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Storing Alkaline Water: Why Plastic Bottles May Not Be Ideal

Writer's picture: Alex AnshakovAlex Anshakov

Updated: Feb 22, 2024

Alkaline water is a popular choice for those who are looking to enhance their wellness regimen. It is known for its higher pH level and mineral content beneficial to your body, such as improved hydration, detoxification, and overall body balance. However, the benefits of alkaline water can be significantly impacted if it is stored with the use of our most problematic material - plastic. Storing alkaline water in plastic bottles is a normal practice for us, it's the material that we use every day in different circumstances, however, this common practice for many might not be the best approach. If you use this method, you should know that it poses risks to both, the quality of the alkaline water stored and the environment.


A horizontal image showcasing alkaline water, with a transparent, sleek glass bottle filled with clear, slightly blue-tinted alkaline water. The bottle has text on it reading 'Alkaline Water'. It's set against a clean, minimalist background to emphasize its purity and health benefits. Around the bottle, there are visual elements like a pH balance chart and water molecules, subtly highlighting the alkaline nature of the water. The scene is illuminated by soft, natural light, emphasizing the refreshing and hydrating qualities of alkaline water and promoting it as a superior choice for wellness and balance.

The Nature of Alkaline Water

Alkaline water especially alkaline ionized water, is not just water with a higher pH. It is filled with a bounty of minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium. In addition, fresh alkaline ionized water offers beneficial antioxidant properties due to its potential for a negative Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP). However, alkaline water can be sensitive to the conditions in which it's stored.


Woman with curly hair drinks water from a glass

Why Plastic Bottles Fall Short

The convenience of plastic bottles is obvious, it's a light, cheap, and hardly breakable material compared to glass, that we love to use daily. But when it comes to storing ionized alkaline water made by water ionizer or alkaline bottled water, plastic won't be the best choice. Here's why:



Chemicals: Many plastic bottles can leach chemicals into the water, especially when they are exposed to heat or sunlight. It can affect alkaline water in different ways, change water's pH, drop its antioxidant power, and possibly bring harmful substances into drink stored water.


Water Quality: Alkaline ionized water opens additional benefits from its enhanced properties when used fresh. Plastic bottles, particularly those not designed for storing ionized water, might not provide a full experience, leading to a faster degradation of the water's beneficial properties, including its pH and ORP levels. 


Environmental Concerns: Beyond health implications, the use of plastic bottles contributes to environmental pollution. Choosing other storage solutions that will help maintain alkaline water benefits and environmental concerns is a win-win. 



Alternatives for Storing Alkaline Water

To maintain the purity, potency, and beneficial properties of alkaline water, consider these alternatives:


Glass Bottles and Jars: Glass is inert and it won't interact with the water's pH or antioxidant properties. Sealed glass containers are the ideal solution for preserving alkaline water benefits, but be aware that they should be stored in a cool, dimly lit location. 


Vacuum Stainless Bottles: For those who are away from home, high-quality stainless steel bottles can be a great option, because they are designed to minimize air exposure and light. 


Ceramic Containers: Ceramic material, same as glass, doesn't leach chemicals into the water, making it a suitable option for home storage. However you need to make sure that the ceramic is glazed and intended for storing consumables, alternatively, there is a possibility for potential contamination. 


A horizontal photo featuring three water bottles: a glass bottle, a stainless steel bottle, and a ceramic bottle with a wooden lid. Each bottle is distinctively designed to highlight its material. The glass bottle is clear and sleek, allowing the purity of the water inside to shine through. The stainless steel bottle is modern and durable, with a metallic finish that reflects light. The ceramic bottle is artisanal, with a matte texture and intricate patterns suggesting its handcrafted nature, complemented by a wooden lid, adding an element of natural beauty. They are placed in a row on a kitchen table, against a backdrop of a blurred kitchen setting, emphasizing the eco-friendly and healthy lifestyle choice of using reusable bottles. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the unique qualities of each bottle.

Best Practices to Store Alkaline Water

To ensure the optimal quality of stored alkaline water, follow these guidelines:


Avoid Direct Sunlight: Store your water in a cool, dimly lit place to prevent the breakdown of its beneficial properties.



Keep It Sealed: Whether you choose glass or stainless steel, ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent air exposure, which can alter the water's pH and reduce its antioxidant effectiveness.


Glass water bottle
Sealed glass water bottles are excellent for storing alkaline water as they prevent air exposure, maintaining the water's optimal pH and antioxidant levels.


Chill If Possible: Keeping alkaline water chilled can help maintain its high parameters, especially if you plan to drink alkaline water within a few days of storage. But be aware that Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP) especially will change quickly and lose its benefits. 

A horizontal image featuring a glass of water with vibrant splashes, set against a pure white background. The glass, filled with crystal-clear water, is in the midst of lively action, with water droplets dynamically splashing out in a radiant display of movement and vitality. The stark contrast of the water's clarity against the white background highlights the purity and refreshing nature of the scene. This image captures the essence of hydration and the invigorating power of water, presenting it in a visually striking manner that emphasizes its significance for life and wellness.



Conclusion

While alkaline water gives numerous potential benefits to your body, the way it's stored can significantly impact its quality and benefits. Due to the plastic bottle's disadvantages such as chemical composition and environmental impact, it doesn't provide an ideal storage solution. By choosing alternatives like glass, stainless bottles, and other proper storage practices, you can enjoy the full spectrum of benefits that alkaline water can offer you. Remember, the goal is to enhance your wellness journey, and the way to store ionized water counts towards achieving optimal goals. Shift away from plastic towards more sustainable options for your alkaline water storage. Your body and the planet will thank you. 


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