Alkaline Water Filter vs Naturally Alkaline Water: What’s the Real Difference?

Alkaline Water is Trending But Not All Alkaline is Equal

Let’s be honest, most of us have googled “alkaline water filter” after seeing a TikTok, a wellness podcast, or maybe even on the shelf at Coles or Woolworths. The idea of water that does more than just hydrate? Yes please.

But here’s the thing no one tells you straight up: not all alkaline water is the same.

You’ve got filtered alkaline water on one side, often made at home or under the sink. And then you’ve got naturally alkaline mineral water, like alkalife, which flows out of the ground already full of minerals and goodness.

Same pH ballpark, completely different league.

What Is an Alkaline Water Filter?

Alkaline water filters are clever little systems that make your water less acidic usually by adding minerals or using a process like ionisation. You’ll find them as benchtop jugs, under-sink units, and even shower filters these days.

They usually work in two ways:

1. Filtration – removing chlorine, fluoride and other impurities (tick).

2. Alkalising – adding minerals like calcium or magnesium to raise the pH (tick, sort of).

But here’s where it gets murky: not all filters are transparent about what’s added. And many of them add synthetic versions of those minerals, not the kind you’d naturally get from, say, a limestone cavern.

What Is Naturally Alkaline Water?

Naturally alkaline water is just that - water that is already alkaline when it comes out of the ground. It’s taken the scenic route, filtering through layers of mineral-rich rock and picking up a unique mix of elements along the way.

Take alkalife. It’s sourced from an ancient underground limestone cavern that’s part of the Jenolan Caves karst system in Australia. This water contains naturally occurring bicarbonate and calcium - no additives, no processing, no lab coats.

It’s soft, smooth, and ready to drink without needing a filter, a funnel, or a user manual.

Let’s Break It Down: Filtered vs Natural

Here’s a handy cheat sheet:

Why Minerals Matter More Than pH Alone

This is the bit most people miss.

Raising the pH of water doesn’t magically make it healthier. What your body actually needs is bioavailable minerals like bicarbonate, calcium and magnesium which help with things like acid buffering, digestion, and hydration at the cellular level.

Filtered water can have high pH but be mineral-empty.

Studies like Dr Jamie Koufman’s research show that high bicarbonate mineral water can soothe acid reflux without medication. And another study found alkaline mineral water might help protect against mercury toxicity. It’s not just about pH - it’s about the mineral profile.

alkalife, for instance, is naturally high in bicarbonate, which plays a major role in neutralising acid in the body. That’s why so many of our customers tell us their reflux symptoms improve after switching.

So Which One’s Better?

That depends.

If you’re looking for a DIY option and don’t mind the maintenance, alkaline filters can be a good start. Just read the fine print and check what minerals are actually being added.

But if you want a no-fuss, natural source of alkaline water with real mineral benefits, bottled mineral water like alkalife is the more consistent choice. It’s like the difference between instant coffee and something brewed from fresh beans. Both might wake you up, but one tastes better and feels better.

Still Have Questions?

We’ve got you. Head over to our FAQ page for the nitty gritty on minerals, safety, and how alkalife fits into your daily routine.

Oh, and yes, it’s safe for pregnant mums and kids too. 

Try alkalife - the Water That Doesn’t Need a Filter

alkalife is Australia’s first-to-market naturally alkaline water brand, proudly sourced and bottled locally since 2002. It’s water that hasn’t been messed with no additives, no processes to mimic alkalinity - just natural mineral water from deep underground.

Grab a bottle. See how it feels. You might never go back to fiddling with filters again.