Aquafina: The HydRO-7 Purification Process
Aquafina is not a mineral water but a purified drinking water, which is a crucial distinction. The company employs a rigorous, seven-step purification process known as HydRO-7. This system is meticulously designed to remove substances from the original water source, which comes from public water supplies. The goal is to achieve a consistent, pure taste by eliminating virtually all dissolved solids. The steps in this process include pre-filtration, reverse osmosis, and ozonation, among others.
Reverse Osmosis and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
The centerpiece of the HydRO-7 process is reverse osmosis (RO). RO uses semi-permeable membranes with tiny pores to filter out unwanted substances like chlorides and salts. It is this step that effectively removes minerals, including magnesium, from the water. The result is a water with a very low Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) reading. TDS is a measure of the total concentration of dissolved substances in water. According to Aquafina's official FAQ, its water has an average TDS reading of 4 parts per million (ppm). This is significantly lower than the FDA standard of 10 ppm for purified water and dramatically different from spring water, which can have much higher TDS levels.
The Contrast with Mineral Water
To understand why Aquafina lacks magnesium, it is helpful to compare it to natural mineral water. Spring and mineral water are sourced from underground formations and, while often treated for contaminants, they retain the naturally occurring minerals from their source. The mineral content in such water varies widely depending on the geology of the spring. It is this inherent mineral content that differentiates mineral water from purified water like Aquafina. For instance, some mineral water brands may contain significant levels of magnesium, calcium, and other trace minerals.
| Comparison: Aquafina vs. Natural Mineral Water | Feature | Aquafina (Purified Water) | Natural Mineral Water | What it Means for Magnesium Content |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Public water sources | Underground springs or boreholes | Aquafina removes minerals; mineral water retains them. | |
| Processing | Rigorous seven-step purification (HydRO-7), including reverse osmosis | Treated to remove bacteria, but minerals are retained | Aquafina's process intentionally removes magnesium. | |
| Mineral Content | Virtually no minerals; average 4 ppm TDS | Varies greatly, can contain significant amounts of magnesium | Aquafina lacks magnesium; mineral water may be a source. | |
| Taste Profile | Consistent, clean, and "pure" taste due to removal of dissolved solids | Unique flavor influenced by the type and quantity of minerals | A distinct difference in taste is a direct result of the mineral content. | |
| Magnesium Source | Not a dietary source of magnesium | Can be a dietary source, depending on the brand and source | Choose mineral water if seeking a magnesium boost from water. |
Why Aquafina Removes "Beneficial" Substances
Aquafina acknowledges that some of the compounds it removes, like calcium and potassium, are beneficial to the human body. However, the company's position is that the minute levels of these minerals typically found in most bottled water have no significant health impact. By removing them, Aquafina claims to deliver a purer and more consistent product. This focus on purity over mineral content is a key brand strategy, setting it apart from mineral water brands that highlight their natural mineral profiles. For consumers concerned about mineral intake, Aquafina suggests that these nutrients are best obtained through a balanced diet, including foods rich in magnesium like leafy greens, nuts, and legumes.
The Importance of Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in hundreds of bodily functions. It plays a critical role in muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control, and blood pressure regulation. For individuals with a magnesium deficiency, getting this nutrient from dietary sources or supplements is important. While magnesium-rich water can contribute to daily intake, the absence of magnesium in Aquafina is a direct consequence of its purification method, not a reflection on the mineral's importance.
- Key functions of magnesium:
- Muscle contraction and nerve function
- Energy production
- Maintaining a steady heartbeat
- Regulating blood pressure
- Supporting bone health
Conclusion
In summary, the question "Does Aquafina water contain magnesium?" has a clear answer: no, not in any nutritionally significant amount. Aquafina's HydRO-7 purification system, which includes reverse osmosis, is designed specifically to remove dissolved solids, including magnesium, to create a water that is exceptionally pure in taste. This stands in stark contrast to mineral water, which retains its natural mineral content. While a balanced diet is the primary source of magnesium, consumers seeking to supplement their mineral intake through water should opt for a natural mineral water instead of Aquafina. For consistent, pure taste, Aquafina delivers on its promise by removing the minerals that can alter a water's flavor profile. You can read more about Aquafina's purification process and product details on their official FAQ page.
