What's the difference between pH and alkalinity? An easy-to-understand explanation of the true meaning of alkaline ionized water
Are pH and Alkalinity the Same? Let's Start with the Conclusion
While pH and alkalinity may seem similar, they are actually different.
pH indicates "the state of the water," while alkalinity is a concept related to "its properties and stability."
Therefore, you cannot determine all of a water's characteristics simply by its high pH.
What is pH?
pH is a value that indicates whether water is acidic or alkaline.
・pH 7: Neutral
・pH less than 7: Acidic
・pH greater than 7: Alkaline
This value allows you to easily understand the nature of water.
What is Alkalinity?
Alkalinity is a concept that describes the properties of water, not just a numerical value.
Depending on the components and balance within the water,
how it maintains its state changes.
Therefore, even water with the same pH can have different properties and palatability.
The Difference Between pH and Alkalinity
To put the differences simply, they are as follows:
| Item | pH | Alkalinity |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Acidic/alkaline state | Water properties |
| Characteristic | Expressed numerically | Varies by content |
| Change | Relatively easily changed | Changes by condition |
Understanding this difference will change your perspective on water.
Should you choose water based solely on pH?
When choosing water, it's not just about looking at the pH;
palatability and ease of daily use are also important points.
For example,
・Palatability
・Mouthfeel
・Sustainability
These factors are important when choosing water for daily life.
What kind of water is easy to incorporate into daily life?
For daily hydration, it's important that it's "sustainable without forcing yourself."
For example, Onsensui 99, a natural water from Tarumizu Onsen in Kagoshima Prefecture,
is ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7, characterized by its soft and smooth mouthfeel.
Despite being alkaline with a pH of 9.9, it has littleクセ (strong or distinctive flavor),
and is known as water that is easy to incorporate into daily life.
👉 For more on the taste of water, this article is also helpful.
The Meaning of Understanding Water Differences
Understanding the differences in water makes it easier to choose the right water for you.
Especially for daily drinking water,
it's important to choose water that is palatable and easy for you to continue drinking.
Summary
pH and alkalinity are not the same; they each have different meanings.
When choosing water, it's important to consider not only numerical values but also palatability and intended use.
Choosing water that can be easily incorporated into daily life leads to a comfortable lifestyle.
▶ For those who are unsure about choosing water
If you want to know more, these articles are also recommended:
👉 Differences between soft and hard water
👉 Comparison of mineral waters in Thailand
👉 How to choose safe water
