Understanding Aquafina's Purification Process
Aquafina is renowned for its purity and crisp taste, which is a direct result of its extensive seven-step purification process called HydRO-7. Unlike spring water, which retains its naturally occurring mineral content, Aquafina is classified as purified drinking water. This distinction is crucial for understanding its ingredient profile. The HydRO-7 process is designed to strip the water of virtually all dissolved solids and impurities, a category that includes minerals, salts, and other compounds.
The Role of Reverse Osmosis
A key stage in the HydRO-7 process is reverse osmosis (RO). This advanced filtration method uses semi-permeable membranes to force water through at high pressure. The membrane's extremely small pores effectively trap and remove unwanted substances, including sodium bicarbonate. The result is water that is exceptionally low in Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), a measure of the organic and inorganic substances dissolved in water. According to Aquafina, their average TDS reading is 4 parts per million (ppm), which is significantly lower than the FDA's bottled water standard of 500 ppm for purified water.
Why Sodium Bicarbonate is Absent
Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, is a salt that is often naturally present in water sources or added by other companies for specific purposes, such as altering taste or pH. Because Aquafina’s goal is to produce water that is as pure as possible, it removes these compounds rather than adding them back. Their official FAQ explicitly states, "We do not add anything to Aquafina purified water" and confirms that the purification system is designed to "remove trace compounds like carbonates, bicarbonates...". This approach results in a consistent taste profile and purity level that is the hallmark of the Aquafina brand.
Comparison of Bottled Water Types
The absence of sodium bicarbonate in Aquafina contrasts with other types of bottled water on the market. Different processing methods and source waters lead to a wide variety of bottled water products. Here is a comparison of Aquafina with other common types of water:
| Feature | Aquafina (Purified) | Spring Water (e.g., Evian) | Alkaline Water (e.g., Smartwater+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sourcing | Public water sources | Underground springs | Often municipal source with additives |
| Purification | Multi-step process including reverse osmosis | Filtered to remove contaminants, but retains minerals | Purified, then often re-mineralized with electrolytes |
| Sodium Bicarbonate | Removed during purification | May contain naturally occurring amounts | May have sodium bicarbonate added for pH |
| pH Level | Slightly acidic (5.5-7) | Typically neutral or slightly alkaline | Artificially raised to be alkaline (>7) |
| Taste Profile | Clean and neutral due to purity | Varies depending on mineral composition from source | Influenced by added minerals, often smoother |
| Typical TDS | Extremely low (average 4 ppm) | Varies, but higher than purified water | Varies, depends on mineral additions |
Is there a health benefit to purified water?
For those who prefer a consistent, pure-tasting product, Aquafina is a good choice. Its rigorous purification process ensures that potential contaminants found in municipal water sources are removed. While some other brands add minerals and salts for taste or to achieve a specific pH, Aquafina stands out for its commitment to removing them entirely. This makes it ideal for use in appliances that can be damaged by mineral buildup, such as coffee makers and irons.
However, it's worth noting that the body receives essential minerals from a balanced diet, so the presence or absence of trace minerals in water is not a significant nutritional factor for most people. The primary benefit of purified water is hydration with a consistently clean taste and the peace of mind that a vast majority of potential impurities have been filtered out.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Aquafina water does not contain sodium bicarbonate. This is a deliberate outcome of its intensive multi-step purification process, including reverse osmosis, which is designed to strip away dissolved solids and impurities. The brand's focus is on delivering pure, tasteless water, contrasting with mineral or alkaline waters that may contain naturally occurring or added sodium bicarbonate. Consumers choosing Aquafina are opting for consistent purity, not added minerals or electrolytes.
Can I add baking soda to Aquafina to make it alkaline?
While you can add baking soda to any water to raise its pH, it's not a standard or recommended practice. Artificially creating alkaline water can be different from naturally occurring alkaline water, and there is no scientific consensus on the health benefits of drinking artificially alkalinized water. If you are interested in consuming alkaline water, it is best to purchase a brand that is specifically formulated for this purpose, rather than attempting to alter the composition of purified water yourself.
Sources:
- Aquafina FAQ
- Quora
- TEN Spring Water pH Test
