What Is Aquafina's Purification Process?
Aquafina is made using a sophisticated purification process to transform municipal water into its final product. This method is branded as HydRO-7 and involves several meticulous stages to remove total dissolved solids (TDS) and other impurities. The multi-step process ensures a high level of purity and consistent taste in every bottle.
The Steps of the HydRO-7 Process
The HydRO-7 process is a seven-stage system that includes some of the most effective water treatment technologies available. The individual steps work in concert to deliver a product that exceeds government standards for bottled water purity.
- Prefiltration: The first step involves passing the water through filters to remove larger particles and sediments. This protects the more advanced membranes used later in the process.
- Polishing Filter: Following prefiltration, a polishing filter is used to catch any remaining smaller particles that got through the initial stage.
- High-Intensity Light: The water is then exposed to high-intensity ultraviolet (UV) light, which eliminates organic matter through sterilization. This acts as a vital safeguard against biological contaminants.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): This is a critical stage where pressure is used to force the water through a semi-permeable membrane with incredibly small pores. The membrane effectively blocks and removes up to 99% of dissolved solids, salts, and other contaminants.
- Charcoal Filtration: After the RO stage, the water passes through a charcoal filter to eliminate any trace elements that could affect the water's taste and odor.
- Final Polishing Filter: Another polishing filter is used to ensure the water is crystal clear and free of any residual particles before the final stage.
- Ozonation: In the last step, ozone, a highly effective disinfectant, is bubbled through the water. This is an additional sterilization measure to ensure the highest level of purity before bottling.
Aquafina's Water Source: From Public to Pure
A common question from consumers is about Aquafina's source water. The brand sources its water from public municipal water systems, not from springs or glaciers. This was publicly disclosed in 2007 by PepsiCo, the parent company. It's the multi-step HydRO-7 purification process, not the initial source, that is responsible for the water's final, high quality. The journey from tap water to purified water is what defines the product.
Purified vs. Spring Water
Understanding the difference between purified water and spring water is key to appreciating Aquafina's profile. The primary distinction lies in the treatment process and mineral content.
| Feature | Purified Water (like Aquafina) | Spring Water |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Public municipal water systems | Natural underground springs |
| Treatment | Multi-stage filtration, including reverse osmosis and disinfection | Treated to remove contaminants, but retains naturally-occurring minerals |
| Mineral Content | Low to non-existent; minerals are removed during purification | Retains natural mineral content, which can vary by source |
| Taste Profile | Neutral, clean, and consistent | Can have a varied taste profile depending on the mineral content |
| Purity Standard | Regulated by the FDA, with Aquafina aiming for even lower TDS than the required 10 ppm for 'purified' status | Also regulated by the FDA, with standards for its source and processing |
The Benefits and Considerations of Purified Water
Choosing purified water like Aquafina offers a number of benefits for health and lifestyle, but also comes with a few considerations.
Benefits
- Safety: The purification process effectively removes harmful contaminants, including heavy metals, bacteria, and industrial chemicals. This offers peace of mind, especially if local tap water quality is a concern.
- Consistent Taste: The extensive filtering provides a uniform, neutral taste profile that many find appealing. Unlike spring water, the taste of purified water is consistent no matter where you buy it.
- Health Focus: For individuals who prefer or require water with minimal mineral content, purified water is a solid choice. It's often recommended for specific medical applications or for use in household appliances where mineral buildup can be an issue.
Considerations
- Mineral Deficiency: The stripping of all minerals during the purification process means that purified water doesn't contribute to your dietary intake of essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. These must be obtained from food or other sources.
- Environmental Impact: The bottled water industry, including purified water, faces criticism for its reliance on plastic bottles, which contributes to plastic waste. Aquafina has taken steps to reduce plastic usage but is still a bottled product.
- Cost: Purified bottled water is significantly more expensive than municipal tap water. Consumers pay for the convenience and the purification process, not the original source.
How Aquafina Stacks Up Against Competitors
Aquafina's position in the market is often compared to other major bottled water brands, particularly Dasani and Fiji. Aquafina and Dasani both use purified municipal water, while Fiji is a naturally sourced artesian water. The core difference lies in their processing and mineral content, which affects taste. Aquafina's ultra-pure process results in a very clean, crisp, and neutral flavor, whereas Fiji's natural minerals contribute to a softer, sweeter taste profile. Dasani adds minerals back after purification, which some consumers find can give it a slightly sour or metallic finish.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Aquafina is indeed purified water, not natural spring or mineral water. It is sourced from public water supplies and undergoes a stringent, multi-stage purification process known as HydRO-7, which includes reverse osmosis, carbon filtration, and ozonation to remove total dissolved solids and other impurities. The result is a highly pure, consistently clean-tasting product. While it lacks the natural minerals found in spring water, its rigorous purification offers a reliable and safe hydration option for those who prioritize a neutral flavor and high level of purity. The choice between Aquafina and other types of water ultimately depends on your personal preference for taste, mineral content, and environmental considerations. For more information on the purification process, you can explore the Aquafina FAQ page.
