The pursuit of better hydration often leads to the topic of water alkalinity, which measures a liquid’s pH level. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, indicating whether a substance is acidic (below 7), neutral (7), or alkaline (above 7). Alkaline water typically has a pH value between 8.0 and 9.5, higher than standard tap water. Many people seek practical ways to raise their water’s pH at home, and this article details various methods, from simple household additions to advanced filtration systems.
The Science of Water Alkalinity
The pH value is a logarithmic measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution. A lower concentration of these ions results in a higher pH, indicating alkalinity. Pure water, which is chemically neutral, sits at a pH of 7.0.
Alkalinity specifically measures the water’s capacity to neutralize acids, known as its buffering capacity. This capacity is driven by dissolved alkaline mineral compounds, primarily bicarbonates, carbonates, and hydroxides. Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium are the natural components that raise the pH. Naturally alkaline water acquires these minerals as it flows over mineral-rich geology, such as limestone.
Simple Home Methods for Increasing pH
One accessible way to increase water’s alkalinity is by adding baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate. This compound is a natural alkaline salt that directly neutralizes acidity. A practical dosage is about 1/8 teaspoon dissolved in an eight-ounce glass of water, typically raising the pH to around 8.5. This method is inexpensive but increases the water’s sodium content, which should be considered by those on a low-sodium diet.
Commercial pH drops offer a convenient and portable alternative for alkalinizing water quickly. These concentrates contain high levels of alkaline minerals, such as potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide. Adding just a few drops, typically three to five per eight ounces of water, can boost the pH level to between 9.0 and 10.0.
Another common method involves adding slices or juice from citrus fruits to water. Although the juice is highly acidic, citrus is associated with an alkaline effect due to the “alkaline ash” hypothesis. This concept suggests that after the body metabolizes the citric acid, the residual mineral byproducts are alkalizing to the body’s system. Adding citrus does not immediately make the water itself alkaline; the water remains acidic, and the perceived benefit is metabolic.
Utilizing Specialized Water Systems
For a continuous supply of alkaline water, specialized water systems offer greater convenience despite a higher initial investment. Water ionizers, sometimes called alkalizers, use electrolysis to create alkaline water. These units pass water over electrically charged plates, separating the acidic and alkaline components into two streams. The alkaline stream, intended for drinking, features a higher concentration of hydroxide ions.
Ionizer Considerations
The electrolysis process does not purify the water, meaning existing contaminants may become concentrated in the drinking stream. Therefore, these systems often require a separate pre-filter to purify the source water before ionization takes place.
Remineralizing Filters
An alternative approach uses remineralizing filters, often installed after a reverse osmosis (RO) system. Since RO removes virtually all minerals, these post-filters reintroduce beneficial alkaline minerals like calcium and magnesium. This process naturally raises the pH to a mildly alkaline range, typically between 7.5 and 8.5, enhancing both the pH and the mineral content.
Alkaline water pitchers provide a low-investment, convenient option utilizing a similar remineralization principle. These pitchers contain filter cartridges that use activated carbon along with mineral media like ceramic balls or stones. As water passes through the filter, the media slowly dissolves, releasing alkaline minerals to achieve a modest increase in the water’s pH.
Monitoring pH and Safety Considerations
Confirming the water’s pH level is best done using specialized tools like digital pH meters or high-range pH test drops. While test strips are available, they often lack the precision needed to accurately measure small pH differences in drinking water. For daily consumption, the target for alkaline water falls between pH 8.5 and 9.5.
It is important to ensure the water does not become excessively alkaline, as water with a pH above 10.0 can be harsh. Consuming highly alkaline water may lead to side effects such as digestive upset or skin irritation. Excessive alkalinity can also interfere with the stomach’s natural acidity, which is necessary for proper digestion and nutrient absorption.