Don't Confuse pH With Alkalinity
Before I start discussing this I need to acknowledge that the information I write about has been the result of conversations with Robert Slovak and listening to lectures on this subject. Robert Slovak is a degreed Mechanical and Astronautical Engineer and a respected scientist. He has over 30 years of experience in the water treatment industry, specializing in membrane separation technology and products. Mr. Slovak has been featured on many health sites and blogs including Dr. Mercola.
I am going to become very unpopular with people who are selling water that is supposed to be of "high alkalinity." The term "alkaline water" means that the water has a pH that is greater than 7.0. That's it. Nothing more! Many companies are selling "Alkaline" filters and using pH meters to demonstrate that the alkalinity has been raised because the pH tests at 8.5, or 9.5 or even 10.5. They are confusing elevated pH with raised alkalinity. The fact is: THERE IS NO CONNECTION! Just raising the pH with an "alkaline filter" does not, in itself, raise the alkalinity. Water with high alkalinity may be beneficial in some circumstances to the body, but raising the pH serves no function whatsoever. IT IS NOT ALKALINE WATER THAT YOU NEED, IT IS WATER WITH ALKALINITY!
So, if you are buying a filter for the purpose of substantially raising the alkalinity of the water you drink, you are most likely being duped by "junk or pseudo science." This is real science that I am speaking about - merely raising the pH does not raise the alkalinity. That's junk science. The pH of water is not the indicator of it's capacity for neutralizing acid. Alkalinity is the indicator of the water's capacity to neutralize acid. Alkalinity measures the ability of a solution to neutralize acids - pH has no relation to that process. A water solution that is alkaline is not necessarily "alkalizing." Do not be duped into thinking "Alkaline pH" means that the water has significant alkalinity. Tests have shown that even the best "alkaline filters" raise the alkalinity only 30 to 35 mg/l which is insignificant. A half-tablespoon of Baking Soda add 1500 mg/l of alkalinity to the water at a pH of 8.4. Spinach juice has an alkalinity of 2250 mg/l but at a pH of 6.7. Like I said earlier, the pH has no correlation to alkalinity. There is a great deal of mis-information out there about water treatment. Most people I have talked to who are promoting alkaline water have little to no understanding of this. If you want to alkalize your water, you don't add an alkaline filter - it is a waste of money and it does nothing. Here are the only ways that you can alkalize your water:
- Add 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of baking soda to a large glass of water;
- Consume foods and beverages rich in mineral alkalinity buffers, especially "green juices;"
- Add alkaline powders to the water.
There are a lot of misconceptions in the health-improvement industry about the pH and alkaline correlation. For instance, look at this popular chart:
That's a pretty impressive chart, but it's not correct. For example, they say lemon has a pH of 10 - it's really 2.69. They say the same thing about spinach, but it has a pH of 6.69. They also say RO water has a pH of between 4 and 5. In reality, it's usually about 6.5 or 6.6. Be careful of what you believe. Here's what you need to know about alkaline water: if you are buying a filter to alkalize your water, you would be better served giving it to the Tooth Fairy. You can alkalize your water, but it has to be with one of the above methods. Simply raising the pH does not alkalize the water. Reverse osmosis continues to be the most economical and effective way to purify water and if you want to raise the pH and re-mineralize, then an alkaline-type filter is effective. At US Water Systems, we do sell a re-mineralization filter, right HERE, but just not for the reason most companies say they are selling it. The is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God.
71 Comments
There isn’t!
Hello Mark
Your article is very interesting and informative! Thank you.
I am the caregiver of a loved one facing cancer. We know we need to drink “alkaline water”. I see your recommendations above, and will start using baking soda for sure.
What is your opinion on Reverse Osmosis system for someone who is facing cancer?
I am in need of help. Please educate me.
Thank you again.
I think it is important for anyone to have the cleanest, chemical-free water possible. This is even more true with individuals battling cancer. Alkaline water produced by ionizers and filters are a joke and do nothing. In fact, they can be detrimental. I am not a Doctor, but I would speak to the oncologist about using baking soda a couple times a day. It neutralizes the stomach acid for a while, so it is best not to eat for about an hour after drinking water with baking soda.
Mark, you keep mentioning about Baking Soda. But to me understanding, continuous intake of Baking Soda that too couple of times a day will weaken your bones. why not adding a grain (just few milligrams) of edible limestone in say 10L of water? It’s calcium, good for health, good for bones and not in that much quantity which can cause stone of damage kidney. Thoughts?
I do not recommend baking soda, but state that some people take it. I am not a doctor, but baking soda and what you are talking about is entirely different.
Hi,
We have a few problems with our water. We keep having leaks in our copper pipes. I had the water tested. It shows a ph of 5.9su . The lab says the proper limit should be between 6.4 and 10. My furnace guy says we have hard water but the lab shows 96mg/l which under the limit of 200. Any ideas? My family won’t drink the water. It takes horrible. Any ideas?
The second issue is Radon in the water. The lab test shows 11994pci/l which is above the 5000 limit. Should we do something about it?
You recommendations would be helpful.
Steve,
I always look at it from the standpoint of If I lived there, what would I do?
If it were my home, I would do this (and it is not an inexpensive fix):
Step 1: Aeration System – https://www.uswatersystems.com/us-water-indoor-open-air-water-aeration-system.html
Reduces Radon
Step 2: Backwashing Carbon Filter – https://www.uswatersystems.com/fusion-backwashing-catalytic-carbon-superfilter.html
Polished off the radon and makes the water taste better
Step 3: pH Balancing System – https://www.uswatersystems.com/us-water-precision-ph-neutralization-system.html
Raises the pH to above 7.0
Step 4: 1 Micron Filter – https://www.uswatersystems.com/aquapurion-big-blue-4-5-x-20-commercial-filter-housing.html
Step 5: Disinfection – https://www.uswatersystems.com/us-water-pulsar-professional-grade-uv-system-up-to-3-bathrooms.html
Kills bacteria, including airborne bacteria from Aeration System
That will fix your pH problem and provide great tasting water. We are currently running an additional 10% off. Let me know if you have any further questions.
Mark, we have had the The Home Master HydroPerfection Advanced Reverse Osmosis System
Mineral Water on Tap system for 4 years now. My labs came back with low Carbon Dioxide meaning my ph is not optimal and I have had unexplained health issues,~all other labs are fine. I have looked at many things as the culprit to no avail but now I do want to take a peek at whether or not we have good quality water in our house. I look forward to whatever suggestions you may have.
I am not familiar with that brand, but here are two things that can be an issue:
1. Many RO’s have hetrotrophic bacteria in the tank. We have filters to eliminate that; and
2. Minerals and alkalinity are not the purpose of water.
In my opinion, your purify your water as good as possible and take supplements or get it from your diet.
What would you say about living near fracking sites? People have a lot of concerns about the quality of our water living near them. Would you recommend something more than the filter on our refrigerator? Thanks for your insight.
Absolutely! However, the first step is a good detailed water test:
https://www.uswatersystems.com/us-water-watercheck-with-pesticides-lab-water-test.html
Hi Mark,
What is your opinion about Kangen water? A guy I know sells the systems, and he claims that R/O water is acidic and bad to consume, however, I’ve been drinking R/O water for years and I am as healthy as can be. My skin is clearer and healthier and I feel more energetic. I’m confused by the different sources of info, so hoping you can impart some insight about Kangen and their claims to be so good for us.
Kangen and other Ionizers are part of a billion dollar industry that is built on a scientific miscoinception. After you purchase one you will have a lot less money to carry around so it might help your back, but it does nothing for your health.
You are drinking the best water money can buy.
Here’s some more info for you:
https://blog.uswatersystems.com/2017/08/scientists-say-dont-be-duped-by-alkaline-water/
https://blog.uswatersystems.com/2015/07/the-acid-alkaline-truth-exposed/
https://blog.uswatersystems.com/2013/04/the-alkaline-vs-alkalinity-battle-rages/
https://blog.uswatersystems.com/2012/06/alkaline-ionized-water-filters-most-are-bogus/
Very informative, you can spend a lot of money and get nothing I like the idea of RO H2O,And adding a little baking soda each time you drink the water.
Hi Mark,
I get RO water, sometimes distilled water, add trace minerals and adjust ph (and alkalinity) with soda ash rather than baking soda. Baking soda maxes out at and tends to buffer to about 8.4. Soda ash requires a lot less and raises both pH and alkalinity. You can get higher pH’s than 8.4 with it if that is what you want. An article on Soda Ash and Bicarb can be found at: http://www.anotherperfectpoolnews.com/wp-content/uploads/Tech_Talk/onbalance_ks_sodaashandbicarb.pdf
If you like the taste of a tablespoon of baking soda in a glass of water- use baking soda. If not, or you are a low sodium diet, try soda ash. In either case, use test strips and or pH reagent drops to test the results of your water adjustments. I end up using about a sixteenth of a teaspoon or less in five gallons of distilled water to get about 7.5-8.0 pH. Seems RO is more responsive than D.W. and am still finding what amount works best for RO.
What is interesting is that baking soda can be converted to soda ash by baking it on a cookie sheet in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about thirty minutes. (https://wellnessmama.com/76866/washing-soda/)
What’s your take on soda ash vs baking soda?