The Aquafina Purification Process: A Closer Look at HydRO-7
Aquafina is a brand of purified bottled water produced by PepsiCo, and its defining characteristic is its purity. The company achieves this through a proprietary, seven-step process known as HydRO-7™. Unlike spring water, which is bottled directly from an underground source and retains its natural mineral content, Aquafina starts with water from public sources, which is then meticulously purified.
Central to the HydRO-7™ process is reverse osmosis (RO). RO is a advanced filtration technology that uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove unwanted substances, including sodium and other dissolved solids. By forcing water under high pressure through this membrane, the process effectively separates pure water molecules from impurities. The final product is consistently pure and has a minimal mineral count, including sodium, which is why Aquafina's nutrition label shows 0mg of sodium.
What are Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)?
To understand Aquafina's purity, it helps to know about Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). TDS is the measure of the total concentration of all inorganic and organic substances dissolved in water. For a bottled water to be legally labeled "purified," the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires the TDS to be no more than 10 parts per million (ppm).
Aquafina's purification process is so effective that its average TDS reading is around 4 ppm, significantly lower than the FDA standard. This low TDS count is a direct result of the reverse osmosis and other filtration methods employed, confirming that salts and other minerals have been removed.
Why Different Waters Have Different Mineral Profiles
The mineral content of bottled water varies significantly depending on its source and how it is processed. This is a critical distinction for anyone focused on their nutrition diet. Spring water, for example, is collected from an underground formation and often contains a natural mix of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sodium. Mineral water, as the name suggests, has an even higher and more consistent concentration of these minerals.
On the other hand, purified water like Aquafina has had its mineral content intentionally and almost completely stripped away. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want pure hydration without adding any extra sodium or other minerals to their diet. This is a key consideration for individuals on low-sodium or other specific diets. For a more comprehensive look at various water types, the World Health Organization (WHO) provides information on drinking water standards and constituents.
A Comparative Look at Water Types
| Feature | Aquafina (Purified Water) | Spring Water | Mineral Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Public water sources | Underground spring | Underground mineral source |
| Sodium Content | 0 mg (as per label) | Varies widely, can be low or higher | Often higher, more consistent |
| Purification | Reverse osmosis, filtration, UV | Treated to remove bacteria, most minerals retained | Naturally occurring minerals, minimal treatment |
| TDS Level | Very low (average 4 ppm) | Varies widely, higher than purified | Varies widely, higher than purified |
| Best For | Low-sodium diets, pure hydration | General hydration, taste preference | Mineral supplementation |
What Does This Mean for Your Nutrition?
For those managing their sodium intake due to medical conditions like high blood pressure, or simply following a health-conscious diet, understanding the difference between water types is crucial. Choosing purified water like Aquafina, with its confirmed 0mg sodium content, simplifies dietary tracking. It allows you to control your sodium intake more precisely, as you can be sure your water isn't contributing to your daily total.
On the other hand, if you are looking for beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium from your hydration source, a naturally sourced spring or mineral water might be a better choice. The right choice depends on your specific nutritional goals and health considerations.
Why Aquafina's Salt Removal Matters
- Health and Wellness: By removing salts and other trace compounds, Aquafina offers a consistent, pure-tasting water that doesn't interfere with dietary restrictions. This is especially important for those on sodium-restricted diets, where every milligram of sodium counts.
- Taste Consistency: The removal of minerals and dissolved solids ensures that every bottle of Aquafina tastes the same, regardless of where it was produced. This provides a reliably clean taste profile that many consumers prefer.
- Dietary Control: For people meticulously managing their intake of minerals, purified water provides a blank slate for hydration. This allows for more precise control over nutrition from food sources, rather than incidental intake from water.
Conclusion
In summary, the answer to the question "Does Aquafina still have salt?" is a definitive no, due to its advanced HydRO-7 purification process. By using reverse osmosis and other filtration methods, Aquafina successfully removes virtually all dissolved solids, including sodium chloride and other salts, from its water. This makes it a reliably pure and sodium-free hydration option, particularly beneficial for those on low-sodium diets or those who prefer water without additional mineral content. The choice between purified and mineral-rich water ultimately depends on individual health goals and nutritional preferences.
