What Determines Aquafina's pH?
Aquafina is not alkaline, but is purified water that typically has a pH ranging from mildly acidic to neutral. Unlike spring water, which draws its mineral content and pH from its natural source, Aquafina starts as municipal tap water. The manufacturer then puts it through an extensive purification process called HydRO-7. The key step in this process is reverse osmosis, which forces water through a semi-permeable membrane to strip it of impurities, including many of the minerals and dissolved solids that can influence pH. This extensive purification process results in water with a very low Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) content, but also reduces its buffering capacity—its ability to resist changes in pH. As a result, when purified water is exposed to air, it can absorb carbon dioxide, which forms a mild carbonic acid, driving the pH slightly down.
The Spectrum of Water pH
Understanding where Aquafina falls on the pH scale requires a brief review of what pH means. The pH scale measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in water and ranges from 0 to 14, with each number representing a tenfold change in acidity or alkalinity.
- Acidic: Anything below 7.0 is considered acidic. Examples include coffee (around 4.5) and orange juice.
- Neutral: A pH of 7.0 is perfectly neutral, a benchmark for pure water.
- Alkaline: Anything above 7.0 is considered alkaline. Many spring waters and 'alkaline' bottled waters have a naturally higher pH.
For drinking water, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends a secondary standard pH range of 6.5 to 8.5 for public water systems, though this is for aesthetic reasons (taste and corrosivity), not health. While Aquafina's pH can sometimes dip below this range, it remains generally safe for consumption.
Comparing Aquafina to Other Waters
To put Aquafina's pH into perspective, it's helpful to compare it to other common types of drinking water. The difference often comes down to the source and treatment process. Here is a comparison of water types and their typical characteristics:
| Feature | Aquafina (Purified) | Spring Water (e.g., Fiji, Icelandic) | Tap Water | Distilled Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Municipal water source | Natural spring or underground formation | Public water system | Boiled and re-condensed water |
| Typical pH | 5.5 to 7.0 (mildly acidic to neutral) | Varies by source (often 6.5 to 8.5+) | Varies by region (typically 6.0 to 8.5) | Close to 7.0 (but can drop) |
| Key Characteristic | Low TDS, tasteless, pure | Naturally mineralized, unique taste profile | Treated with disinfectants, contains minerals | Extremely pure, flat taste |
| Effect on Teeth | Mildly corrosive over time | Depends on pH, less corrosive than acidic water | pH is balanced for safety and non-corrosivity | Extremely corrosive to plumbing over time |
| Potential Benefit | Consistent purity | Natural minerals (varies) | Affordable, regulated, accessible | Laboratory use, appliances |
Acidity, Alkalinity, and Your Diet
While the alkaline diet trend has gained popularity, most nutrition experts agree that the pH of your water has minimal impact on your body's overall pH balance. The body is highly efficient at regulating its own pH, primarily through the kidneys and lungs, to maintain a very narrow, slightly alkaline range in the bloodstream. Altering your water's pH does not significantly alter your body's internal chemistry.
However, some specific concerns are worth noting:
- Dental Health: Chronic consumption of highly acidic beverages, including water with a low pH, can contribute to tooth enamel erosion. This is a more significant concern for soft drinks and fruit juices, but can be a factor for certain low-pH waters as well.
- Digestive Issues: Some individuals with severe acid reflux have anecdotally reported feeling better when drinking alkaline water, and a few studies have explored this possibility. For the vast majority of healthy people, however, it is not a major concern.
- Leaching of Metals: Acidic water can be corrosive to metal pipes, which could potentially cause heavy metals to leach into the water supply. This is a bigger issue for household plumbing and not a direct health concern with bottled water.
Conclusion
Aquafina water is purified, and due to its reverse osmosis process, its pH is typically in the mildly acidic to neutral range, often between 5.5 and 7. This differs from naturally alkaline spring waters and is influenced by the removal of minerals and exposure to carbon dioxide in the air. The health implications of drinking water with a mildly acidic pH are generally minimal for healthy individuals, as the body effectively maintains its own pH balance. For those concerned about dental health or other issues, staying well-hydrated with any safe drinking water is the most important factor in a healthy nutrition diet, and the water's source (and whether it's acidic or alkaline) is less critical for most people. The primary benefit of purified water like Aquafina is its consistent purity and flavor, not its pH. For more in-depth information on water quality and standards, consult resources from the World Health Organization.(https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/wash-documents/wash-chemicals/ph.pdf)
Final Takeaways on Aquafina
- Aquafina's pH is Acidic to Neutral: Tests and company information show Aquafina’s pH is typically between 5.5 and 7, meaning it is not an alkaline water.
- Reverse Osmosis Affects pH: The purification process removes minerals and dissolved solids, which reduces the water's buffering capacity and can cause the pH to drop slightly below neutral.
- Minimal Health Impact for Most: The pH of water has a negligible effect on the body's overall pH, which is tightly regulated by internal mechanisms.
- Dental Health Consideration: Regular consumption of any mildly acidic water could, over a very long time, contribute to enamel erosion, though this effect is far more significant with sodas and juices.
- Purity Over pH for General Hydration: For a healthy diet, the most crucial aspect of drinking water is that it is pure and accessible, ensuring you stay properly hydrated.
