In recent years, alkaline water has surged in popularity – filling shelves at health food stores, showing up in gyms, and even being promoted through high-priced home filtration systems. But what exactly is alkaline water, and does it live up to the health claims surrounding it?
Alkaline water is water with a higher pH level than regular drinking water. While standard tap water typically has a neutral pH of 7, alkaline water usually measures between eight and nine.
This elevated pH can occur naturally – when water passes over rocks and picks up minerals like calcium and magnesium – or it can be created artificially through a process called electrolysis, used in water ionizers. Some products also enhance alkalinity by adding minerals such as potassium, magnesium, or calcium.
Advocates of alkaline water claim it can neutralize acidity in the body, slow aging, improve energy, and even prevent cancer or osteoporosis. Some athletes use alkaline water to prevent lactic acid buildup after intense exercise, while others turn to it for relief from acid reflux or digestive issues.
However, research doesn’t support all these claims.
Some studies suggest alkaline water may help reduce acid reflux symptoms by inactivating pepsin, a stomach enzyme. But there’s no strong evidence confirming that it can prevent cancer, treat chronic illness, or significantly improve general health.
Your body naturally regulates blood pH through the lungs and kidneys, and drinking alkaline water won’t change that. It may raise urine pH, but diet and lifestyle have a far greater impact on overall acid-base balance. Rather than relying on alkaline water, focus on staying active, eating well, and staying hydrated.
You may have also heard of Kangen water – a specific brand of ionized alkaline water. These machines, sold under the Enagic brand, are found in vending systems across shopping centers, including here in Hawaiʻi.
Kangen water is created through electrolysis, which splits tap water into acidic and alkaline streams. The brand claims to produce “micro-clustered” water that’s more easily absorbed, though this claim hasn’t been scientifically validated. While all Kangen water is alkaline, not all alkaline water is Kangen.
Alkaline water is generally safe in moderation but drinking too much may reduce stomach acid and affect digestion. People with kidney issues or those on certain medications should consult their doctor before making it a daily habit.
Here’s something else Hawaiʻi residents may not realize: our tap water is already slightly alkaline. It comes from underground aquifers filtered through volcanic rock, naturally enriched with minerals. Most areas have a pH between 7.6 and 8.2 – already more alkaline than on much of the continent.
If you’re using a basic carbon filter, those beneficial minerals – and the water’s alkalinity – remain intact. However, reverse osmosis (RO) systems strip the water of these minerals, often resulting in neutral or slightly acidic water unless a remineralization stage is added.
So, while there’s no harm in choosing alkaline water, know that our local wai is already mineral-rich and naturally alkaline.
