Are you someone who relies on bottled water for hydration, but is unsure which brand is best for your health? The pH level of water can have a significant impact on its taste and corrosiveness, and it is important to choose a brand that falls within the ideal pH range of 6.5 to 8.5.
In this article, we will explore the pH levels of 33 popular bottled water brands and determine which one is the best for your hydration needs.
Before we dive into the characteristics of various bottled water brands, it is essential to understand what pH is and why it matters in drinking water. pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, with a scale ranging from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, while anything below 7 is acidic, and anything above 7 is alkaline.
Drinking water with a pH outside of the ideal range can lead to health issues and affect the taste of the water. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of pH and the best bottled water options for your health and sustainability.
Key Takeaways
– The ideal pH for drinking water is between 6.5 and 8.5, and pH can impact taste and corrosiveness of water.
– Many popular bottled water brands have a pH below 7, which is acidic, while some have a pH above 7, which is alkaline/basic.
– Some brands, such as Waiakea and Essential, have naturally alkaline properties, while others, such as Santevia MINA Alkaline Pitcher and Smart Water Alkaline, artificially raise the pH to potentially problematic levels.
– When choosing a bottled water brand, factors such as pH, mineral content, source, and packaging should be considered.
What is pH?
You already know that pH is a measure of acidity or alkalinity of a substance, and in the context of bottled water, it can impact taste and corrosiveness.
The ideal pH for drinking water is between 6.5 and 8.5, with 7 being considered neutral. Water with a pH below 7 is acidic, while water with a pH above 7 is alkaline or basic.
Drinking alkaline water has become increasingly popular due to its potential health benefits, such as neutralizing acid in the body and improving digestion. On the other hand, consuming acidic water may have harmful effects on your health, such as damaging tooth enamel and increasing the risk of certain health conditions.
It’s important to be aware of the pH levels in the bottled water you drink to ensure you are maintaining a healthy balance and avoiding any potential health risks.
Importance of pH in Drinking Water
Maintaining a balanced and healthy body requires drinking water with the right acidity, which affects the taste and corrosiveness of the water. The pH level of water determines its alkalinity or acidity, which can impact the body’s overall health.
Here are some benefits of proper hydration and the effects of dehydration on the body:
1. Drinking water with the right pH level can help maintain a healthy digestive system and prevent acid reflux.
2. Proper hydration helps regulate body temperature and prevent heat stroke.
3. Drinking water with the right pH level can help reduce inflammation in the body and prevent chronic diseases.
4. Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, and muscle cramps, among other symptoms. It can also lead to kidney stones and other health problems.
Drinking water with the right acidity level is crucial for maintaining a healthy body. Proper hydration can help prevent a range of health problems and improve overall well-being. It’s important to choose the right brand of bottled water to ensure that you’re getting the right pH level for your body’s needs.
Explanation of pH Meter
Understanding how a pH meter works can help you determine the acidity or alkalinity of your drinking water. A pH meter is a device that measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution. It works by measuring the electrical potential difference between a pH electrode and a reference electrode. The pH electrode is sensitive to hydrogen ions, while the reference electrode is not. When the pH electrode is placed in a solution, it generates a small electrical potential that is proportional to the concentration of hydrogen ions in the solution. The reference electrode provides a stable electrical potential that is used as a reference point for the pH electrode.
Using a pH meter is a simple and effective way to test the pH of your drinking water. The pH meter used in the study is a TDS/pH/Temperature 3-in-1 pH Meter for Water from the brand JulyPanny. The meter comes factory calibrated, but it can be recalibrated using pH calibration powders. Its compact and portable design makes it suitable for on-the-go testing. To ensure the accuracy of your readings, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for calibration and use. The table below summarizes the pH levels of various bottled water brands tested in the study.
| Brand | pH Level |
|---|---|
| Montellier | 4.3 |
| Deer Park | 5.5 |
| Penta | 5.5 |
| Dasani | 5.6 |
| Aquafina | 5.95 |
| Voss | 6.0 |
| Smart Water | 6.5 |
| Arrowhead | 6.8 |
| Crystal Geyser | 6.9 |
| Fiji | 6.95 |
| Evian | 6.98 |
| LIFEWTR | 7.0 |
| Arto Life Wtr | Balanced |
| Poland Spring | 7.2 |
| Nestle Pure Life | 7.3 |
| CORE | 7.4 |
| Volvic | 7.5 |
| Flow Water | 7.57 |
| Zephyrhills | 7.7 |
| Waiakea | 7.8 |
| Great Value Water | 7.81 |
| President’s Choice | 7.93 |
| Acqua Panna | 8.0 |
| Eternal | 8.0 |
| Just Water | 8.0 |
| Icelandic Water | 8.4 |
| Eska | Accurate |
| Santevia MINA | 9.0 |
Understanding the principles behind a pH meter can help you determine the acidity or alkalinity of your drinking water. The pH meter used in the study is a reliable and portable device that allows for on-the-go testing. Calibration powders can be used to ensure accurate readings. By using a pH meter, you can determine the pH level of your drinking water and choose the best bottled water brand that suits your needs.
Characteristics of Bottled Water Brands
Consider the unique characteristics of different brands when choosing a bottled water option that meets your preferences and needs. Brand comparisons can help you find the best option for you.
For example, if you’re looking for a water brand that’s sustainably sourced, Flow Water and Just Water are good options. If you prefer a natural spring water with a balanced mineral content, Volvic and Zephyrhills are worth trying. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a water brand with a high pH level, Essential and Smart Water Alkaline may be suitable for you.
Taste preferences also play a significant role in choosing the right bottled water. Brands like Fiji and Acqua Panna have unique mineral content that gives their water a distinct taste. If you prefer a smoother taste, Just Water and Waiakea are great options.
Additionally, if you’re looking for an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on quality, Great Value Water and President’s Choice can be considered.
By considering the unique characteristics of different bottled water brands and your own taste preferences, you can find the best option for your hydration needs.
Sustainable and Alkaline Options
When looking for a more sustainable and alkaline option, you should try Flow Water or Waiakea. Flow Water is a sustainable water brand that’s sourced from a protected aquifer in Ontario, Canada. It not only has a pH of 7.57, but it also uses 100% recyclable packaging to reduce its environmental impact. By choosing Flow Water, you can stay hydrated while also making a positive impact on the planet.
Waiakea is another great option if you’re looking for an alkaline and sustainable bottled water brand. Sourced from a volcanic well in Hawaii, Waiakea has a pH range of 7.6 to 8.2 and is known for its naturally alkaline properties and unique mineral composition. Additionally, Waiakea uses sustainable packaging made from 100% recycled materials and renewable resources.
By choosing Waiakea, you can not only enjoy the health benefits of alkaline water but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
