With $21 billion spent on bottled water in the United States in 2012, you’d never guess that we have (for the most part) safe and clean drinking water. The latest water trend to make waves (pun intended) is alkaline or ionized water. Let’s dive a bit deeper.

Alkaline water has a higher pH than regular tap water. It can be purchased in bottles or created through a process called electrolysis. Some of the home installation systems run upwards of $6,000. Proponents of alkaline water say it helps neutralize acid in the blood, boosts your metabolism, slows down aging and helps your body absorb nutrients more efficiently.

But what are the experts saying?

According to the Mayo Clinic, researchers haven’t verified the claims on alkaline water. Some studies suggest that alkaline water may slow bone loss, but more research is needed to determine if this benefit influences overall mineral density and if this it persists long term. Their verdict is to stick with plain water.

Even if alkaline water isn’t the fountain of youth, the reality is that most of us could benefit greatly from proper hydration. Though most people aim for 8 cups of water a day, current water guidelines are 13 cups per day for men and 9 cups per day for women. If you exercise, you’ll need even more. By staying hydrated, with alkaline water or not, you’ll boost your metabolism, curb hunger and enjoy clearer skin.

And, at the end of the day, water is usually a better option than juices, sports beverages and soft drinks. In that sense, it’s hard to knock alkaline; it’s healthy. It’s just probably not any healthier than the plain alternative.