Aquafina has long been a major player in the bottled water market, but its status as a "pure" product has led many to question its contents. Unlike mineral or spring water, Aquafina is classified as purified water, a distinction that means its source water (which comes from municipal taps) has undergone a series of treatments to remove nearly everything but H₂O. This article will delve into the HydRO-7™ purification process and clarify exactly what additives are in Aquafina water, and what are not.
The HydRO-7™ Purification Process: A Seven-Step Journey
Aquafina's purification system is central to its brand identity, a rigorous, seven-step process that ensures a consistent, clean taste. The multi-stage approach is designed to produce water with an extremely low concentration of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), often measuring around 4 parts per million, well below the FDA's limit of 10 ppm for purified water. Here is an overview of the key steps involved:
- Prefiltration: The process begins with prefiltration to remove larger particles, such as sediment, silt, and rust, that could potentially damage subsequent filtration stages.
- Activated Carbon Filtration: Next, the water flows through activated carbon filters. This is a crucial step for taste and odor, as the carbon adsorbs chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other organic compounds.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): The heart of the HydRO-7™ process is reverse osmosis. Water is forced under high pressure through semi-permeable membranes with microscopic pores. This step is incredibly effective at removing dissolved solids, including minerals like sodium, calcium, and magnesium, as well as inorganic contaminants and heavy metals.
- Ozone Sterilization: Ozone gas is introduced to the water to act as a powerful disinfectant. This process effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms without leaving behind any harmful chemical residues, unlike traditional chlorination.
- Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection: As an additional safeguard against microbial contamination, the water is exposed to UV light. The UV light disrupts the DNA of any remaining microorganisms, rendering them unable to reproduce.
- Final Polishing Filter: A final polishing filter ensures any remaining fine particles are removed, contributing to the water's clarity and final purity.
- Ozone Generation and Ozonated Water Tank: This final step ensures the water remains sterile and pure until the moment it is bottled.
What Aquafina Removes, Not Adds
It is important to emphasize that Aquafina's standard purified water product is defined by what is taken out, not what is put in. The extensive purification process is designed to remove nearly all dissolved solids and contaminants, which is precisely why it is labeled as 'purified' rather than 'spring' or 'mineral' water. While trace amounts of some minerals might remain, they are not intentionally added back into the pure water product. This is in direct contrast to other bottled water brands, like Dasani, which sometimes add a blend of minerals back in for taste.
Comparison: Aquafina vs. Enhanced Waters
To better understand Aquafina's approach, it's helpful to compare its process with brands that do add ingredients to their water. This table highlights the key differences.
| Feature | Aquafina Purified Water | Flavored / Enhanced Waters | Mineral / Spring Water | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Public municipal water source | Varies (often municipal) | Natural underground springs | |
| Purification Method | HydRO-7™ (Reverse Osmosis, Carbon, UV, Ozone) | Varies (often includes filtration) | Minimal processing (filtration, UV) | |
| Key Characteristic | All dissolved solids removed | Added flavors, sweeteners, or vitamins | Natural mineral content retained | |
| Primary Additives | None | Natural/artificial flavors, Sucralose, vitamins | No additives; minerals are naturally occurring | |
| Flavor Profile | Clean, neutral taste | Specific, often sweet flavor | Varies based on mineral composition |
Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Aquafina Additives
The short and definitive answer to the question, "What additives are in Aquafina water?" is that there are none. Aquafina is committed to a minimalist approach to bottled water, focusing entirely on a multi-stage purification system to strip the water of any compounds that could affect its taste or purity. While the source water is often public tap water, the rigorous HydRO-7™ process transforms it into a product with a consistently low TDS level. This stands in contrast to flavored Aquafina products or competing brands that intentionally add minerals or other ingredients to achieve a specific taste profile. Ultimately, Aquafina's appeal lies in its simplicity and promise of pure, unadulterated water, a claim upheld by its manufacturing process. To learn more about the specific steps in PepsiCo's process, you can find additional details on their website.
Visit the official Aquafina website for more on their purification process.
Note: While the core Aquafina purified water product contains no additives, some discontinued product lines like Aquafina FlavorSplash and Aquafina plus+ did contain flavorings and vitamins. Always check the specific product label for flavored variations.
Potential for Microplastics
While Aquafina contains no intentional additives, a 2018 study found microplastics in many leading bottled water brands, including Aquafina. It is believed that this contamination most likely occurs during the bottling and packaging process, not due to intentional additives. The study does not conclude bottled water is unsafe, but raises concerns about the prevalence of plastic particles in the environment.
Sourcing Controversy
In 2007, amidst public pressure, PepsiCo added a disclaimer to Aquafina labels stating the water comes from a "public source". This clarified that the company was using municipal tap water, not a pristine natural spring, as the starting point for their purification process. The move highlighted the industry's practices and led to increased consumer scrutiny of bottled water sources.
