Alkaline Water Myths: What the Evidence Says
You’ve probably seen alkaline water on store shelves, often marketed with health claims. Here’s what alkaline water is, what the evidence says, and how it compares with the water from your tap.
Understanding Water, and Alkaline Water
Pure water has a neutral pH of 7. Tap water usually falls close to neutral; the EPA’s non-enforceable secondary standard recommends a pH between 6.5 and 8.5. You can check your own water with pH test strips from a hardware store.
Alkaline water (sometimes called ionized water) has a pH above 7. You can buy it bottled, or use an alkaline filter or ionizer at home. Sellers often claim it improves health or fitness.
What Does the Evidence Say?
Health claims about alkaline water aren’t well supported by research, and Culligan doesn’t make them. Your body regulates its own pH regardless of the pH of the water you drink. If you have questions about your diet or health, talk to your doctor.
Does Alkaline Water Taste Different?
Some people say alkaline water tastes smoother; others find it slightly bitter or salty. Taste is a personal preference, so the best way to decide is to try it.
Is Culligan Water Alkaline?
Culligan bottled water and water from a reverse osmosis system are not alkaline water products. RO water typically has a slightly lower pH than tap water because the membrane reduces dissolved minerals.
Can I Get a Water Test?
You can buy pH test strips from many retailers. Looking for more than a pH reading? Culligan’s free in-home water test measures hardness, chlorine and total dissolved solids (TDS), and your local Culligan expert can walk you through the results and your options.
