Understanding the Essentia Water Process
Essentia Water is known for its high pH and clean taste, which are achieved through a three-step, proprietary process. This process is designed to remove impurities and then enhance the water with beneficial elements. Consumers concerned about what they drink can feel confident knowing that the "chemicals" present are not harmful, but rather naturally occurring mineral salts added to improve flavor and hydration.
Step 1: Microfiltration and Reverse Osmosis Purification
The Essentia process begins with water from municipal sources. This water is not bottled directly but is subjected to a rigorous purification procedure. The first stage involves microfiltration, which removes physical particles and suspended solids. Following this, the water passes through activated carbon filtration, which is highly effective at removing organic chemicals, chlorine, and other substances that can affect taste and odor. The most intensive purification step is reverse osmosis (RO), which forces water through a semipermeable membrane. This stage is crucial for removing up to 99.9% of dissolved solids, heavy metals like lead and arsenic, and various other contaminants. At this point, the water is considered highly pure, and the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level is very low.
Step 2: Infusing Electrolytes for Taste
After purification, the water is infused with trace amounts of a proprietary mineral blend. These are not artificial chemicals but rather naturally occurring mineral salts. The purpose of this step is to improve the water's taste profile, which can be flat after the reverse osmosis process, and to complement the body's natural mix. The electrolytes added include:
- Sodium Bicarbonate: A common leavening agent and antacid, it is a mineral salt that helps buffer acidity and contributes to the alkaline pH.
- Dipotassium Phosphate: A food additive and buffer, this is a potassium salt that helps maintain pH balance.
- Magnesium Sulfate: Also known as Epsom salt, this provides a source of magnesium.
- Calcium Chloride: This mineral salt is used to add calcium and contribute to the overall flavor.
Step 3: The Ionization Process
The final step is Essentia's proprietary ionization process, which is responsible for the final alkaline pH of 9.5 or higher. This is a critical distinction, as the electrolytes alone do not produce the high pH. Instead, the ionization process removes bitter-tasting acidic ions, resulting in a clean, smooth-tasting, alkaline water. This electrochemical process separates acidic and alkaline components, concentrating the alkaline ions and removing the acidic ones. This method is what gives Essentia its specific alkaline properties, different from other brands that might rely on mineral-rich spring sources for their alkalinity.
Essentia Water vs. Tap Water: A Comparison of Chemicals
To better understand what is in your water, comparing Essentia's contents with standard tap water is useful. Essentia starts with municipal water but thoroughly purifies it, resulting in a very different final product.
| Feature | Essentia Water | Standard Tap Water (Municipal) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Starts with municipal water, but undergoes extensive purification. | Varies by municipality; can contain various levels of minerals and contaminants. |
| Purification | Multi-stage process including microfiltration, activated carbon filtration, and reverse osmosis. | Typically treated with chlorine or chloramine; filtration methods vary but are often less comprehensive. |
| Chlorine | Removed via activated carbon filtration. | Present as a disinfectant. |
| Heavy Metals | Removed by reverse osmosis. | Can contain trace amounts depending on source and piping. |
| TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) | Very low, under 10 ppm after purification. | Can vary significantly, often higher than bottled water. |
| Added "Chemicals" | Naturally occurring electrolytes (Sodium Bicarbonate, Dipotassium Phosphate, Magnesium Sulfate, Calcium Chloride) added for taste. | No specific electrolytes added for flavor enhancement; may contain a variety of dissolved minerals. |
| pH Level | 9.5 or higher due to ionization. | Typically neutral or slightly alkaline, around 7-8. |
Safety and Regulation
The bottled water industry is highly regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Essentia Water facilities are regularly audited by third-party organizations. The ingredients added are food-grade mineral salts, and the bottles are made from BPA and phthalate-free plastic, a crucial safety consideration. Ultimately, Essentia adds specific, safe chemical compounds (mineral salts) to its purified water for taste and alkalinity, a process far different from contamination with harmful or artificial substances. The final product is a purified, enhanced, and consistently safe-to-drink water.
Conclusion
In short, does Essentia Water have chemicals in it? The answer is yes, but not in the way many people might fear. The water contains naturally occurring, food-grade mineral salts (electrolytes) that are intentionally added for taste and to achieve its alkaline properties. Before this, a multi-stage purification process, including microfiltration and reverse osmosis, removes unwanted chemicals and impurities from the municipal water source. The final result is a highly purified and enhanced beverage. For those seeking highly purified alkaline water with a specific taste profile, Essentia offers a product with a transparent and well-regulated manufacturing process. You can learn more about their process on their website's FAQ page.
