Tap water in South Africa typically sits between pH 6.5 and 7.5. Alkaline water has a pH above 7, usually through added minerals or controlled ionisation.
Designer Water pH10® reaches pH 10 through a 14-stage filtration and remineralisation process. The pH describes the water, not a promised health outcome.
The difference you actually feel is not the number — it's the calcium, magnesium and potassium added during mineralisation, the smoothness, and the way the water sits on the palate.
Where your drinks actually sit on the scale.
Every drink has a pH. Some are surprisingly acidic. Here's the spread.
Highly acidic — erodes enamel.
SA municipal water sits here.
Varies by source geology.
Verifiable, consistent per batch.
What's actually in alkaline water.
It's not just pH. The mineral profile is what makes alkaline water different — and what the WHO has recognised as a meaningful source of essential minerals.
Bones, teeth and muscle function
Essential for skeletal health, muscle contraction and nerve transmission. Recognised dietary contribution from drinking water.
Energy and cardiovascular health
Required for over 300 enzyme systems. Plays a role in energy metabolism and nervous system regulation.
Fluid balance and electrolyte regulation
Critical electrolyte for muscle contractions, nerve transmission and fluid balance, particularly during exercise.
From source water to pH 10 in 14 stages.
Designer Water uses a 14-stage purification process. Here are four key phases.
Pre-filtration
Sediment and multi-media filtration strip out particulates before the membrane stage.
Reverse Osmosis
High-pressure RO membrane removes virtually all dissolved solids, ions and contaminants.
UV + Ozone
UV sterilisation and ozone treatment provide microbiological safety without chemicals.
Mineralisation
Controlled doses of calcium, magnesium and potassium bring pH to 10 with verified consistency.
Alkaline vs tap vs spring vs purified.
The four water types you'll find on a South African shelf or at a tap, side by side.
| Water Type | pH | Minerals | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alkaline (Designer Water pH10®) | 10 | Ca, Mg, K added | Daily hydration with smoother taste profile |
| Tap | 6.5–7.5 | Municipal additives | General use; varies by municipality |
| Spring | 6.5–8.0 | Variable by source | Natural minerals — geology dependent |
| Purified | 6.5–7.0 | Stripped out | Clean, neutral water with no mineral profile |
Designer Water, in the size that suits you.
Six sizes, one alkaline mineral profile. The 10L drops to under R10 per litre.
What people ask about alkaline water.
What does alkaline water actually do?
The research most often cited covers hydration markers after exercise (Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2016) and pepsin in the laboratory at pH 8.8 (Koufman & Johnston, 2012), which was an in vitro study, not a clinical trial. Designer Water also adds calcium, magnesium and potassium during mineralisation, which the WHO has recognised as a meaningful dietary contribution.
What we don't claim: cures, prevents or treats any disease.
How is alkaline water different from regular bottled water?
Standard purified bottled water goes through 3-stage filtration that strips out minerals. Designer Water's 14-stage process purifies first and then adds minerals back (Ca, Mg, K) to lift the pH to 10 with verifiable consistency. Most bottled water sits between pH 6.5 and 7.5.
Is alkaline water safe to drink every day?
Yes. Designer Water pH10® is safe for daily consumption for the whole family. If you're new to high-pH water, start with one or two glasses per day and increase as you find comfortable.
Can I make alkaline water at home?
You can, but the result is hard to control. Baking soda, lemon water, pH drops and machine ionisers all produce variable pH depending on the source water and method. Designer Water's mineralisation process is audited under SANBWA and ISO 22000 — every batch tested for pH and mineral content.
Read more in our guide to making alkaline water at home.
What's the best alkaline water in South Africa?
Compare the product label, pack size, price and quality information when choosing bottled water. We hold quality certifications and accreditations and 96.9% of 390 non-customer respondents preferred Designer Water in our company-run, sighted survey.
Where can I buy alkaline water near me?
Designer Water is available through our online shop with nationwide delivery, our Master Distributor network, or any of 5,500+ Waterpreneurs operating across all nine South African provinces.
pH 10. 14 stages. quality certifications and accreditations.
Choose pH10 water with SANBWA accreditation and ISO 22000 certification. Start with a case.
Dietary certification applies to the products listed in the current certificate register. SANHA lists pH10 still water in 330ml, 500ml, 750ml, 1L and 5L, and PureSafe in 500ml and 1.5L. The Kosher certificate covers pH10 alkaline ionized water and PureSafe still water; not Kosher for Passover.