WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALKALINE WATER AND FILTERED WATER?

lasy drinking a glass of water

What’s the difference between alkaline water and filtered water? Alkaline water has an elevated pH value of between 7-14. Filtered water is water that has been passed through a water filtration device to remove contaminants. They are two different types of water.


WHICH IS BETTER ALKALINE WATER OR FILTERED WATER?

Which type of water is better – alkaline water or filtered water? Alkaline water and filtered water are two completely different types of water.

water ionization

Alkaline water has an elevated pH. This means it is the opposite of acidic water. Alkaline water is better if you want to increase the pH of your water and neutralize excess acidity levels.

Filtered water has been treated to remove contaminants and toxins. It is a way of cleaning water. It purifies water by passing it through a water filter and removing particles and chemicals.

If your drinking water is contaminated and needs to be purified – filtered water is better. By filtering contaminated water you can make it safe to drink.


WHAT IS ALKALINE WATER?

Alkaline water is any water that has a pH above 7. The pH scale is used to measure how acidic or alkaline a substance is. It runs from 0-14. 

glass of reverse osmosis filtered water in the forest

Anything below 7 is acidic, anything above 7 is alkaline, and 7 is neutral. The higher the value the more alkaline a substance is. Similarly, the lower the value, the more acidic a substance is.

Alkaline water has recently seen a surge in popularity. People claim that drinking alkaline water neutralizes excess acidity in the body and boosts health. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.  For more information on alkaline water – see here.


HOW TO MAKE ALKALINE WATER

How is alkaline water made? The best way to make alkaline water is to use an alkaline water ionizer machine. These home appliances use your regular tap water supply and convert it to alkaline water.

woman drinking alkaline water

Other methods for making alkaline water at home include using pH drops, baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, coconut, and cucumber. For more information on how to make alkaline water at home – click here


ADVANTAGES OF ALKALINE WATER

What are the advantages of alkaline water? Proponents of alkaline water say that drinking it comes with a whole range of health benefits. But, none of these claims are backed up by scientific evidence.

The potential benefits of alkaline water are better skin health, system detoxification, easing acid reflux, and reducing blood pressure. Although, medical professionals point out that there is no evidence to back up these claims.


Best Alkaline Water Machines 2023

• BEST ALKALINE WATER MACHINE – click here


WHAT IS FILTERED WATER?

Filtered water is water that has been treated by passing it through a water filtration device to remove contaminants. 

reverse osmosis filtered water in a glass

Bottled mineral water and most tap water supplies are filtered to remove harmful contaminants to make the water safe to drink and taste better. 

To find out if you’re home water supply has been filtered and is safe to drink you should contact your local water provider.


TYPES OF FILTERED WATER

When covering – what’s the difference between alkaline water and filtered water – we need to take a look at the different types of filtered water.  There are many types of water filtration technologies but the aim of every one of them is the same – to remove contaminants from the water.

lady drinking ionized water

Water filtration is used to make water taste better, look better, and safe to drink. Without water filtration, we would all be drinking dirty water.  The four main types of water filters used in the domestic setting are activated carbon filter, reverse osmosis, ion-exchange, and distillation.

Activated Carbon Filter

An activated carbon filter is the most common type of water filter. It is regularly used in domestic water filtration devices. It uses an ‘activated-carbon’ medium to bind contaminants as the water passes through the filter. 

The contaminants are trapped inside the carbon medium while the water is free to pass through. Carbon filters are effective in removing the taste of chlorine, other chemicals, and a wide range of contaminants in your drinking water.

Ion Exchange

An ion-exchange water filter removes contaminants from water in the form of undesirable dissolved ions by replacing them with harmless ions of the same electrical charge from using an ion-exchange resin.

An ion exchange filter is inexpensive and effective for the removal of dissolved inorganics contaminants such as arsenic, fluoride, nitrates, uranium, and sulfates. They are also regenerable for continuous usage.

Reverse Osmosis

Reverse osmosis is an incredibly effective way of filtering water. The process removes up to 99% of all water contaminants to produce high-quality clean water.

Reverse osmosis filtration passes water through a semi-permeable membrane with a pore size so small – it allows water molecules to pass but blocks microscopic contaminants.

The pore size of a reverse osmosis filter membrane can be as small as 0.0001 microns. These membranes greatly reduce the presence of harmful metals, lead, mercury, and microbes.

Distillation

A distillation filtration system boils source water into steam before condensing it back into water. As water is transformed to steam it leaves behind its contaminants.

It then travels through the distillation apparatus in its gaseous form before being cooled to condense back into water. The filtered cooled water is then collected in a reservoir.


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CONTAMINANTS IN DRINKING WATER

What are the most common contaminants found in drinking water? According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency there are five types of contaminants in our drinking water: physical, chemical, biological, and radiological.

woman testing water in a lab

Physical – sediment suspended in the water of lakes, rivers, and streams. Often caused by soil erosion.

Chemical – nitrogen, bleach, pesticides, metals, and toxins produced by bacteria, human or animal drugs.

Biological – organisms such as microbes and viruses. Often referred to as microbiological contaminants they include bacteria, viruses, parasites, and protozoa.

Radiological – radiological contaminants are hazardous unstable atoms that emit hazardous ionizing radiation. Cesium, uranium, and plutonium are examples of radiological contaminants. You definitely don’t want these in your drinking water.


frequently asked questions

IS ALKALINE WATER BETTER THAN FILTERED WATER?

Alkaline water and filtered water are two completely different types of water. Alkaline water is better if you want high pH water with higher than normal alkalinity.

Filtered water is better if you want clean, purified water.  It has been passed through a water filtration system to remove contaminants. Water filtration purifies water to remove harmful substances and make it safe for drinking.

IS ALKALINE WATER JUST FILTERED WATER?

No, alkaline water is not just filtered water. Alkaline water is a special type of water that has an increased level of alkalinity. It is the opposite of acidic water.

Alkaline water has a pH above 7. Some people drink it for its potential health benefits – but there is no evidence to back up these health claims.


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COFFEE & ALKALINE WATER

cup of coffee made using alkaline water

Is alkaline water good in coffee? Yes, alkaline water is great for coffee – it makes it taste better! Alkaline water extracts more flavor from coffee beans and makes a much better-tasting cup of coffee. For the best tasting coffee use alkaline water with a pH of up to 8.5. The science is there to prove it.


IS ALKALINE WATER GOOD FOR COFFEE?

Yes, alkaline water is great for making coffee. If you like coffee, you’ll love alkaline water. Like Bonnie and Clyde, when you put the two together they form a potent couple.

water pouring into a pool of water

Alkaline water intensifies the aroma and flavor of coffee. Its alkaline properties perfectly complement the natural acidity of coffee.

Coffee is an acidic compound and the addition of alkaline water balances the acidity to enhance the taste and bring the subtle flavors to the fore.

IMPROVES TASTE

Alkaline water increases the flavor of coffee. Alkaline water extracts more flavor from the coffee beans compared to regular water and creates a more fragrant beverage.

And the science is there to prove it. A study by the University of New South Wales found that using alkaline water improved the flavor extracted from coffee beans.

They concluded that water with a pH of 7.0-8.5 resulted in the most flavor extraction and the best tasting cup of coffee.  You can make alkaline water at home using an alkaline water machine.


HOW DOES ALKALINE WATER AFFECT YOUR COFFEE?

Alkaline water improves the taste, enhances the aroma, and neutralizes the natural acidity of coffee. It is a great choice of water for making coffee – and if you haven’t tried it yet, you should give it a go.

coffee cup on a table

For the best results, choose an alkaline water with a pH of between 7 and 8.5. The pH scale runs from 0 to 14, and anything above 7 is alkaline.

Using alkaline water to brew your coffee takes the edge off its strong acidity levels and allows you better appreciate the complex flavors and aromas of the coffee bean.  Think of it like adding a little water to whiskey.

To truly appreciate the aroma of a high-end aged whiskey you need to add a little water to ‘loosen’ the flavors.  Alkaline water acts as the perfect counterbalance to the sharp acidity of a regular coffee.

It’s a real treat for your taste buds.  Check out our full guide to the Benefits of Alkaline Waterover here.


WHAT ACIDS ARE IN COFFEE?

Coffee is a naturally acidic drink. It has a pH of 4.7-5.0 depending on the beans and brewing technique used. Anything below 7 on the pH scale is an acidic compound.

glass of alkaline water in the forest

Coffee contains a wide range of acids, but the main players are chlorogenic, citric, malic, quinic, phosphoric, linoleic, and acetic acid. Alkaline water helps ‘balance out’ this acidity.

CHLOROGENIC ACID

Chlorogenic acid is the most prominent acid found in coffee. It’s also what gives coffee some of its best flavors. It is found in higher concentrations in light roast coffee. It is a type of phenolic acid and may play a role in glucose regulation.

CITRIC ACID

This is another acid that is present in high quantities in coffee. It adds a pleasant fruity flavor to the coffee – an aroma that is favored by many. It is highly soluble and readily passes from the bean to water during the brewing process.

MALIC ACID

Malic acid imparts a fruity flavor to the coffee similar to apples and plums. It is depleted during the roasting process – so the darker the roast the lower the malic acid content.

QUINIC ACID

Quinic acid is formed when chlorogenic acid is broken down during the roasting process. It is most noticeable in brewed coffee that has been left sitting on the heater too long and imparts a sour unpleasant taste.

PHOSPHORIC ACID

Phosphoric acid makes up less than 1% of a cup of coffee. However, it is one of the most potent acids found in coffee. And, it has no taste. It adds nothing to the flavor. It is believed phosphoric acid originates from the hydrolysis of phytic acid in the soil.

LINOLEIC ACID

Linoleic acid is a fatty acid. It is found in coffee in very low concentrations. The levels of linoleic acid in coffee are affected by the soil type and altitude at which the bean is grown. Linoleic acid is part of the omega-6 fatty acid family and is used to boost heart and blood health.

ACETIC ACID

Acetic acid is best known for the sharp bitter taste it gives to vinegar. It is found in coffee in low doses and gives it a sharp refreshing flavor. If the level of acetic acid is too high in a coffee it suffers an unpleasant vinegary taste.


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frequently asked questions

COFFEE & ALKALINE WATER FAQ

Does Alkaline Water Make Coffee Taste Better?

Yes, alkaline water makes coffee taste better. Alkaline water extracts more flavor from the coffee bean compared to regular water. This results in a better-tasting cup of coffee.

Does Using Alkaline Water Make Coffee Less Acidic?

Yes, using alkaline water instead of regular water makes your cup of coffee less acidic. Coffee is naturally acidic with a pH of 4.7-5.0. When you add alkaline water to your coffee it increases its pH and brings it closer to the neutral value of 7.

Can You Make Coffee With Alkaline Water?

Yes, you can make coffee with alkaline water. Making coffee with alkaline water is a great idea. It will boost the flavor of your brew and help neutralize its natural acidity.  We recommend it.

What Does Coffee With Alkaline Water Taste Like?

It tastes great. Studies have shown that coffee made using alkaline water has more flavor. Alkaline water increases the amount of flavor and aroma that is extracted from the coffee bean.

What’s The Best Water pH For Coffee?

The best water pH for coffee is 7.0-8.5. According to a study performed by the University of New South Wales in Australia, using water with a pH of 7.0-8.5 extracts the best flavor from coffee beans.


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WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IONIZED WATER AND DEIONIZED WATER?

water pouring from a bottle

Ionized water has been through an electrochemical process to create alkaline and acidic water. Deionized water is a type of purified water that has had impurities called ions removed. They are two completely different types of water.

Don’t confuse ionized water with deionized water. They are two very different types of water. Ionized water is used to create alkaline and acidic water. While ionized water is a type of purified water that has had electrically charged molecules called ions removed.  Below we explore everything you need to know about ionized vs deionized water.


WHAT IS IONIZED WATER?

And, what’s the difference between ionized and deionized water?  Ionized water is used to create alkaline water and acidic water. It uses a process called water ionization to turn regular water into ionized water.

glass of ionized water sitting on a rock

It is a process used to create alkaline water and acidic water. These are collected separately and used for a range of popular household applications.

ALKALINE & ACIDIC WATER

Alkaline water has a high pH, falling between 7 and 14 on the pH scale. Alkaline water is popular for its potential health benefits which include better skin health, detoxification, and treating acid reflux.

Acidic water has a low pH, falling between 0 and 7 on the pH scale. It is used for household cleaning, sterilization, and skincare.


WHAT IS DEIONIZED WATER?

Deionized water is a popular form of purified water. It involves removing impurities in the water called ions. The process is called water deionization.

deionized water

For processes requiring purified water, these ions are regarded as impurities and need to be removed from the water. This is where ion removal or deionized water comes into play.

Ions are small particles that have an electrical charge. There are two types of ions in water, positive ions and negative ions. Positive ions are called ‘cations’ and negative ions are called ‘anions’.


WHAT IS IONIZED WATER USED FOR?

Ionized water can be split into two groups – ionized alkaline water and ionized acidic water. Each of these has a distinct range of applications.

flow of water

Applications of Alkaline Water

  • Drinking-Water
  • Potential Health Benefits
  • Cooking Vegetables
  • Making Tea & Coffee
  • Dyeing Fabrics

Applications of Acidic Water

  • Household Cleaning
  • Dish Washing
  • Watering Plants
  • Disinfecting Utensils
  • Skin Care

WHAT IS DEIONIZED WATER USED FOR?

Deionized water is a popular form of purified water used in many commercial and household applications. It is used in settings that require a relatively cheap and readily available form of purified water.  See below for a list of its most common applications.

water pouring into a pool of water

Automotive
Deionized water does not contain any salts.  This makes it a great choice for automotive applications. Salts can damage engines, so deionized water is used in windscreen wash, radiator fluids, and anti-freeze formulas.

Aquariums
It’s clean, fish-friendly, and a great water for aquariums and marine tanks.

Beauty Products
It’s the go-to water base used in the production of shampoos, moisturizers, and skin cleansers.

Hospitals
Deionized water is a popular choice for cleaning jobs in hospital settings where water purity is vital.

Industry
Frequently used in industrial settings as a water rinse due to its high purity and very low salt levels. Salt corrodes and damages metallic equipment and fittings.

Laboratories
Many laboratory procedures require the use of deionized water in bench work and for cleaning utensils.

PH
Deionized water Ph is in the range of 6.0 to 6.4.  This makes it mildly acidic.

We can see, ionized water vs deionized water are two very different types of water.  They’re made in different ways and serve very different purposes.  Don’t get the two mixed up.


HOW IS IONIZED WATER MADE?

Let’s take a look at how to de ionize water.  The easiest way to make ionized water is using a water ionizer. This a machine that takes regular tap water and converts it to ionized water.

lasy drinking a glass of alkaline water

The device used an electrochemical process to ionize the water and convert it into alkaline and acidic water. All you need to do is add water to the machine and let it get to work.

Using high conductivity electroplates it separates water into hydrogen and oxygen molecules. If there are a greater number of H+ ions than OH- ions the water is acidic.

If the number of OH- is greater than the number of H+ then the water is alkaline.  Check out the Best Alkaline Water Ionizers  – see here.


HOW IS DEIONIZED WATER MADE?

Deionized water is made using an ion exchange resin. These resins contain tiny beads that have electrical charges that are used to attract and remove the ion impurities contained in water.

ionized water in a glass

The positively charged beads are used to attract and remove the negative ions in the water. And, the negatively charged beads remove the positive ions in the water.

As the water passes through the filter resin both types of ion are held in place and purified water flows from the filter.

Ion exchange filters have a limited lifespan and lose charge as they purify water. They need to be replaced and regenerated when they reach the end of their life cycle.


WHAT ION IMPURITIES ARE REMOVED?

Regular water is full of ions that it picks up as it moves through rocks and passes through pipes. It collects these minerals naturally as it brushes up against them. Deionization removes these minerals using their positive (cation) or negative (anion) molecular charge.

woman testing water in a lab

Cation Impurities Removed

  • Magnesium
  • Iron
  • Calcium
  • Manganese
  • Hydrogen
  • Sodium

Anion Impurities Removed

  • Sulfates
  • Nitrates
  • Chlorides
  • Carbonates
  • Hydroxyl
  • Silica

THE BOTTOM LINE – THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IONIZED WATER AND DEIONIZED WATER?

Don’t confuse ionized and deionized water. One is used to create alkaline and acidic water while the other is a form of purified water.  Deionized water vs ionized water – are two very different things.

lady making a hand gesture and smiling

Ionized alkaline water is a popular form of drinking water. While deionized water is used in many settings as a safe and cheap form of purified water with a very low salt content.  It is often used in the automotive industry.


What About Deionized Water vs Tap Water?

Regular tap water contains many ions.  Mostly from the soil and pipe network it passes through.  The most common ions found in tap water are sodium, calcium, magnesium, and metal ions that have leached into the water from water pipes.

Deionized water has no such ions – only water ions.  We can define deionized water as water that has had all non-water ions removed.


RELATED:

The Best Ionizing Water Filters 2024over here
Top Reverse Osmosis Under Sink Water Filtersover here
Pros & Cons of Reverse Osmosis Waterover here
What Minerals Are in Water?over here
Are Alkaline Water Machines Dangerous?over here


 

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