Is Aquafina Safe to Drink Daily? A Comprehensive Guide

January 14, 2026 •

4 min read

According to a 2018 study by Orb Media, 93% of bottled water brands tested contained microplastic contamination, a concern that extends to brands like Aquafina. This raises important questions about the safety of drinking Aquafina daily, particularly in comparison to other water sources, and the potential long-term health implications of consuming purified, demineralized water and plastic particles.

Quick Summary

This article evaluates the safety and potential drawbacks of daily Aquafina consumption, detailing its rigorous purification process, the lack of beneficial minerals, potential microplastic exposure from packaging, and comparing it with tap water.

Key Points

Purification Process: Aquafina uses a rigorous seven-step Hydro-7™ process, including reverse osmosis and UV light, to remove contaminants and dissolved solids.
Lack of Minerals: The reverse osmosis process removes beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium, which some health experts find concerning for long-term exclusive use.
Microplastic Risk: Studies have found microplastics in many bottled water brands, including Aquafina, potentially from the plastic packaging itself.
Acidity: Purified water often has a slightly acidic pH level (typically 5.5-7.0), which can be a concern for some, particularly regarding dental health.
Comparison to Tap Water: In many locations, filtered tap water is a more sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to bottled water, with comparable safety standards.
Consider Alternatives: Investing in a reusable bottle and a quality tap water filter is often a safer and greener option for daily hydration.

Understanding Aquafina's Purification Process

Aquafina is a brand of purified bottled water, meaning it originates from public water sources and is then treated. The company uses a multi-step process called HydRO-7™ to purify its water. This advanced purification system includes several key stages designed to remove contaminants and dissolved solids.

The HydRO-7™ Process Explained

Initial Filtration: The process begins with standard filtration to remove larger particles, such as sediment and rust.
Reverse Osmosis (RO): This is the core of Aquafina's purification. Water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane that removes most dissolved solids, including minerals, salts, and other trace compounds.
Carbon Filtration: Activated carbon filters are used to eliminate chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other compounds that affect taste and odor.
UV Light Treatment: Ultraviolet (UV) light is utilized to disinfect the water by neutralizing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
Ozonation: This step uses ozone gas as an additional disinfectant to ensure microbiological safety.
Final Polishing: A final polishing filter removes any remaining trace impurities before bottling.

Aquafina's process is designed to result in a very pure water with a very low Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) content, often around 4 parts per million (ppm). The result is a clean-tasting water free from the tastes and odors of many tap water sources.

The Trade-Off: Mineral Content and Acidity

One of the main points of contention regarding purified water like Aquafina is the removal of naturally occurring minerals.

Lack of Minerals

Because reverse osmosis strips water of nearly all dissolved solids, Aquafina contains negligible amounts of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which some nutritionists consider beneficial. While the minerals in water are not a significant source of daily intake for most people, some argue that relying exclusively on demineralized water long-term could be a concern. Your primary source of these minerals should come from a balanced diet, not your drinking water.

pH Level Concerns

Without the natural minerals that buffer water, purified water tends to be slightly acidic, with Aquafina's pH typically falling between 5.5 and 7.0. This is a concern for some, as certain acidic beverages can erode tooth enamel over time. While not as acidic as sodas or juices, it is less alkaline than many natural spring waters or tap water.

The Problem with Plastic Bottles

Another major consideration is the plastic packaging itself. Most bottled water, including Aquafina, is sold in plastic bottles made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Microplastics

Research has consistently found microplastics in most bottled water brands, including Aquafina. While the long-term health effects are still being studied, these tiny plastic particles are a cause for growing concern. Scientists are researching whether microplastics act as endocrine disruptors, potentially affecting hormones, metabolism, and reproduction. Bottled water has been found to contain significantly more microplastics than tap water.

Leaching of Chemicals

When plastic bottles are exposed to heat or stored for extended periods, chemicals like phthalates can leach into the water. To minimize this risk, it is recommended to store bottled water in a cool, shaded place and avoid reusing single-use plastic bottles. For long-term hydration, a BPA-free reusable bottle is a much safer option.

Comparison: Aquafina vs. Tap Water

Choosing between Aquafina and tap water involves weighing several factors, including safety, environmental impact, and cost.


Feature	Aquafina (Purified Bottled Water)	Tap Water (Municipal)
Source	Public water sources	Municipal water systems
Purification	Rigorous 7-step process (including RO, carbon, UV)	EPA regulated with treatment including chlorination
Safety Standards	Exceeds federal FDA standards	Regulated by EPA; requires regular disclosure of contaminant levels
Mineral Content	Very low (demineralized)	Varies by location; typically contains minerals
pH Level	Slightly acidic (5.5-7.0)	Generally neutral (6.5-8.5), varies by location
Microplastics	High potential for contamination from packaging	Significantly lower levels detected
Plastic Leaching	Risk of chemicals leaching into water, especially when exposed to heat	No risk from plastic bottles if consumed from the tap or a reusable bottle
Environmental Impact	High due to plastic production, transport, and waste	Low, especially when using reusable bottles
Cost	Relatively expensive compared to tap water	Very low or free in most areas

Conclusion: Is Aquafina Safe for Daily Consumption?

Drinking Aquafina daily is generally safe from an immediate health perspective, as it undergoes rigorous purification that meets or exceeds federal standards. However, the long-term implications warrant consideration. The lack of beneficial minerals and potential for microplastic exposure from daily plastic bottle use are valid concerns. For most people, a more sustainable and often healthier alternative is to invest in a quality water filter for their tap water. This offers a way to ensure cleanliness while avoiding plastic waste and the potential for chemical leaching, and can also provide some beneficial minerals depending on the filter type. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities regarding convenience, mineral intake, environmental impact, and the peace of mind that comes with minimal microplastic exposure.

Sources

Clean Water Action. "Bottled Water: The Human Health Consequences of Drinking Plastic." (2020) Aquafina. "Pure Water, Perfect Taste." (2025) Medical News Today. "Bottled water vs. tap water: Pros and cons." (2020)

Final Recommendations

For most individuals, relying exclusively on bottled purified water like Aquafina for daily hydration is not the optimal choice for health or environmental reasons. The safer, cheaper, and more eco-friendly alternative is often filtered tap water. If bottled water is necessary for convenience, such as during travel or when tap water quality is questionable, it should be stored properly and single-use bottles should be avoided when possible. Those with specific health conditions should consult a doctor for personalized hydration advice.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Aquafina water is not alkaline. Its purification process removes most dissolved minerals, leaving it with a slightly acidic pH level, typically between 5.5 and 7.0.

Yes, like many bottled water brands, Aquafina has been found to contain microplastics. A 2018 study detected microplastic contamination in 93% of bottled water samples tested, including Aquafina.

Yes, the reverse osmosis process used by Aquafina is designed to remove nearly all dissolved solids, including trace compounds and minerals like calcium and magnesium.

Aquafina is purified water sourced from public water systems, while spring water is derived from a natural, underground spring. Spring water retains its naturally occurring minerals, while purified water has these minerals stripped during processing.

Not necessarily. In many developed areas, tap water is just as safe as bottled water and is often more sustainable and cost-effective. The primary difference is typically the taste and mineral content, not safety.

The consensus is that for most healthy people, drinking demineralized purified water is not harmful, as they get necessary minerals from their diet. However, some nutritionists advise against relying exclusively on it long-term, and filtered tap water offers a more balanced mineral profile.

To reduce risks, store plastic bottles in cool, shaded places and avoid reusing single-use plastic bottles. A more sustainable alternative is to use a BPA-free reusable bottle with filtered tap water.