Essentia Water's Purification and Ionization Process
Essentia Water utilizes a three-step proprietary process to create its ionized alkaline water. This begins with a standard source, often municipal tap water, before a rigorous purification and enhancement procedure transforms it into the final product.
The Three Key Stages:
- Purification: The process begins with microfiltration and reverse osmosis. Microfiltration removes visible and sub-visual suspended particles, while reverse osmosis removes over 99% of dissolved solids, organics, metals, and other contaminants. The result is water that is 99.9% pure, ensuring a clean and consistent starting point.
- Electrolyte Infusion: Following purification, Essentia infuses the water with trace amounts of pure alkaline electrolytes, including potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium. This blend is added specifically for taste and to complement the body's natural balance.
- Ionization: The final step is a proprietary ionization process that removes bitter-tasting acidic ions. This is what produces the water's signature 9.5 pH or higher alkaline level and smooth, clean taste. Unlike some other alkaline waters that achieve a higher pH from their source, Essentia's is created through this electrical process.
Regulation and Oversight
The safety of Essentia Water is overseen by several regulatory bodies and third-party auditors. As a bottled water product in the United States, it is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which mandates that bottled water standards must be at least as stringent as the EPA's standards for tap water. Essentia's facilities are also subject to annual audits by third-party organizations like the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA). The company has achieved SQF Level 3 certification, an internationally recognized standard for food safety. This multilayered oversight adds a significant layer of assurance regarding product quality and safety.
Benefits and Potential Risks of Alkaline Water
While Essentia is demonstrably pure and meets stringent regulations, its alkaline nature brings both perceived benefits and potential considerations worth noting. Supporters of alkaline water often point to its ability to help neutralize acid in the body, which they claim can support overall health.
Potential Benefits (limited scientific evidence):
- Acid Reflux Relief: Some studies suggest that alkaline water, combined with a plant-based diet, can be as effective as some prescription medications for relieving laryngopharyngeal reflux.
- Improved Hydration: Some studies, including a 2017 study cited by Business Insider, suggest that Essentia water resulted in better hydration than regular bottled water.
Potential Risks (especially with excessive consumption):
- Disruption of Stomach Acidity: The stomach requires a highly acidic environment to properly digest food and kill harmful bacteria. Regular and excessive consumption of highly alkaline water could potentially disrupt this natural process, leading to digestive issues.
- Alkalosis: While rare from just drinking water, consuming excessive amounts of alkaline water could lead to alkalosis, a condition where the body's pH becomes too alkaline, causing symptoms like nausea, muscle twitching, and confusion.
- Kidney Strain: Individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions should be particularly cautious. The minerals in alkaline water can build up, and high levels of potassium, known as hyperkalemia, pose a specific risk to those with kidney disease. Consult a doctor before making alkaline water a regular part of your diet if you have kidney issues.
Essentia Water vs. Regular Water
| Feature | Essentia Water | Regular Tap Water | Regular Bottled Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH Level | 9.5 or higher (ionized alkaline) | Typically neutral (~7), depending on the source | Varies, typically neutral (~7), depending on the source |
| Purity | 99.9% pure after multi-stage filtration | Varies by municipality; must meet EPA standards | Varies by brand; must meet FDA standards |
| Mineral Content | Infused with trace amounts of alkaline electrolytes | Varies greatly depending on the source | Varies greatly depending on the source |
| Taste | Often described as clean and smooth due to ionization | Varies based on source and treatment method (e.g., chlorine taste) | Varies by brand and source |
| Regulatory Oversight | FDA, IBWA, NSF, and internal quality control | EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) | FDA (as a food product) and state law |
| Cost | Premium, typically higher price point | Low | Varies; typically lower than Essentia |
The Verdict: So How Safe is Essentia Water?
For the average, healthy individual, Essentia Water is considered safe for daily consumption. The manufacturing process is robust and subject to strict regulatory oversight, ensuring the water is highly purified and free of contaminants. The added minerals are in trace amounts and deemed safe by regulatory bodies like the FDA.
However, the primary consideration for safety lies with the consumption of any highly alkaline water over the long term. While some claims suggest health benefits like neutralizing body acidity, much of the scientific evidence is lacking or inconclusive. Potential side effects like digestive upset or, in rare cases, alkalosis are mainly associated with very high consumption. Most importantly, individuals with kidney disease or who are on specific medications should consult a doctor before regularly drinking alkaline water to avoid potential complications related to mineral buildup and electrolyte balance.
Ultimately, Essentia Water is a well-regulated and high-quality product, but its safety for you depends on your individual health and how much you consume. For most, it's a perfectly safe hydration choice, but for those with certain health concerns, caution and consultation with a healthcare professional are advised.
