What is Purified Water?
Purified water is water that has been mechanically filtered or processed to remove impurities and make it suitable for use. The source water can be from any origin, such as a municipal tap water supply or groundwater. Various purification methods can be used to achieve this, including:
- Distillation: Boiling the water and condensing the steam to leave contaminants behind.
- Deionization (DI): Using ion-exchange resins to remove mineral ions like sodium, calcium, and magnesium.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): Forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane to trap larger molecules and particles, including heavy metals and bacteria.
- Carbon Filtration: Using activated carbon to adsorb organic compounds and improve taste and odor.
To be classified as 'purified,' the water must contain very low levels of dissolved solids, typically less than 10 parts per million (ppm). The primary goal of purification is simply to produce clean, safe drinking water by removing contaminants. Purified water often has a neutral or flat taste due to the removal of natural minerals.
What is Essentials Water?
Essentials Water, or Essentia Water, is a brand of bottled water that takes the purification process several steps further. It is not a generic purified water product but a specifically engineered one. Its creation involves a proprietary three-step process:
- Microfiltration and Reverse Osmosis: Like standard purified water, Essentia begins with a rigorous purification stage using microfiltration and reverse osmosis to achieve 99.9% purity.
- Electrolyte Infusion: After purification, the water is infused with a proprietary blend of electrolytes. This is a key difference from plain purified water. These electrolytes—which include sodium bicarbonate, dipotassium phosphate, and magnesium sulfate—are added not just for health benefits, but also to complement the body's natural mix and enhance taste.
- Ionization: The water then undergoes a proprietary ionization process. This step removes bitter-tasting acidic ions, creating an alkaline water with a pH of 9.5 or higher. This ionization is what results in the signature clean, smooth taste often associated with the brand.
Comparison: Essentials Water vs. Purified Water
To better illustrate the differences, here is a comparison table:
| Feature | Purified Water | Essentials Water (Essentia) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Point | Can be any water source (tap, groundwater). | Can be from any local water supply, but is subjected to a proprietary process. |
| Core Process | Focuses on removing contaminants via distillation, RO, or deionization. | Starts with purification (RO/microfiltration), then adds electrolytes and ionizes. |
| Added Ingredients | Generally has all minerals and ions removed, resulting in a neutral flavor. | Has a proprietary blend of electrolytes added for taste and hydration. |
| pH Level | Typically neutral, with a pH of around 7, due to the removal of minerals. | Ionized to achieve a high alkaline pH of 9.5 or higher. |
| Taste Profile | Can taste flat or neutral because of the lack of minerals. | Promotes a clean, smooth, and crisp taste due to added electrolytes and ionization. |
| Purpose | To provide clean, safe drinking water. | To provide purified, ionized, alkaline water with enhanced taste and hydration. |
The Difference in Processing
The core distinction between generic purified water and Essentia Water lies in the processing. While basic purified water aims simply to remove contaminants, Essentia uses that clean, 99.9% pure water as a blank canvas for further enhancement. The addition of electrolytes and the unique ionization step are what truly differentiate it. This extra processing and the controlled addition of minerals mean Essentia is more than just 'purified'—it is a finished, specialized product with distinct characteristics. The company controls the flavor and pH by carefully managing what goes back into the water, a process that is not part of standard water purification.
The Role of Electrolytes and Ionization
The electrolytes in Essentia water are not just random additions. According to the company, the blend is designed to complement the body's natural mix and improve the water's taste. Many brands that sell water with added electrolytes, like Essentia, aim for a smoother, less metallic flavor. The ionization process is what raises the pH to 9.5 or higher. Proponents of alkaline water claim potential health benefits, such as better hydration and neutralizing acidity. While the scientific community remains divided on the extent of these benefits, the process itself is a major factor in Essentia's premium positioning.
Why Does this Distinction Matter?
For consumers, understanding the difference is crucial for several reasons:
- Price Point: The additional processing, electrolytes, and branding mean Essentia Water is typically more expensive than standard purified water. Consumers should be aware of what they are paying extra for.
- Health Claims: Those interested in the potential health benefits of alkaline water will find Essentia's ionization process appealing. Conversely, someone simply looking for a clean, basic hydration source may not need or want these extra features.
- Taste Preference: The taste profile is different. The added electrolytes and alkalinity give Essentia a specific smooth flavor, while basic purified water is more neutral. A person's preference for one taste over the other could be a deciding factor.
Conclusion
In summary, the statement "is essentials water just purified water?" is technically incorrect. While Essentia Water starts as purified water through reverse osmosis and microfiltration, it is far more than that. It is a specially formulated product, with its purification followed by the re-infusion of a proprietary blend of electrolytes and a unique ionization process that raises its pH level. This additional processing gives Essentia distinct taste and alkaline properties that set it apart from simple purified water. For consumers, the choice depends on whether the enhanced flavor, alkaline pH, and added electrolytes are worth the higher price point compared to a standard, less-processed purified water.
The Final Verdict
While Essentia Water is indeed a type of purified water, it is fundamentally different from a generic purified water product. Its multi-step process elevates it beyond simple filtration, adding specific electrolytes for taste and undergoing ionization to achieve a high alkaline pH. This makes it a premium, enhanced product in the bottled water market, not a basic one.
