By Omid Tahami,

CWS Certified Water Specialist, Founder of Zaria Water Inc.

Introduction

Alkaline water has garnered significant attention for its potential health benefits, including improved hydration, antioxidant properties, and pH balance. However, before focusing on pH and Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP), it is crucial to ensure that the source water is clean and free from contaminants. Municipal water systems, while regulated under the Primary Drinking Water Standards, may still be vulnerable to contamination from pipeline breaches, disinfection byproducts, and aging infrastructure. In many cases, advanced filtration combined with remineralization is necessary for producing safe, balanced drinking water. A thorough understanding of water filtration and alkalization methods is essential for ensuring safe and effective drinking water.

Water Quality Concerns in Municipal Systems

Public water systems must comply with the Primary Drinking Water Act, which sets federal limits on contaminants such as lead, chlorine, arsenic, and fluoride. Nonetheless, several factors can compromise water quality, including:

• Pipeline Leaks or Breaks: External contaminants can infiltrate the water supply.
• Disinfectant Byproducts: Chlorine or chloramine can form harmful byproducts.
• Aging Infrastructure: Older pipes may corrode, introducing heavy metals into the water.
• Home Plumbing Systems: Outdated plumbing may contribute to lead or copper contamination.

To mitigate these risks, advanced water filtration technologies—such as Reverse Osmosis (RO), Nano Filtration (NF), and Distillation—are employed to remove a broad spectrum of contaminants. It is worth noting that while these methods reduce Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), some modern systems now include a remineralization stage to restore beneficial minerals. In contrast, certain alkalization methods, particularly electrolysis-based ionizers, rely on the presence of minerals to function effectively.

Limitations of Electrolysis-Based Ionizers

Electrolysis-based ionizers operate by passing an electric current through water, splitting it into alkaline and acidic streams. This process requires sufficient ionic conductivity, meaning it only works well if the water contains enough dissolved minerals (TDS). In purified or demineralized water, such as RO or distilled water without remineralization, the lack of ions can significantly impair the electrolysis process.

Key Limitations:

• Fails in Purified Water: In water with very low mineral content, the reduced ionic conductivity hinders effective electrolysis.
• Potential Concentration of Contaminants: In some systems, electrolysis may result in a disproportionate concentration of certain contaminants (such as fluoride, heavy metals, and nitrates) in the alkaline fraction. While the extent can vary with system design and operating conditions, this potential remains a concern.
• Scaling Issues: Hard water (high in calcium and magnesium) can lead to electrode scaling, reducing efficiency and lifespan.
• Fluctuating pH and ORP Levels: The alkaline and ORP levels achieved can sometimes be unstable over time, particularly under varying water chemistry conditions. Although some high-quality systems are designed to minimize these fluctuations, the potential remains.

Chemical Reactions in Electrolysis

Electrolysis splits water molecules into alkaline and acidic fractions through these reactions:

Cathode (-) Reaction (Reduction Process):
2H2O+2e−→H2 (gas)+2OH−2H_2O + 2e^- \rightarrow H_2\,(gas) + 2OH^-2H2​O+2e−→H2​(gas)+2OH−

Anode (+) Reaction (Oxidation Process):
2H2O→O2 (gas)+4H++4e−2H_2O \rightarrow O_2\,(gas) + 4H^+ + 4e^-2H2​O→O2​(gas)+4H++4e−

In this process, the alkaline fraction retains most dissolved solids, which can potentially concentrate any residual contaminants.

On Contaminant Bioavailability

Applying an electric charge to water can alter the chemical state of contaminants. Some research suggests that electrochemical processes may change contaminant speciation, which in certain contexts might affect their bioavailability. However, more research is needed to conclusively determine whether this translates into enhanced toxicity in drinking water.

Why Natural Mineral-Based Alkalization is Superior

Natural mineral-based alkalization improves water quality by infusing essential minerals that naturally elevate pH and provide buffering capacity—without relying on electricity or risking the concentration of contaminants.

Mechanism of Mineral Infusion & ORP Benefits

When water passes over mineral-rich materials, it dissolves beneficial ions such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. This process naturally raises alkalinity and pH in a controlled manner. Devices using mineral cartridges or ceramic mineral balls release these essential minerals into already filtered water, combining contaminant removal with remineralization.

ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential) Enhancement:
Natural mineral infusion helps lower ORP to a stable level, providing antioxidant properties. While electrolysis can generate hydrogen-rich water (which some studies associate with free radical neutralization), mineral-based systems focus on creating a consistently buffered water environment with a naturally favorable ORP. This stable environment helps reduce oxidative stress without the complexities associated with electrical processes.

Chemical Reactions in Natural Alkalization

Key reactions include:

Calcium Carbonate Dissolution:
CaCO3(s)+CO2(aq)+H2O(l)→Ca2+(aq)+2HCO3−(aq)CaCO_3 (s) + CO_2 (aq) + H_2O (l) \rightarrow Ca^{2+} (aq) + 2HCO_3^- (aq)CaCO3​(s)+CO2​(aq)+H2​O(l)→Ca2+(aq)+2HCO3−​(aq)
This reaction releases calcium ions and bicarbonate, contributing to increased alkalinity.

Magnesium Compound Interaction:
While a simplified reaction might be written as:
MgO(s)+H2O(l)→Mg2+(aq)+2OH−(aq)MgO (s) + H_2O (l) \rightarrow Mg^{2+} (aq) + 2OH^- (aq)MgO(s)+H2​O(l)→Mg2+(aq)+2OH−(aq)
In practice, magnesium oxide often forms magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂), which is only sparingly soluble. Despite this, the gradual release of magnesium still contributes to ORP reduction, pH elevation and buffering.

Scientific Comparison: Electrolysis vs. Natural Mineral Alkalization

Conclusion

Natural mineral-based alkalization presents a safe and effective alternative to electrolysis-based ionizers. By leveraging mineral infusion, it delivers a stable pH, balanced minerals, and consistent ORP levels while minimizing the risks of contaminant concentration, scaling, and instability.

Unlike electrolysis-based systems—which depend on the water’s mineral content and may introduce variability—natural alkalization works effectively across a variety of water conditions, including those from RO or distilled sources (especially when preceded by proper filtration). The addition of beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium ensures that drinking water is both alkaline and nutritionally supportive.

As research into water quality and alkaline water’s health benefits continues, natural mineral-based alkalization stands out as a promising long-term solution for delivering healthier, safer water.

Disclaimer: This article is informational and not intended as medical advice. Individuals should consult with health professionals regarding their specific water quality and health needs.        The mineral content present in the water is incidental and should not be considered a significant source of dietary minerals, nor is it intended to substitute for a balanced diet or professional nutritional advice.

Omid Tahami, CWS, Founder of Zaria Water Inc. 02-12-2025