Water's Good

Introduction: The Controversy and Dilemma of Healthy Water

The U.S. bottled water industry is booming, generating over $45 billion in sales annually according to the International Bottled Water Association. However, now more than ever, the shelves are stocked with a variety of bottled water options, leaving consumers wondering which is the best and healthiest water. 

Two of the most popular types of bottled water sold are alkaline water and purified water. Alkaline water has a pH above 7, leading many to think it is better for the body’s pH balance. However, others believe that reverse osmosis in purified water is best because of its purity. 

Here at iSpring, we recognize that every consumer has different hydration goals. Therefore, we offer customizable filtration solutions ranging from mineral-retaining RO systems to advanced alkaline filters, ensuring every household gets the best, high-quality water that suits its unique needs.

Scientific Comparison and Controversies

Arguments for Alkaline Water

For many who prefer alkaline water, they believe that because the body’s blood pH is tightly regulated around 7.4, that drinking water with a slightly higher pH can help neutralize excess acidity in the body. Additionally, alkaline water generated through ionization or alkaline filters often contains molecular hydrogen (H₂), which is said to act as a powerful antioxidant by neutralizing free radicals.

There are many examples that prove that alkaline water is far more than a passing fad. In Japan and South Korea, alkaline water is commonly used for conditions like acid reflux and post-exercise recovery. We have also seen major celebrities and professional athletes, including NBA players, who have invested in or endorsed alkaline water brands like Essentia and pH Water. While many people report feeling more hydrated and energized after switching to alkaline water, and some early studies show promise for helping with acid reflux, more large-scale clinical trials are still needed to see the true benefit of alkaline water. 

RO Water Under Scrutiny 

For those who turn to purified water that employs a reverse osmosis water system, they praise its high-level of purity as RO systems are able to remove nearly 99% of impurities. However, with this process, it cannot differentiate between good and bad particles. As a result, the water is completely stripped, including removing essential minerals such as calcium and magnesium. This has raised the concern that long-term consumption of demineralized water could lead to mineral deficiencies or an imbalance in the body’s electrolytes. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged concerns over demineralized water but emphasizes that a healthy diet, not water, is the primary source of essential minerals. A comprehensive study by the National Academies of Sciences found no conclusive evidence that RO water causes mineral deficiencies or harm in healthy individuals. The so-called “alkaline diet” has been widely debunked as pseudoscience. Your body tightly regulates its pH via the kidneys and lungs, not the water you drink.

Selecting the Best Water for Your Individual Needs: Key Factors and Recommendations

When selecting which water will be your best option, keep in mind that water quality matters more than buzzwords

Depending on where you live, the quality and chemistry of your tap water will largely dictate your best option. Hard water regions such as California Central Valley and Florida notoriously produce hard water which is loaded with minerals, but also contains contaminants such as arsenic or nitrates. An RO system combined with an alkaline filter offers both purity and mineral balance.

In areas where water pH is naturally low, for example, parts of New York and the Northeast, an alkaline cartridge can help bring water to a more neutral, palatable level.

Something else to consider is personal health conditions and special needs. In some studies, alkaline water has been shown to neutralize stomach acid, reducing discomfort for those with acid reflux. Another special consideration to be made for those with a kidney condition is that they should avoid high-mineral water and stick with pure RO water to reduce stress on their filtration organs. As with any health condition, it is advised that you consult your doctor before making any dietary changes.

Tailored Solutions for Every Household

Our goal is to provide everyone with affordable access to clean water. With each of our reverse osmosis water systems, you can rest easy knowing that up to 99% of contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, fluoride, and chlorine are being removed from your water. The systems below each have slight differences to ensure all of our consumers’ needs are met.  

Our RCC7 is a cost-effective yet powerful system with NSF certification. This reverse osmosis filter system 

1. is comprised of a five-stage filtration system including 
1. a PP sediment filter that removes sediment, dust, sand, particles, dirt, and rust, 
2. a GAC filter that removes chlorine, tastes,  odors, cloudiness, and colors, 
3. a CTO carbon block filter that removes chloramine and harmful chemicals, 
4. a 0.0001 micron RO membrane that effectively removes impurities, and
5. a post-carbon filter that removes residual tastes and odors from the tank.
2. conveniently fits under your kitchen sink.
3. comes with a European-style high spout faucet or is easily able to be connected to your refrigerator’s water supply with our ICEK kit.

Our RCD100 is our premier reverse osmosis countertop system. This sleek, compact system is perfect for apartments, small kitchens or those on the go and requires no plumbing. Like the RCC7, this system employs a PP CTO filter, RO membrane and a post-carbon filter.  Additionally, this filter 

1. uses a stainless steel prefilter that effectively traps large particles as well as a final stage ultraviolet (UV) filter to add an extra layer of protection.  
2. requires no installation and only needs a plug-in to operate.
3. has a revolutionary instant heating function that quickly allows a customized experience by providing four temperature settings.
4. boasts a large-capacity water tank that holds 1.3 gallons of water.
5. employs an innovative wastewater circulation technique that enhances the filtration performance, achieving a remarkable and unbeatable up to 2.5:1 pure-to-drain water ratio.
6. can produce up to 100 gallons of contaminant-free water per day.
7. includes convenience features such as a self-cleaning mode, a smart panel display, a twist-and-lock design for filter replacement, an energy-saving mode, a child safety lock, and a quiet operation.

For high-demand households, our RO500-BN is a perfect solution with NSF certification. With a 500 gallons per day capacity and an ultra-low drain ratio (2:1), this next-generation, tankless reverse osmosis filtration system not only keeps up with your needs but can also save water waste by up to 400% compared to traditional RO systems. Additionally, this filter 

1. features a two-in-one composite sediment and carbon block filter, a second-stage advanced RO membrane, and a third-stage carbon block filter to enhance the taste.
2. removes TDS, limescale, chlorine, fluoride, arsenic, asbestos, calcium, sodium, and other dangerous contaminants lurking in your water with its powerful RO membrane.

To enhance taste and boost pH with added minerals, the below alkaline RO filters are excellent options.

Our RCC7AK adds a final alkaline stage to the RCC7, using a remineralization filter. This under-the-sink reverse osmosis system is designed to remove contaminants down to 0.0001 microns while restoring the natural alkalinity and mineral balance of water with its 6-stage filtration system. Additionally, this system 

1. employs a second-stage GAC filter and a third-stage carbon block filter to effectively eliminate chlorine, unpleasant tastes, odors, cloudiness, and sediment.
2. uses a pressurized tank to ensure a stable water flow.
3. produces up to 75 gallons of filtered water per day.
4. comes with a lead-free, solid brass faucet with a brushed nickel finish or, like the RCC7, can be connected to the refrigerator’s water supply using our ICEK kit. 

Our RO500AK-BN is a tankless alkaline RO system that combines the power of the RO500-BN with an alkaline filter, delivering both purity and balance. This alkaline RO system is our next-generation, tankless reverse osmosis filtration system that

1. functions four times more efficiently than traditional RO systems providing a faster water flow and a higher pure-to-waste ratio saving water waste by up to 400% compared to traditional RO systems.
2. contributes to reduced water bills and less water going down the drain because of its industry-leading pure-to-waste ratio of up to 2.5:1.
3. employees a 1st-stage 2-in-1 composite Sediment and Carbon Block filter, a 2nd-stage advanced RO Membrane, and 3rd-stage Carbon Alkaline Filter.
4. restores the natural alkalinity and mineral balance of water.
5. produces up to 500 gallons of filtered water per day.

For families wanting top-tier performance, our RO5004F is one of our newest arrivals and is a tankless, under-sink reverse osmosis water filtration system that adds UV sterilization and also features a booster pump and smart monitor. This system also 

1. features a comprehensive six-layer filtration process including PP sediment filter, anti-scale filter, CTO filter, a 0.0001-micron RO membrane, and a taste-polishing CTO filter. Additionally, it features a built-in UV light that lasts up to 8,000 working hours, providing an extra layer of protection by eliminating microorganisms. 
2. is high performing, producing up to 500 gallons of purified water per day with a flow rate that is more than five times that of traditional RO systems. 
3. has a 2:1 pure-to-drain ratio, making it an economical and eco-friendly choice by reducing water waste.
4. features a built-in boost pump to aid those with low water pressure and to enhance the efficiency of the RO membrane. 

Find What Fits You Best

In the battle of alkaline water vs. pure water, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Providing your family with a system that you know will deliver purified water is the most important thing. Our reverse osmosis systems provide you with a peace of mind foundation. With customizable options, the iSpring NSF-certified filtration systems ensure you don’t have to compromise and can find a system that meets your exact needs.