You’ve probably noticed it - that smug row of “alkaline water” bottles staring you down from the health aisle like they know something you don’t. Maybe your mate’s naturopath swears by it. Maybe you’re just wondering what makes it so different from what comes out of your kitchen tap or your fancy benchtop filter.
So let’s break it down. Alkaline water vs normal water (and yes, we’re throwing filtered water into the mix too). No fluff. No wild wellness claims. Just the facts with a few fun detours along the way.
Ah, good old Aussie tap water. It’s technically drinkable (and thank goodness for that), but it comes with a bit of extra… flavour. Not in a craft-beer kind of way but more in a “hmm, is that chlorine?” kind of way.
Here’s what you need to know:
pH: Usually between 6.5 and 7.5, depending on where you live.
Contents: Contains added chlorine (to kill bacteria), fluoride, and sometimes other cheeky hangers-on like PFAS and heavy metals.
Taste: Let’s just say… it varies.
Then there’s spring water, which sounds all earthy and wholesome, right? But in Australia, most spring waters are actually acidic, with a pH between 5 and 6.5. That might surprise you. It surprised us too.
Filtered water is the Marie Kondo of the water world - it strips things down. Most benchtop or under-sink systems remove some of the chlorine and nasties from tap water (yay), but they don't contain much of the good stuff like naturally occurring minerals (boo).
And the pH? It depends on the filter. Some drop the pH below neutral, making the water slightly acidic unless it’s got a remineralising cartridge (which, let’s be honest, most of us forget to replace).
Alkaline water is water with a higher pH, typically around 8 to 9.5. It’s less acidic and more “basic”, which sounds boring but is actually a good thing in this case.
But not all alkaline waters are created equal. Some are made in a lab with electrolysis, pH boosters, and labels that read like a chemist’s cookbook.
alkalife isn’t one of those.
We’re naturally alkaline. Our water filters up through limestone caverns that are part of the Jenolan Caves karst system, picking up bicarbonate, calcium, and magnesium along the way. No funny business. Just mineral-rich water that’s been quietly perfecting itself underground for centuries.
It’s why more and more people searching for alkaline water at Woolworths or Coles are starting to read the fine print. Just because it says “alkaline” doesn’t mean it’s naturally mineral-rich. alkalife is the real deal and we’ll explain why that matters.
|
Feature |
Tap Water |
Filtered Water |
Spring Water |
alkalife |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
pH |
6.5–7.5 |
6.5–7.5 (varies) |
5–6.5 (acidic) |
8.0 |
|
Chemicals |
Chlorine, fluoride |
Varies by system |
Naturally clean-ish |
None |
|
Minerals |
Some |
Often removed |
Low |
Naturally high |
|
Taste |
Chlorine-y, flat |
Clean-ish, neutral |
Slightly bitter |
Smooth + soft |
We’re not here to make miracle claims. But here’s what actual studies have found:
Reflux relief: A study by Dr Jamie Koufman found that alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 inactivates pepsin - the enzyme responsible for reflux damage. (Take that, heartburn.)
Detox support: Alkaline water has been shown to help protect against mercury toxicity.
Minerals that matter: Water rich in bicarbonate and calcium may support digestion, bone health, and better hydration.
And for those wondering, the World Health Organisation actually cautions against drinking distilled or mineral-free water regularly. Because.. surprise! too pure isn’t ideal either. Your body needs a little grit (in the form of trace minerals) to keep things balanced.
Yes. And you’ll know it the second it hits your tongue.
While some waters feel “flat” or bitter, alkalife is clean, soft, and dare we say, silky. It’s the kind of water that makes your coffee taste better and your body quietly go “ahhhh.”
Honestly? All water hydrates. But not all water supports your health in the same way.
If you’re:
Trying to cut back on acidic triggers like reflux
Keen to avoid chemical additives
Wanting the benefits of natural minerals without the added baggage
A bit of a taste snob (no shame!)
…then alkaline water might just be your go-to.
And if you want one that’s natural, untouched, and sourced locally? That’s where alkalife comes in.
View our products and try our naturally alkaline water. Use Code DETOX10 for $10 off your first order. Your cells (and your carbon footprint) will thank you.
Or head over to our FAQ to dive deeper.
