WATER WARS: TAP, ALKALINE, HYDROGEN & FILTERED. WHAT SHOULD YOU ACTUALLY BE DRINKING?

Not all H₂O is created equal. You’d think water would be the one thing in your life not causing confusion. But walk into any wellness aisle and you’ll find alkaline bottles, hydrogen water pouches, remineralization drops, countertop filters the size of espresso machines, and water sommeliers all preaching about purity. And, I get it. Ever have fresh spring water? Damn.

So what’s the best water for your health? Let’s break down the pros, cons, science, and BS of all the water types you’ve been sipping (or avoiding).

WHY WATER MATTERS (AND HOW MUCH YOU NEED)

Water is not optional. It’s the conductor of every single bodily function:

• Regulates temperature

• Moves nutrients

• Cushions joints

• Detoxifies organs

• Powers digestion

• Boosts energy + brain function

  
  

How much should you drink?

The old “8 glasses a day” is outdated. A better formula is:

Body weight (lbs) ÷ 2 = ounces per day (So if you weigh 150 lbs, you need about 75 oz = 2.2 liters)

Add more if:

• You’re sweating, sick, or drinking coffee/alcohol

• You’re on a high-fiber or high-protein diet

• You’re prone to kidney stones or UTIs

TAP WATER: THE “FREE” OPTION THAT MAY COST YOU

Pros:

• Cheap

• Convenient

Cons:

• May contain chlorine, lead, PFAS (forever chemicals), pharmaceutical residues, microplastics, nitrates

• Quality varies wildly by city, age of pipes, and geography

• Contains Fluoride which can help topically for dental hygiene but questionable results when taken internally

How to check your tap:

1. Request a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your water supplier (mandatory in Canada/US)

2. Use a home test kit for lead, chlorine, pH, bacteria, etc. (Amazon or hardware stores)

3. Try the EWG Tap Water Database (USA only)

FILTERED WATER: YOUR FIRST DEFENSE

There are different levels of filtration; from simple charcoal pitchers to full-on reverse osmosis (RO) systems.

Pros:

• Removes chlorine, sediment, and sometimes heavy metals

• Improves taste

• Customizable filtration levels (carbon, RO, UV, etc.)

Cons:

• Some systems remove everything, including beneficial minerals

• RO systems are expensive and can waste water

• May require remineralization after filtering

Best for:

People with questionable tap water or health conditions aggravated by toxins (e.g. thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions)

SANTEVIA & GRAVITY FILTERS: NATURAL + REMINERALIZED

Santevia uses a gravity system to remove contaminants AND add minerals like calcium, magnesium, and trace elements. It’s a mid-range, eco-conscious system with no electricity needed.

Pros:

• Adds back beneficial minerals for pH balance and taste

• Affordable and portable

• Great for renters or minimalists

Cons:

• Not as aggressive as RO or UV systems

• Doesn’t remove all pharmaceuticals or viruses

Best for:

People who want gentle filtration + mineral support without installing anything

ALKALINE WATER: THE MOST OVERMARKETED OPTION

Alkaline water is water with a pH above 7, sometimes naturally (from mineral springs) or artificially (via ionization machines).

Claimed benefits:

• Neutralizes acidity

• Reduces inflammation

• Increases hydration

Real talk:

• Your body regulates its own pH tightly. Your stomach acid will instantly neutralize most of it

• Some people may benefit (e.g. acid reflux, chronic acidosis), but for most, it’s unnecessary

Cons:

• Can disrupt digestion in some people

• Some bottled alkaline waters are just filtered tap + baking soda

• Machines cost $$$ and often overpromise

Best for:

Athletes, reflux sufferers, or people on a very acidic, processed diet

HYDROGEN WATER: THE NEW KID WITH PROMISE

Hydrogen water is regular water infused with molecular hydrogen (H₂ gas), a potent antioxidant with emerging studies on mitochondrial health, inflammation, and exercise recovery.

Pros:

• May reduce oxidative stress

• Some early research shows benefits for cognitive function, athletic recovery, and metabolic health

• Doesn’t change taste

Cons:

• Expensive

• Hard to store (hydrogen escapes quickly)

• Limited long-term human studies

Best for:

Biohackers, athletes, chronic fatigue warriors, or anyone with cash to burn and a nerdy curiosity

ADDING MINERALS BACK: SHOULD YOU?

If you drink RO or distilled water (or filter aggressively), you may lose essential minerals like magnesium, calcium, potassium. You can restore balance with:

• Concentrace mineral drops

• Himalayan salt (pinch per liter)

• Trace mineral powders

• Santevia mineral stones or cartridges

Why it matters: Minerals regulate hydration at the cellular level. Without them, you might still feel dehydrated even when chugging water like a champ.

SO… WHAT’S THE BEST WATER?

Here’s the cheat sheet:

Type	Best For	Watch Out For
Tap	Budget, brushing teeth	Check for heavy metals, PFAS
Filtered (carbon)	Everyday use, light filtering	Doesn’t remove everything
Reverse Osmosis (RO)	Maximum filtering	Remineralize after
Santevia/Gravity	Natural mineral support	Doesn't remove pharmaceuticals or viruses
Alkaline	Reflux, heavy gym-goers	pH hype, price
Hydrogen	Recovery, aging, biohacking	Expense, short lifespan