Do Alkaline Water Filters Work? Yes – Here’s How

Not all water is created equal. While it might all look similar, the truth is that the water we drink comes with vastly different qualities and benefits, impacting everything from taste to health effects. This is especially true when considering the rise of alkaline water – a type of water that claims to offer more than just hydration. But what makes alkaline water stand out, and do these filters really make a difference?

So do alkaline water filters work? Yes, alkaline water filters operate on a straightforward yet scientifically robust principle. They not only purify water but also enhance its chemical composition in ways that can contribute positively to health. Alkaline water filters increase the water’s pH level, making it less acidic than typical tap water (the human body tends to maintain a slightly alkaline pH of 7.35 to 7.45).

Alkaline water filters also provide a potential boost in health benefits through enhanced pH levels, essential minerals, and the removal of harmful contaminants. While the body does a remarkable job of regulating its pH, the added minerals and improved quality of water can contribute to overall wellbeing and hydration.

Whether you’re an athlete, a health enthusiast, or just someone looking for a better way to hydrate, an alkaline water filter could be a worthwhile addition to your daily routine.

Are alkaline water filters legit?

Absolutely, alkaline water filters are a great choice if you're looking to enhance your daily water intake. These filters not only clean your water by removing impurities but also adjust the pH level upwards, making it alkaline. This means you get water that's less acidic than what comes straight from your tap.

The beauty of alkaline water is in its mineral content. Alkaline filters add essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium to your water, which are crucial for overall health. These minerals can help improve hydration, contribute to better bone health, and may even help with digestion and neutralising excess acidity in your body.

Moreover, using an alkaline water filter at home can be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly compared to buying bottled alkaline water. It's a practical investment that not only benefits your health but also supports a sustainable lifestyle by reducing plastic waste.

So if you're aiming for a healthier lifestyle or just want better-tasting water, an alkaline water filter could be the perfect addition to your home. It's an easy step that could potentially enhance your well-being and contribute to your daily comfort and health.

The alkaline water filtration process

1. Sediment filtration

Objective: The primary purpose of sediment filtration is to remove physical impurities such as dirt, dust, and rust from the water. This stage acts as the first line of defence in the filtration process.

How It Works: Water passes through a sediment filter – usually made of melt-blown polypropylene or similar materials – which traps large particles. These filters can vary in their fineness, catching particles from 20 microns down to as small as 1 micron.

Benefits: This step is essential for protecting the finer filters that follow from clogging and degradation, thus prolonging the life of the entire filtration system and improving overall water quality.

2. Activated carbon filtration

Objective: To remove chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other taste and odour-causing compounds from the water.

How It Works: Activated carbon works through adsorption, where contaminant molecules in the water are trapped inside the pore structure of the carbon substrate. Carbon filters come in various forms, including granulated activated carbon (GAC) and carbon block.

Benefits: Beyond improving taste and smell, activated carbon filtration also reduces the levels of some chemical contaminants, including some pesticides and solvents, which are health hazards.

3. Reverse osmosis (RO)

Objective: To remove dissolved inorganic solids (like salts) and other impurities that carbon filters cannot catch.

How It Works: In reverse osmosis, water is forced under pressure through a semipermeable membrane with tiny pores. These pores allow water molecules to pass through while blocking larger molecules, such as dissolved salts and other minerals.

Benefits: RO can effectively remove up to 99% of dissolved salts (ions), particles, colloids, organics, bacteria, and pyrogens from the feed water (although it is not effective at killing or removing all microorganisms).

4. Remineralisation

Objective: To add essential minerals back to the water after it has been stripped of contaminants and natural minerals during the RO process.

How It Works: Remineralisation typically involves passing the RO water through a filter containing mineral stones or a blend of calcium, magnesium, and sometimes potassium. These minerals dissolve into the water, increasing its mineral content and often raising its pH to more alkaline levels.

Benefits: This stage not only improves the taste of the water, making it more palatable, but also reintroduces essential minerals needed for good health. It balances the pH level, potentially providing the alkaline water benefits such as better hydration and reduced body acidity.

5. Ion exchange

Objective: To soften the water by removing hard minerals like calcium and magnesium, and replacing them with sodium or hydrogen ions.

How It Works: The ion exchange process utilises resins that exchange one ion for another, hold onto undesirable ions, and release preferable ones. This is common in water softening systems where calcium and magnesium ions (which are harder on plumbing and appliances) are replaced with sodium or potassium ions.

Benefits: Ion exchange helps in further refining water quality, making it softer and more suitable for use in households and appliances, reducing limescale buildup and improving soap and detergent effectiveness in washing.

6. Alkalising/mineralising media

Objective: To further enhance the water’s alkalinity through the introduction of alkalising media such as bioceramic balls or other proprietary blends.

How It Works: This stage involves the addition of a media that reacts with the water to raise its pH level and sometimes emit far-infrared rays, which are claimed to have various health benefits. These media can include substances like tourmaline, zeolite, maifan stone, and others known for their ability to increase water pH.

Benefits: The use of alkalising media can further elevate the pH of the water, contributing to the purported health benefits of alkaline water such as antioxidant properties and improved metabolic functions. This final step ensures the water is not only clean and enriched with minerals but also has enhanced alkaline properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the health benefits of drinking alkaline water?

Alkaline water is touted for several health benefits, which are often highlighted by proponents of alkaline diets and certain health communities:

• Hydration: Some studies suggest that alkaline water might be more hydrating than regular water, particularly after exercise.
• Acid Reflux: Alkaline water with a pH level of 8.8 may help deactivate pepsin, the main enzyme that causes acid reflux.
• Antioxidant Properties: There is some belief that alkaline water can act as an antioxidant, seeking out and neutralising harmful free radicals.
• Bone Health: A few studies indicate that consuming alkaline water might help maintain bone health by reducing bone resorption, the process where bone cells break down and release minerals into the blood.

However, the scientific evidence backing these claims is limited. The benefits often reported are based on short-term studies and anecdotal evidence.

Are there any risks associated with drinking alkaline water?

While generally considered safe for most people, there are some potential risks associated with gastrointestinal Issues. For some individuals, particularly those with kidney disease, consuming water with a high pH can lead to gastrointestinal issues or skin irritations.

Is an alkaline water filter worth it?

Whether an alkaline water filter is worth the investment depends on your personal needs and expectations:

• Health Reasons: If you're purchasing it with the hope of resolving specific health issues, it's crucial to keep expectations realistic and understand that the scientific support for many health claims is not robust.
• Taste and Water Quality: Many users prefer the taste of alkaline water, which can be a valid reason for investment. Additionally, these systems do effectively filter out many contaminants, improving overall water quality.
• Environmental and Economic Consideration: Using a water filter can also be more environmentally friendly and economical than buying bottled alkaline water.

Hydrate better by investing in an alkaline water filter

In today's health-conscious world, the water we drink matters more than ever.  The benefits of alkaline water, such as improved hydration and potential aid in acid reflux, are complemented by the filtration capabilities that remove unwanted contaminants. Moreover, by using an alkaline water filter, you contribute to reducing plastic waste, making it an environmentally friendly choice compared to bottled water.

Ready to elevate your hydration experience with cleaner, healthier, and mineral-enhanced water? Hydrate better by investing in an alkaline water filter from Genzon Water. Discover the difference with every sip – your body and the planet will thank you. Invest in a Genzon Water purifier today.