What is alkaline ionized water? A simple explanation of the difference between common alkaline ionized water and Onsen-sui 99.
What is alkaline ionized water?
"Alkaline ionized water" generally refers to drinking water that has been electrolyzed and made alkaline from water suitable for drinking.
In Japan, it is often produced by household water purifiers, and many people are familiar with the term "alkaline ion water purifier."
Water purifiers use a system that separates water into alkaline drinking water and acidic water by electrolysis.
On the other hand, there are also natural alkaline waters.
Both share the characteristic of being alkaline, but the reason and method of how the water becomes alkaline differ.
Therefore, not all "high pH water" is "alkaline ionized water."
First, it is important to understand the differences between them.
What is natural water?
Natural water is groundwater that has permeated underground over many years through rain and snow, and has been naturally filtered by geological layers.
The minerals and taste vary depending on the geology and environment of the area where it is sourced.
A major appeal of natural water sold in Japan is the individuality of each sourcing location.
Also, natural water is categorized as "natural water," "natural mineral water," and "mineral water."
Onsensui 99 is natural water sourced from approximately 750m underground in Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture.
By passing through natural geological layers over many years, it possesses the characteristics of a rich mineral balance and high pH.
It is not water artificially adjusted to be alkaline, but rather cherishes the inherent characteristics of water nurtured by the natural environment.
What is Onsensui 99?
Onsensui 99 is a natural mineral water sourced in Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture.
It is made from hot spring water that springs up from approximately 750m underground at about 47℃, and is processed while retaining the blessings of nature.
Its features are not limited to its high pH.
- pH 9.5-9.9
- Ultra soft water with a hardness of approximately 1.7mg/L
- Mellow taste
- Natural water nurtured by the natural environment of Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture
It combines multiple characteristics.
These are formed by the natural geological environment and are not created by artificial electrolysis.
Therefore, Onsensui 99 is a natural water that shares the commonality of "high pH" but differs from general alkaline ionized water in its production method and characteristics.
Why Onsensui 99 has a high pH
One of the major characteristics of Onsensui 99 is its high pH of9.5-9.9.
However, "high pH does not mean it's alkaline ionized water."
The important thing ishow that pH was achieved.
General alkaline ionized water becomes alkaline through electrolysis.
On the other hand, Onsensui 99 is natural water with a high pH, influenced by the unique geology and minerals of the land as it passes through natural geological layers over many years.
It is not artificially made alkaline by adding chemicals or performing electrolysis.
Tarumizu City in Kagoshima Prefecture is known as a region with distinctive geological features, such as the Shirasu plateau formed by volcanic activity.
By filtering through this rich natural environment over many years, Onsensui 99's unique mellow taste and high pH are nurtured.
In addition to its high pH, being "naturally derived" is also one of the charms of Onsensui 99.
What is ultra-soft water?
One factor that influences the deliciousness of water is "hardness."
Hardness is an indicator of the amount of calcium and magnesium contained in water.
It is generally classified as follows:
| Hardness | Classification |
|---|---|
| 0-60mg/L | Soft water |
| 60-120mg/L | Medium soft water |
| 120-180mg/L | Hard water |
| 180mg/L or more | Very hard water |
The hardness of Onsensui 99 is approximately1.7mg/L.
This is extremely low compared to general soft water, making it a water quality so soft that it is called "ultra-soft water."
One of the reasons you can feel a gentle, mellow taste when you drink it is this low hardness.
Why ultra-soft water is easy to drink
Water with high hardness often contains many minerals, giving it a rich taste.
On the other hand, ultra-soft water is characterized by its gentle taste and lack of peculiar flavors.
Onsensui 99 is used not only as daily drinking water but also for:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Cooking rice
- Dashi (broth)
- Soups
It is also used for these purposes.
The ease with which it enhances the original flavors of ingredients is another appeal unique to ultra-soft water.
Differences between general alkaline ionized water and Onsensui 99
"Alkaline ionized water" and "Onsensui 99" both share the characteristic of being alkaline.
However, the mechanism by which the water becomes alkaline and the nature of the water itself differ.
The differences can be summarized as follows:
Comparison ① Production Method
| Item | General alkaline ionized water | Onsensui 99 |
| Production Method | Produced by electrolyzing water | Natural water formed in natural geological layers |
| Artificial Processing | Electrolysis is performed | Electrolysis is not performed |
| Reason for Alkalinity | Electrolysis | Natural origin |
Comparison ② Water Characteristics
| Item | General alkaline ionized water | Onsensui 99 |
| pH | Depends on water purifier settings | Approx. 9.5-9.9 |
| Hardness | Varies depending on the source water | Approx. 1.7mg/L |
| Taste | Varies depending on the source water | Mellow and gentle taste |
Comparison ③ Water Origin
| Item | General alkaline ionized water | Onsensui 99 |
| Source Water | Tap water, etc. | Groundwater from Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture |
| Mechanism of Alkalinity | Electrolysis | Natural geological environment |
| Characteristics | Generated by water purifier | High pH natural water nurtured by nature |
As such, while general alkaline ionized water and Onsensui 99 share the commonality of being "alkaline," their origins and characteristics differ.
Onsensui 99 is natural water with high pH and ultra-softness, nurtured over many years in a natural environment.
Therefore, in addition to its high pH, the mellow taste and naturally derived mineral balance are also major appeals of Onsensui 99.
Onsensui 99 is recommended for these people
Onsensui 99 is a natural mineral water with high pH and ultra-softness, nurtured by nature.
It is recommended for people like the following:
Those who want to re-evaluate their daily drinking water
Water is essential for daily life.
That's why many people want to be particular about drinkability and quality.
Onsensui 99, with its mellow taste unique to ultra-soft water, is suitable for daily hydration.
Those looking for water with a gentle taste
Water with high hardness has a firm and substantial mouthfeel.
On the other hand, Onsensui 99 is ultra-soft water with a hardness of approximately 1.7mg/L.
It is chosen by those who prefer a gentle taste.
Those who want to enjoy coffee and tea
Water also affects the taste of beverages and food.
Ultra-soft water is said to enhance the original flavors of ingredients, making it recommended for:
- Coffee
- Green tea
- Black tea
It is also recommended for these.
Those who want to be particular about their cooking
Since water is used daily, some people want to incorporate it into their cooking.
Onsensui 99 is used in various dishes, such as:
- Cooking rice
- Dashi (broth)
- Soups
- Simmered dishes
It is used in various dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is alkaline ionized water?
Generally, it refers to drinking water that has been electrolyzed and made alkaline.
Q. Is Onsensui 99 the same as general alkaline ionized water?
Both share the characteristic of being alkaline, but their production methods differ.
Onsensui 99 is high pH natural water nurtured in natural geological layers.
Q. Is Onsensui 99 artificially made alkaline?
No.
It is not made alkaline by electrolysis or chemical additives.
It is natural water formed within the natural geological environment.
Q. What characteristics does a high pH have?
pH is one of the indicators that shows the properties of water.
Onsensui 99 is characterized by its naturally high pH, but when choosing water, it's good to also consider its taste, hardness, and intended use.
Q. What is ultra-soft water?
It is water with very low hardness.
Onsensui 99 has a hardness of approximately 1.7mg/L and is characterized by its mellow taste.
Q. Is it safe to drink every day?
Onsensui 99 is natural water manufactured and sold for drinking purposes.
Many people incorporate it into their daily hydration.
Q. Can it be used for coffee and tea?
Yes.
Due to its gentle taste unique to ultra-soft water, it is also used for enjoying coffee and tea.
Q. Can it be used for cooking?
Yes.
It can be used for daily cooking, such as cooking rice, making dashi, and soups.
Summary
While "alkaline ionized water" is a widely known term, there are various types of alkaline water.
General alkaline ionized water often refers to drinking water that has become alkaline through electrolysis, whereas Onsensui 99 is a high pH, ultra-soft natural mineral water nurtured in the natural environment of Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture.
In addition to its high pH, Onsensui 99's mellow taste unique to ultra-soft water and its naturally derived mineral balance are also major appeals.
Enjoy it in various settings, including as daily drinking water, for tea and coffee, and in your cooking.
