Selecting an appropriate water purifier for your home is essential for ensuring the quality of the water you drink is beneficial to your health. Alkaline water purifiers adjust the pH level of plain water, making it more alkaline, which is considered healthy by some due to its antioxidant properties. The notion that consuming alkaline water helps balance the body’s pH and contributes to better hydration is a point of interest for many seeking wellness through their diet.
On the other hand, copper water purifiers infuse water with copper ions, drawing on the ancient practice of storing water in copper vessels for purification purposes. The presence of copper in drinking water can offer antimicrobial properties and may contribute to improved health. These purifiers work by releasing copper ions into the water, which can have a sanitising effect on the microorganisms present in the water.
When comparing the two, it’s crucial to consider the specific needs of your household and the local water quality. While alkaline water purifiers may purify water by increasing its pH, copper-infused water from a copper water purifier is touted for its potential health benefits arising from the antimicrobial properties of copper. Whether you aim to drink water that is slightly alkaline for its purported wellness benefits or you’re inclined towards the traditional approach of copper purification, understanding the differences between these purifiers will support you in making an informed decision for your home.
What Is Alkaline Water?
Alkaline water is characterised by its higher pH level compared to standard drinking water, which means it may offer a range of health benefits, change the quality of the water you consume, and include distinct functionalities in its purification process.
Alkaline Water
Alkaline water possesses a higher pH level than regular tap water. This higher pH can be achieved through natural processes or by using a water purifier designed to increase water’s alkalinity. Typically, alkaline water refers to water with a pH value higher than 7, which is considered neutral on the pH scale.
Health Benefits
Some proponents of alkaline water claim that it offers health benefits such as improved hydration, the ability to detoxify the body, and even a boost in immunity. These benefits are thought to stem from the water’s ability to neutralise acidity in the body, although it is crucial to note that such claims are often based on anecdotal evidence rather than widespread scientific consensus.
Ph Level of Water
The pH level of water is a numeric scale used to specify its acidity or basicity (alkalinity). Neutral water has a pH of 7, while alkaline water typically has a pH of above 7. The exact pH value of alkaline water can vary depending on the alkaline water filter or purifying technique used.
How Alkaline Water Purifiers Work
Alkaline water purifiers work by using a process such as RO (reverse osmosis) water purification technology to not only purify the water but also to alter its pH level. These systems may incorporate an RO membrane and additional filters or solutions to raise the pH level. The end result is water that is not just purified but also has the properties and benefits associated with alkaline water. It’s important for you to consider that while water purifiers also aim to remove contaminants, alkaline water purifiers specifically target the pH balance of the water to make it more alkaline.
The Properties of Copper
Copper is a naturally occurring element with a distinctive reddish-brown hue. It’s known for its ability to conduct electricity and heat, and it plays a vital role in various bodily functions. In the context of water purification, copper can contribute beneficial properties, such as its antimicrobial activity, to your drinking water.
Benefits of Alkaline Water Purifiers
However, this section is focused on the properties of copper, so it’s important to steer the discussion towards copper water purifiers. These devices leverage the natural properties of copper to enhance the quality of the water. When discussing benefits, you might refer to alkaline water purifiers as they raise the pH level of water, but here, the emphasis is on how copper can add essential minerals, potentially help to detoxify the body, and boost immunity through its inclusion in the purification process.
How Does a Copper Water Purifier Work?
A copper water purifier introduces copper ions into water through a process involving the release of ions from active copper. This purification process involves the copper charge, which has antimicrobial properties, interacting with the water to kill bacteria and viruses. The result is purified, enriched water imbued with the beneficial properties of copper.
By understanding the role of these copper ions, you can appreciate the sophistication behind a copper water purifier and its ability to not just purify, but also fortify your drinking water with an essential mineral that supports your overall health.
Comparison of Alkaline and Copper Water Purifiers
When selecting a water purifier, you’ll encounter choices like alkaline and copper-based systems, each offering distinct benefits regarding water pH balance and purification efficacy.
Alkaline and Copper Water Purifiers
Alkaline water purifiers are designed to increase the pH level of water, creating an alkaline environment which some believe can contribute to better health. On the other hand, copper water purifiers utilise the natural properties of copper to potentially impart additional health benefits into the water without significantly altering its pH level.
Main Difference Between Alkaline and Copper Water Purifiers
The main difference lies in the pH alteration of water. Alkaline purifiers raise the water’s pH, usually to a level between 7 and 8, which can help neutralize acidity in your body. Copper purifiers do not significantly change the pH but instead aim to infuse water with copper ions, which might have antimicrobial properties.
Neutralize Impurity
Alkaline purifiers may be more effective at neutralizing certain contaminants, like arsenic, which can be more soluble in acidic conditions. Conversely, copper purifiers rely on copper’s potential to reduce other impurities and may enhance overall water quality by adding trace amounts of minerals.
Kill Bacteria
Copper has been known to possess antibacterial properties, and copper purifiers utilise this trait by allowing water to pass over copper elements, reducing the presence of harmful microbes. Alkaline purifiers, however, typically do not kill bacteria and rely on additional purification technology like RO or UV filters to eliminate bacteria and viruses.
Purification Technology
Both types of purifiers may incorporate advanced technologies such as RO+UV, UV+UF, or like RO water purification technology to further ensure the elimination of contaminants. Alkaline purifiers often use these methods in conjunction with raising the pH, while copper purifiers might use them to complement copper’s health-enhancing attributes.
