The BODYARMOR SportWater Purification Process
For consumers and athletes alike, understanding the sourcing and treatment of bottled water is crucial. The parent company of BODYARMOR confirms that its SportWater product is indeed purified using a comprehensive system. The process begins with sourcing water from municipal systems, which is then subjected to a series of treatments that prepare it for consumption.
Multi-Stage Filtration and Sterilization
The purification of BODYARMOR SportWater is not a single-step affair but a multi-pronged approach designed to achieve high levels of purity and quality. The key stages are as follows:
- Granular Activated Carbon Filtration: This initial step sees the source water pass through filters containing crushed, hardened charcoal. This process effectively absorbs and removes volatile organic compounds and chlorine, which can affect taste and purity.
- Reverse Osmosis: This is a core part of the purification process. The water is forced at high pressure through a semi-permeable membrane at the molecular level. This removes dissolved solids, minerals, and other impurities, leaving behind highly pure water.
- Ultraviolet (UV) Light Disinfection: Following reverse osmosis, the water is exposed to UV light. This interim disinfection step is crucial for destroying micro-organisms and ensuring the water's overall safety and purity.
- Ozonation: In the final purification step, ozone gas (O3) is pumped through the water. Ozone has powerful disinfectant properties and quickly reverts to oxygen (O2) without leaving any residual taste.
After this robust purification cycle, the water is re-mineralized with a specific electrolyte blend to achieve its signature taste and alkaline properties.
The Role of Re-Mineralization and Electrolytes
Unlike plain purified water, BODYARMOR SportWater is not completely devoid of minerals. After the reverse osmosis process, a proprietary electrolyte formula is added back. These are not added for nutrition, but specifically for taste and to achieve the brand's desired alkaline pH level. The primary electrolytes used include potassium bicarbonate, calcium chloride, and magnesium chloride. This re-mineralization ensures a consistent and appealing taste profile regardless of the original source water, a standard of identity for purified water set by the FDA.
Is BODYARMOR Water Alkaline?
Yes, the SportWater product is formulated to be alkaline. The re-mineralization process includes ingredients that elevate the pH to 9+. This makes it distinct from standard bottled water and aligns it with other popular alkaline water brands on the market. Alkaline water has gained popularity for its supposed health benefits, though scientific evidence for these claims is still developing. For BODYARMOR, the alkaline pH is a key selling point for athletes and active consumers seeking 'Superior Hydration'.
SportWater vs. Traditional BODYARMOR Sports Drink
It is important for consumers to differentiate between the two primary BODYARMOR product lines. The purification and content vary significantly, as shown in the table below.
| Feature | BODYARMOR SportWater | Traditional BODYARMOR Sports Drink |
|---|---|---|
| Water Base | Purified water via Reverse Osmosis | Filtered water mixed with other ingredients |
| Sugar | No added sugar | Contains cane sugar and other sweeteners |
| Calories | Zero calories | 120 calories per bottle (standard) |
| Electrolytes | Proprietary blend added for taste | Potassium-packed electrolytes from coconut water |
| pH Level | Alkaline (pH 9+) | Typically lower, depending on flavor |
| Other Ingredients | Simple list of water and electrolytes | Coconut water concentrate, natural flavors, vitamins, antioxidants |
| Target User | Athletes seeking clean, alkaline hydration | Those needing more comprehensive electrolyte and vitamin replenishment |
The Verdict on Purity
Ultimately, is BODYARMOR water purified? The answer is an unequivocal yes, according to the brand's own information and product labels. The use of reverse osmosis, carbon filtration, UV light, and ozonation confirms a thorough purification process that exceeds simple filtration. For athletes and consumers seeking a clean, crisp, alkaline hydration option with electrolytes, BODYARMOR SportWater meets these criteria. The brand's commitment to quality ensures that, regardless of the municipal source, the final product remains consistent.
To learn more about the purification standards and requirements for bottled water in the U.S., you can visit the FDA's official website.
Conclusion
In summary, BODYARMOR SportWater is definitively a purified product, utilizing a multi-layered process that includes reverse osmosis, carbon filtration, UV light, and ozonation. Following this purification, a proprietary blend of electrolytes is reintroduced, providing consistent flavor and a high alkaline pH of 9+. This sets it apart from both standard tap water and the sugary sports drinks in the BODYARMOR lineup. The rigorous process ensures that athletes and consumers can be confident in the quality and purity of their hydration.
