Essential Water: The Purification Process
At its core, Essentia is not sourced from a specific natural spring but from municipal water supplies. What sets it apart is the extensive proprietary three-step purification and ionization process it undergoes to become what the company calls "Overachieving H2O". This process is the key to understanding why essential water does not have fluoride in it.
Step 1: Microfiltration and Reverse Osmosis
The first stage involves advanced filtration. The water is first run through microfiltration to remove visual and sub-visual suspended particles. The most crucial step for eliminating fluoride and other dissolved salts is the reverse osmosis (RO) purification. This technology pushes water through a semipermeable membrane to remove over 99% of impurities, including heavy metals, contaminants, and, most importantly, fluoride. This ensures that the base water is exceptionally pure and essentially fluoride-free before any further processing.
Step 2: Electrolyte Infusion
After being purified, the water is infused with a specific blend of trace minerals, or electrolytes. These include sodium bicarbonate, dipotassium phosphate, magnesium sulfate, and calcium chloride. These minerals are added not only to complement the body's natural mix but also to provide the water with its signature clean, smooth taste. The addition of these specific minerals does not reintroduce fluoride into the product.
Step 3: Ionization
The final step in Essentia's process is ionization. The water undergoes ionic separation, which restructures it and removes bitter-tasting acidic ions. This proprietary method raises the water's pH level to 9.5 or higher, creating its trademark alkaline state. This entire process is designed to create a consistent, high-quality product every time, regardless of the initial water source.
Comparison: Essential Water vs. Other Water Sources
Understanding the differences between Essentia and other water sources highlights why its fluoride content is negligible. The following table provides a quick comparison.
| Feature | Essential Water | Standard Tap Water | Spring Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fluoride Content | Generally zero (removed via RO). | Varies significantly; may be artificially added by municipalities. | Varies; contains naturally occurring levels from source. |
| pH Level | High, typically 9.5 or higher (artificially raised). | Neutral or slightly variable (influenced by source and treatment). | Variable, depending on the mineral content of the source. |
| Mineral Content | Trace electrolytes added back for taste. | Varies depending on location; includes naturally occurring minerals. | Contains naturally occurring minerals from the underground source. |
| Processing | Multi-stage purification including RO and ionization. | Municipal treatment, including disinfection with chlorine. | Minimal processing to preserve natural mineral composition. |
The Verdict on Fluoride
For individuals seeking a fluoride-free option, Essentia Water is a reliable choice. The company's rigorous purification process, centered on reverse osmosis, effectively removes virtually all traces of fluoride, ensuring a consistent product. However, this also means the water does not contain the fluoride that is often intentionally added to municipal tap water for dental health benefits. This is an important consideration for consumers making a long-term hydration decision.
If the primary goal is simply to avoid fluoride, then Essentia delivers on its promise. For those with specific health concerns, it's wise to weigh the pros and cons of fluoride exposure. Consulting with a dental professional or doctor can help determine the best hydration strategy for individual needs, especially regarding dental health. For more detailed information on their process, you can consult Essentia's official water quality reports.
Is Essentia Water Safe for Long-Term Consumption?
Essentia Water is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is periodically analyzed to ensure quality and safety. The company's facilities are also audited by third-party organizations like the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). The minerals added are in trace amounts and are generally recognized as safe for human consumption. As with any product, moderate consumption is advisable, but the product is held to strict safety standards.
Factors to consider before choosing Essentia:
- Dental Health: Since Essentia removes fluoride, it does not contribute to the dental benefits of fluoridated water. Individuals should discuss alternative fluoride sources with their dentist.
- Alkaline Concerns: While many tout the benefits of alkaline water, medical research on the advantages of a high pH level is still ongoing. Some anecdotal reports suggest it may affect digestion by reducing stomach acid.
- Cost: Essentia is often significantly more expensive than tap water, so consumers are paying for the purification, ionization, and convenience.
- Sustainability: The environmental impact of single-use plastic bottles is a concern for some, though Essentia uses recyclable bottles.
Conclusion In summary, Essentia Water does not contain fluoride because its advanced reverse osmosis purification system removes the mineral, along with other impurities, during processing. This makes it a suitable choice for those deliberately seeking to avoid fluoride in their drinking water. The water is then enhanced with electrolytes for taste and ionized to a high pH level. While safe for consumption and backed by rigorous testing, the absence of fluoride and the higher price point are key factors to consider when choosing Essentia over other water options.
Summary of Essentia's Composition
- Purity: Essentia is purified to 99.9% pure through microfiltration and reverse osmosis.
- Fluoride Removal: The reverse osmosis process effectively strips fluoride from the water.
- Electrolyte Addition: After purification, a blend of electrolytes is added for flavor.
- Ionization: The water is ionized to achieve an alkaline pH of 9.5 or higher.
- Safety: The product is regulated by the FDA and verified by third-party auditors like the NSF.
