Alkaline Water Vs. Purified Water: What’s the Difference & Which One’s Best for You?

Water is a universal human need, and clean, safe water is essential for maintaining good health. With the growing trend of health-focused beverages, alkaline and purified waters have taken center stage. But what is the difference between these two popular types and which one could be better for you? In this informative blog post, we at Clean River will delve into the key facts you need to know before choosing the right water for your needs.

Alkaline water is believed to have various health benefits, from neutralizing excess acidity in the body to improving overall hydration. It gains its popularity from its higher pH level, which ranges between 8 and 9.5, compared to regular tap water’s pH of around 7. Advocates of alkaline water assert that it can help reduce the burden on the body’s acid-buffering systems, encouraging a balanced internal pH. Additionally, some studies have demonstrated potential benefits of alkaline water, such as improved bone health, reduced muscle wastage, and enhanced athletic performance.

On the other hand, purified water is water that has undergone various filtration processes to remove impurities, such as sediment, minerals, chemicals, and organic matter. It is considered cleaner and safer to consume than tap water, which may contain contaminants. Purified water goes through several purification stages, including reverse osmosis, distillation, or deionization, resulting in water with a purity of 90% or more. Due to its purity, purified water is often preferred by those looking for safe, clean drinking water without the potential health risks associated with contaminants in tap water.

While both alkaline and purified waters claim to offer health benefits, it’s essential to understand that individual needs may vary. Factors such as your dietary habits, physical activity, and specific health conditions play a crucial role in determining which type of water will best suit your needs. It’s always wise to consult a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or hydration habits.

Alkaline Vs. Purified Water: What’s the Difference & Which One’s Best for You?

The Chemistry Behind Alkaline and Purified Water

To better understand the distinctions between alkaline and purified water, it helps to have a grasp of their key characteristics from a chemical perspective. The pH scale, which ranges from 0 to 14, is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. A pH of 7 is neutral, anything below 7 is acidic, and anything above 7 is alkaline. As previously mentioned, alkaline water has a pH between 8 and 9.5, whereas purified water typically has a neutral pH of around 7.

The alkalinity in alkaline water is attributed to the presence of minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium. These minerals not only contribute to the higher pH but also serve as essential electrolytes necessary for the body’s proper functioning. On the other hand, purified water has undergone extensive filtration processes, removing most, if not all, minerals, contaminants, and impurities.

Health Benefits and Potential Drawbacks of Alkaline Water

Alkaline water has garnered attention for a variety of health benefits attributed to its high pH level. Some of the most commonly reported advantages include:

1. Neutralizing acidity: Alkaline water is thought to help neutralize excess acidity in the body, improving overall health and promoting better pH balance.

2. Enhanced hydration: The minerals in alkaline water may increase its ability to hydrate your body, which could be especially helpful during exercise or periods of high physical activity.

3. Anti-aging properties: Some proponents of alkaline water claim that it can slow the aging process due to its antioxidant properties.

4. Improved bone health: Research indicates that alkaline water can help reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis by lowering the rate of bone resorption, the process by which the body breaks down bone and releases minerals into the bloodstream.

Despite these claimed benefits, the scientific evidence supporting them is limited and often contradictory. Critics argue that there is insufficient research to conclusively demonstrate the advantages of alkaline water over other types of water. Additionally, excessive consumption of alkaline water may lead to metabolic alkalosis, a condition that disrupts the body’s pH balance and can result in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and muscle twitching.

The Purification Process and Benefits of Purified Water

Purified water goes through several treatment stages designed to remove contaminants and impurities. Some of the most common purification methods include:

1. Reverse osmosis: This process uses a semi-permeable membrane to separate dissolved particles from water, removing contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and chemicals.

2. Distillation: By boiling and cooling the water, distillation removes contaminants with differing boiling points, leaving only pure water behind.

3. Deionization: This method relies on ion exchange resins to remove ions, including minerals, from the water, resulting in a high level of purity.

Purified water offers various benefits, such as:

1. Improved taste: The filtration process removes contaminants that can give tap water an unpleasant taste or odor.

2. Reduced health risks: By eliminating harmful substances, purified water reduces potential health risks associated with drinking contaminated water.

3. Suitable for different uses: Purified water’s high purity makes it an ideal choice for cooking, drinking, and even medical applications.

However, purified water lacks essential minerals that are beneficial to health. The absence of these minerals can result in a flat taste, and long-term consumption of demineralized water may lead to an increased risk of mineral deficiencies.

Choosing the Best Water for Your Needs

Selecting between alkaline and purified water ultimately comes down to individual preferences, needs, and lifestyle factors. It’s essential to consider your specific health goals, nutritional requirements, and the quality of your tap water before making a decision.

If your primary focus is on hydration during exercise or seeking antioxidant benefits, alkaline water may be the better option. For those concerned about contaminants in their water supply or who prefer the taste of purified water, this may be a more suitable choice.

Conclusion

Both alkaline and purified waters can play an essential role in promoting health and well-being. Understanding the distinct characteristics and benefits of each option can help you make an informed choice tailored to your individual needs. As always, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional when considering adjustments to your diet or hydration habits.

At Clean River, we are your trusted neighborhood source for alkaline and purified water. Whether you’re looking to boost your hydration or simply enjoy a refreshing beverage, we are here to ensure you receive the best-quality water tailored to your preferences. 

Visit our Santa Clarita Valley store today to explore our drinking water systems and take the first step toward enhancing your health through mindful hydration.