5 Easy Ways to Make Reverse Osmosis Water Alkaline 2025

Wondering how to make reverse osmosis water alkaline? While RO systems do a great job of removing impurities, they also remove the minerals that keep water’s pH balanced.

The result? Clean but slightly acidic water with a pH of around 6 to 6.5. Fortunately, there are simple ways to raise the water's pH and restore beneficial minerals so that it is both pure and alkaline.

Is RO Water Alkaline?

RO water isn't alkaline. In fact, RO water is typically slightly acidic, with a pH usually ranging from about 5 to 7. It's because the filtration removes nearly all minerals, including calcium and magnesium, that stabilize the water's pH.

If you want alkaline water from an RO system, you would need to add minerals back in using a remineralization filter or mineral drops.

3 Health Benefits of Alkaline Water

Improved Digestion

Research from the New York Medical College found that alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 can break up pepsin, a digestive enzyme that plays a key role in acid reflux symptoms [1].

A follow-up study published in 2017 showed even more promising results. A combination of a Mediterranean diet and alkaline water was as effective as a proton pump inhibitor, which is a medication doctors commonly prescribe for this condition [2].

But researchers were unsure if the benefits stemmed from the alkaline water, the diet, or both.

Better Hydration and Athletic Performance

A study published in the PLoS One journal found that athletes drinking alkaline water rehydrated faster than those drinking plain water after intense physical exercise [3].

Proper hydration directly impacts physical performance by:

• Preventing fatigue
• Lubricating joints
• Optimizing function during exercise.

But, most of the research on hydration benefits focuses on natural alkaline mineral water you can find in springs. Artificially alkalized water may have a different mineral profile, which can lower the hydration benefits.

Boosted Metabolism and Simpler Weight Management

Alkaline water's positive effect on metabolism and weight is the most mentioned, but also the most contested benefit.

A 2022 study from Malaysia showed limited evidence supporting the metabolic benefits. Researchers reported that drinking at least one liter (around four cups) of alkaline water daily for a minimum of two months slightly improved several metabolic markers in postmenopausal women [4]. 

Some of the improvements researchers mentioned were small reductions in:

• Blood sugar
• Cholesterol
• Triglycerides
• Blood pressure
• Waist circumference, but not in overall body weight. 

Compared to a control group that drank regular tap water, these changes do suggest some metabolic effects, but how exactly it happens remains unclear.

Another theory circulating online is that alkaline water might neutralize the acid accumulated in body fat, helping you lose weight. This theory lacks scientific evidence and conflicts with our understanding of how the body regulates pH.

Acid accumulation in the body fluids may cause weight gain, but this condition is more related to chronic kidney disease than obesity.

5 Ways to Make Your RO Water Alkaline

Reverse osmosis effectively removes contaminants from water, but it also strips it of all the essential minerals. By adding back essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, you'll make your RO water alkaline.

You can either:

• Add Mineral Drops: These drops are a concentrated liquid solution that increases water's overall mineral content.
• Add Minerals Naturally: You can also remineralize your water with a sprinkle of Himalayan salt and make it alkaline.

Calcium, magnesium, and potassium are crucial for maintaining bone mineral density, healthy teeth, muscle function, nerve transmission, and overall well-being [5].

Another popular option is to install an alkaline remineralization filter into your RO system. This filter automatically adds minerals back into the water, consistently raising its pH and enhancing flavor without any manual effort.

This long-term solution is especially suitable if you own a house and want a continuous supply of alkaline water straight from the tap.

Adding fresh lemon or lime slices to RO water can also help. Although citrus fruits taste acidic, they have an alkalizing effect on the body once metabolized.

Beyond balancing pH, lemons and limes provide a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants. These substances boost immune health and add a pleasant flavor that encourages you to drink more water [6].

A small pinch of baking soda is a quick and cheap way to increase the alkalinity of your RO water. It acts as a buffer, neutralizing acidic compounds and raising the overall pH. But make sure not to use too much, as it may alter the taste.

Baking soda acts as a natural antacid, which can temporarily relieve symptoms of acid reflux, heartburn, or indigestion [7].

Water ionizers separate water into acidic and alkaline streams. They are handy because you can usually select the desired alkalinity, with a pH as high as 10. These devices are more expensive upfront, but they can be a consistent source of alkaline water in your household.

But you need to remineralize RO water before ionization, because these devices need some mineral content to function properly. Without minerals, the ionizer won’t effectively change the water’s pH.

Balance And Restore Your RO Water

Making RO water alkaline isn’t complicated—it just takes the right minerals and a method that fits your lifestyle. Whether you use drops, filters, or natural additives, raising the pH of RO water can enhance hydration, improve taste, and support overall well-being.

If you’re looking for a straightforward option, MAYU Essential Minerals Drops offer a clean, balanced blend of calcium, magnesium, and potassium—designed specifically for remineralizing purified water like RO.

Just a few drops can help restore optimal pH and trace minerals without changing the flavor.