Carlsbad Alkaline Water

ZERO.... I grew up in San Diego, moved away, and hadn’t returned for many years until recently. I just got back from my trip and felt compelled to share my experience with Carlsbad Alkaline Water, and what a major disappointment it was. I wasn’t surprised to visit the comment section and see so many negative reviews reflecting similar frustrations. First, the initial price increase is outrageous, and machines only taking cash is crazy. I noticed a lot of comments about employees not being present on site. I’d like to go one step further and say that when I came, an employee was on site and, instead of acknowledging the machine took my change, they argued with me until I gave up and walked away. Having visited the comment section and feeling frustrated, I want to highlight the amount of gaslighting I’ve observed from the company’s ownership in response to reviews. 1) Eight months ago, a reviewer posted the results of a pH strip test indicating that the water is neutral. In response, the company claimed that strip tests are unreliable and that a calibrated pH meter is required to test their “special” water. They also stated that the water is tested daily in-house and by a third party, yet they did not provide any results from either in-house or third-party testing, nor did they disclose which laboratory they use for third-party analysis. 2) Four months ago, a reviewer shared lab results demonstrating that the water was once again not alkaline, a step beyond simply using a calibrated pH meter. Once again, the company dismissed these results as false, yet provided no evidence or testing to substantiate their claims. 3) Throughout the owner’s responses to reviews and on the website, they claim that the California State Senate voted their water “Most Healthful Water.” This seemed very odd to me, that a state senate would vote on something like healthy water. I researched this supposed vote and did not find any legislative records or reliable news sources showing the California State Senate officially voted on or ceremonially declared Carlsbad Alkaline Water as the “Most Healthful Water.” Furthermore, their website heavily markets its 19th-century heritage and European spa connection, claiming therapeutic effects and visits by U.S. presidents. However, these claims lack verifiable evidence, modern lab testing, or scientific validation, making them largely anecdotal and promotional. At one point, maybe you could sell consumers on claims with no facts, but times have changed. This brand reads more as a heritage focused story than a scientifically supported health product. Legally, I don’t know how they can make these claims at this point, especially the biggest problem, calling it alkaline with no lab results backing it. Smells like fraud.

A few of the other reviews talked about doing at home testing to evaluate the alkalinity and purity of Carlsbad Water, and the owners responded that at home testing wasn't accurate -- so I decided to get a formal high end laboratory analysis (EPA approved; the same standard of testing used for hospitals and medical facilities). In case the attached photos of the analysis are removed, I'll summarize the results here. First off, the water is *not* alkaline, but neutral (pH of 7.1, with a pH of 7 being considered neutral). The science behind the alkaline diet is pretty suspect, but if that's the reason you're getting your water here you'd be better off adding alka seltzer to your glass once you get home. Second, the water is very clean but it's not "reverse osmosis" level pure. The contaminants my analysis found were as follows: Lithium: 0.013 mg/L Silica: 0.9 mg/L Strontium: 0.005 mg/L Chloride: 31 mg/L Total Dissolved Solids: 64 mg/L These levels are well within the limits of safety established by the EPA, but they are present, for whatever that's worth. Beyond these few exceptions, the water was completely pure. I wonder if the silica content may be related to the piping used to transport the water and not the water itself. Outside of inorganic contaminants, no organic ones (ie. trihalomethanes and volatiles) were detected whatsoever. As far as the location, sometimes there are sometimes homeless people around late at night, but that's Carlsbad. Sometimes the machines short change you if they're short on cash, but 95% of the time they work well. The shop isn't always open at its advertised hours, but when they're there the staff is easy going and helpful. The water, considering its quality, is much cheaper and cleaner than anything you could get for the same price. Also it almost certainly has fewer microplastics in it than anything you buy in a plastic bottle (though testing for these is non-standardized and extremely difficult). Overall I'm really appreciative of their presence here -- they are a massive benefit to the community.

Ah the greedy little local water monopoly. Machines still only take cash & coin but there is NO ATM/CHANGE MACHINE FOR AFTER HOURS and for literally years now the outdated machines nearly ALWAYS RETURN INCORRECT CHANGE - they desperately need to be replaced/upgraded to accept cc & Apple Pay. You would think with all the money these ppl rake in hand over fist it would be a no-brainer. Then there my personal favorite - the light above the bathroom on the north side of building FLICKERS ALL NIGHT! FOR LIKE AT LEAST A YEAR? Fix the damn thing already! Show some basic consideration for your customers sheesh! Their website is also horribly out of date - literally ZERO PROOF OF THE WATER QUALITY. Yet we keep coming to buy it because it does taste much better than tap. Sigh. Meanwhile for these decrepit facilities the price has skyrocketed! It’s pretty offensive when you stop to think about it.

I used to love coming here, we’ve been getting our water here for the last 4 years. But the reason we are no longer coming here is because their prices increased by $.40 within the last year and a half. It used to be $1/gallon, in January 2024 increased to $1.20 and then when I came to fill up water this last time it increased to $1.40. That’s a 40% increase!! The owner commented on someone else’s review saying this was the first increase ($1.20 to $1.40) in 3 years which isn’t true as I’ve been coming here for the last 4 and know for a fact the increase from $1 to $1.20 happened just in early 2024. It would be nice if accountability was taken rather than commenting to make it seem like the customers are making it up.

I almost didn't come because of the bad reviews. But I wanted to taste the water myself. I've traveled all over the country for years, and this is very good water. I didn't mind paying for it. Because i'm gonna pay for water one way or another.I would rather be beneficial for my body. I had a bit of an issue and the lady that worked there.Was very kind and helpful. Meeting her helped me make sense of the reviews. She seems to be a logical, intelligent Human. Which is why responses to the seem as such. I had a very good experience.Will enjoy this water. If I happen back through on my converted ambulance journeys i will certainly stop again!!