What is Alkaline Water?

The “alkaline” in alkaline water is a reference to the pH scale, a measurement of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. 

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. Anything with a pH level between 0 to 6.9 is considered acidic, whereas anything with a pH level between 7.1 to 14 pH is deemed alkaline. 

To better understand the pH scale, here are examples of acidic and alkaline substances, along with their pH levels:

0 — Battery acid

1 — Stomach acid

2 — Lemon

3 — Soda

4 — Tomato

5 — Coffee

6 — Milk

7 — Pure water

8 — Blood

9 — Baking soda

10 — Milk of magnesia

11 — Soap

12 — Ammonia

13 — Bleach

14 — Drain cleaner

Is Tap Water Alkaline?

The pH level of tap water depends on where you live and whether you’re getting water from a private well or your city. 

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, tap water offers a pH level between 6.5 to 8.5. 

If you’re curious about your water’s pH level, fill a glass with tap water and test it with a pH meter.

Is Filtered Water Alkaline?

Using a filtered water system helps reduce contaminants to help make your water cleaner and better-tasting. Yet, there can still be trace amounts of acidic or alkaline minerals in your filtered water. 

The best way to discover if your filtered water is more alkaline or acidic is to fill a glass with filtered water and test it with a pH meter.

How to Make Your Own Alkaline Water

If you want to make your own alkaline water at home, it’s relatively easy. There are two ways you can make it:

Version 1 (Via Gaiam)

Ingredients

• 1 gallon of filtered water
• ½ tablespoon of baking soda

Steps

• Fill a gallon container with filtered water.
• Mix baking soda into the water.
• Shake the mixture vigorously until the baking soda completely dissolves.

Version #2 (Via The Women’s Health Network)

Ingredients

• 1 quart of filtered water
• 1 lemon
• ½ teaspoon of sea salt

Steps

• Fill a quart-sized container with filtered water.
• Cut a lemon in half.
• Squeeze the juice from one half of the lemon into your water.
• Cut the other half of the lemon into slices and add it to your water.Add sea salt and stir until dissolved.
• Refrigerate your water for two to four hours to allow the lemon to infuse.