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How to Make Alkaline Water

by Peter Lombardi

Quality Specialist, Consultant

> 4 min read


Many people are interested in the benefits of alkaline drinking water. Alkaline water may have several health benefits for conditions such as high blood pressure, cancer, acid reflux, and diabetes.

The water that comes from your taps is most likely not alkaline, so you may need to make your own water with increased pH levels. You can try a few methods, which include using baking soda, pH drops, water filters, and water ionizers.

Which method you opt for depends on many factors, including cost and overall effectiveness.

HERE ARE OTHER QUESTIONS THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE ABOUT WATER:

What is Alkaline Water?

Alkaline water is water that has a higher pH level than ordinary water. The standard pH of water is around 7, which is classed as neutral. Acidic substances such as lemon juice, vinegar, and battery acid have a pH of less than 7, down to zero, such as lemon juice, vinegar, and battery acid. In comparison, alkaline substances are those with a pH of above 7 and up to 14. Examples include milk of magnesia and baking soda. 

There are various gases and chemicals which can affect the acidity of water. The pH of water can have adverse effects if it is too acidic or too alkaline. For example, highly acidic water can corrode certain metals, and water that is too alkaline can become bitter and create deposits that damage appliances and pipes.

What Are the Benefits of Alkaline Water?

There has been a sharp rise in alkaline water’s popularity in recent times due to its potential health benefits. Some research shows that consuming more alkaline water can positively affect several common and chronic health conditions. Some of these conditions include acid reflux, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, and osteoporosis. 

Following this research, many people now follow the Alkaline Diet. Many believe this diet can help prevent them from developing chronic health conditions and promote healthy hormone levels, bone and muscle growth. It may also help increase the levels of magnesium in our cells. Many people have a magnesium deficiency, and an increase in magnesium can also assist in the body’s ability to activate vitamin D.

How Do I Make Alkaline Water?

While you can purchase water with a high pH, you may want to learn how to make alkaline water at home. There are several methods to help you do so, including:

Method 1: Use pH drops

You can purchase pH drops to add to your water and change the acidity levels. There are several pH drops on the market, and they are formulated specifically to turn your regular drinking water from your taps into alkaline water. 

You can buy pH drops in many forms. If you are looking for a quick and easy way to alkalize your water when you’re on the go, you might want to consider buying some small bottles to take with you. You can also buy larger amounts for use at home that will last for longer.

You only need to add a couple of pH drops to a glass of tap water to increase its pH levels. These drops are made from minerals that are at highly concentrated levels and electrolytes.  

If you want to reduce other liquids’ acidity, you can add pH drops. An example is coffee, a very acidic substance. You can lessen its acidity by adding a few drops to your morning cup. 

Method 2: Purchase a water filter pitcher

Another option you can use when looking to turn your tap water into alkaline water is to use a water filter pitcher. These have become commonplace and are easy to find and purchase. They are also a relatively affordable method of alkalizing water. 

A water filter works by filtering the water you fill it with through filtration materials, removing chlorine and other impurities. It also improves the smell and taste of ordinary water. It takes a little while for your water to filter through the cartridge, so often, people prepare their jugs in advance. 

The alkalization of the water is a byproduct of a water filter pitcher. This means that not all water filter pitchers will alkalize your water. You’ll need to look for certain types of filters proven to increase your water’s pH levels if you plan on purchasing a filter jug for alkalization purposes. 

If you're looking for a good under sink water filter, try checking our comprehensive buying guide.

Method 3: Use baking soda

One incredibly cheap and simple method of increasing the pH levels of water is by using baking soda. Baking soda has a high pH level of 9, and when mixed with water, it dramatically increases the pH level. 

Mixing just half a teaspoon of baking soda in your water until completely dissolved can alkalize it effectively. This is an accessible option to many since many people already have baking soda in their kitchen pantry.  

However, one thing you should note about using baking soda in this way is that it does contain high levels of sodium. If you’re watching sodium levels in your diet, you won’t be able to use this method regularly. 

Method 4: Buy a water ionizer

If you want to know how to make alkaline water in one of the most effective and chemical-free ways, water ionizers are an excellent choice. They are more expensive than other methods but produce the most reliable results overall.

A water ionizer works by electrolyzing the water you put into them. Using an electrochemical process, they separate the positive and negative electrodes within the water. Once they have done this, they output two different streams of water: one acidic and one alkaline. 

The benefit of using a water ionizer over other methods is that it won't add any other substances into your water. Another reason to consider investing in one is that you will reduce your consumption of plastic bottles, making it better for the environment.


Make Better Tasting Water at Home

Alkaline water may have certain health benefits, and if you’d like to try making it at home, there are various methods out there you can use. Depending on your budget and the amount of alkaline water you require, you can use anything from baking soda to ionizer systems.

Peter Lombardi

About the Author

Peter is a Los Angeles based water quality specialist, and works as a surveyor for businesses and communities looking to be informed and active about the quality of their water. He shares his expertise with 64 oz. to ensure everything is accurate, and to prevent the spread of misinformation about water contaminants.