3 Steps to Naturally Increase the pH of Drinking Water
Discover simple steps to increase the pH of your drinking water and improve its quality for a healthier hydration routine.
Published October 6, 2024.
Generally, the pH level of water varies between 6.5 and 8.5, and drinking water too far out of this range may not be safe. Normal drinking water has a neutral pH of 7. Once the pH level reaches 8 or 9, water is considered alkaline.
Alkaline water, enriched with higher levels of alkalizing minerals compared to tap water, is hailed by advocates as the healthiest option. They believe that consuming water with a higher pH can counteract acidity within the body.
How to Increase the pH of Water Naturally
Step 1: Test Water's pH Levels
Step 2: Increase Water Alkalinity
Step 3: Check pH Levels Again
3 Easy Steps to Raise pH in Water
1. Start by Testing Your Water’s pH Level
Whether you're drinking filtered water from a bottle, using an at-home water filter, or drinking tap water, it's possible to test your water's pH level. There are two easy ways to do this:
- Using a pH Meter: Fill a clean container with water and allow it to settle for a few minutes. Ensure the water covers the electrode tip for accurate readings. Insert the probe into the container and wait for equilibrium before reading the pH meter results.
- Using pH Papers: Dip a testing strip into a container of water for a few seconds. Once the strip changes color, match it to the provided chart to determine the pH level.
2. Add an Alkaline Substance to Your Water
If your water is neutral, or even on the acidic side, there are some natural substances you can add to increase its alkalinity.
- Fresh Lemon: Although lemon juice is acidic, adding it to your water in small amounts has an alkalizing effect on the body. Lemons are anionic, so once you drink the water, it becomes alkaline as your body reacts with the lemon's anions. Squeeze the juice from one fresh lemon into 8 glasses of water to sip on throughout the day.
- Baking Soda: This is a simple ingredient found in most kitchens. Baking soda sits at around 8.4 on the pH scale. The effect of baking soda will depend on your water's current pH level, and you won't be able to raise it past 8.4.
How much baking soda to add to raise the pH in drinking water? Mixing in 1 tsp (4 g) of baking soda with 250 ml of water will raise its pH, making it more alkaline.
- Milk of Magnesia Milk of magnesia is an alkaline suspension, which means it causes neutralization when it encounters anything acidic. This makes this substance great for water on the more acidic side. Milk of magnesia comes in liquid form with a dosing cap or in tablet form. Add one dose to 8 glasses of water to sip on throughout the day.
- pH Drops pH drops contain potent, concentrated alkaline minerals. These drops can be purchased from health stores or online. Follow the specific instructions on the pH drops bottle when it comes to putting them in your water.
» Read about alkaline vs. living, structured water
3. Check Your Water’s pH Again
After adding your chosen substance, retest water pH to ensure it falls within the desired range of 8 to 9. Monitor your body's response and adjust alkalinity if adverse reactions occur.
Health Benefits of Drinking Higher-pH Water
While there isn't much research to support the health benefits of drinking alkaline water, many health professionals believe there are advantages.
- Enhanced Hydration: Alkaline water may positively impact hydration levels, especially post-exercise, and influence urine pH.
- Improved Digestion: Alkaline water is often deemed therapeutic for acid reflux sufferers, potentially aiding digestion by reducing intestinal acidity.
- Anti-Aging Effects: Some studies suggest that drinking alkaline water may slow down the aging process and promote longevity.
- Bone Health Support: Alkaline water might have a beneficial effect on bone resorption, the breakdown and absorption of bone tissue.
Promoting Overall Well-being by Reducing Acidity
Reducing the body's overall acidity level achieves a more desirable and less inflammatory state, which puts you at less risk for chronic disease. Drinking alkaline water is a safe and natural way to boost your overall well-being.