The question of what is added to Bisleri water is a common one, and the answer reveals a sophisticated purification and mineral enrichment process. After undergoing multiple stages of filtration and sterilization to remove impurities, Bisleri infuses its water with a precise blend of essential minerals. This process ensures the water is not only safe for consumption but also has a pleasant taste profile and offers health benefits.
The Bisleri Purification and Mineralization Process
The creation of Bisleri water is a multi-step journey, with mineral enrichment being the final, crucial phase. The process begins with raw water sourced from certified borewells, which is then subjected to a comprehensive purification regimen.
10-Step Purification Process
- Careful Collection: Water is collected from certified sources and tested for quality before entering the plant.
- Ozonisation: The raw water is treated with ozone to eliminate harmful bacteria and microorganisms.
- Sand Filtration: This step removes large, unwanted solid particles from the water.
- Carbon Filtration: Carbon filters are used to remove organic impurities, pesticides, and improve the water's color and odor.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): This advanced filtration stage removes excess minerals, salts, and other dissolved solids, effectively purifying the water.
- Mineralisation: After RO, a calculated amount of essential minerals is added back to the water.
- Micron-Filtration: This fine filtration stage removes even the smallest micron-sized particles.
- Re-Ozonisation: A second dose of ozone is added before bottling to ensure the water's purity is maintained until it is opened.
- Careful Bottling: Bottles are made on-site and filled using automated equipment to prevent external contamination.
- Quality Control: Every batch undergoes a series of quality tests, with each bottle coded for traceability.
Which Specific Minerals Are Added?
Based on ingredient lists and official company information, the key minerals added to Bisleri water are:
- Magnesium Sulfate: This compound is added to enhance the taste and potentially aid in bodily functions, such as nerve and muscle function.
- Potassium Bicarbonate: Added to balance the water's pH level and improve taste. Potassium is an important electrolyte for regulating fluid balance and blood pressure.
These minerals are added in controlled amounts to meet safety standards and provide a consistent, healthy product.
Benefits of Added Minerals
Adding these specific minerals back into the purified water provides several health benefits and improves the water's sensory qualities.
- Enhanced Flavor: The minerals give the water a crisp, slightly sweet taste, which is preferred by many consumers over the flat taste of pure distilled or RO-only water.
- Replenished Electrolytes: Magnesium and potassium act as electrolytes, which are crucial for maintaining proper bodily functions, especially after sweating.
- pH Balance: The added minerals help maintain a healthy pH balance, preventing the water from becoming too acidic after the purification process.
- Bone Health: The presence of magnesium can support bone health, as it is essential for absorbing calcium.
Bisleri vs. Regular RO Water Comparison
| Feature | Bisleri (Packaged Drinking Water) | Regular RO Water (at home) |
|---|---|---|
| Source Water | Sourced from certified borewells, then purified and mineralized at commercial facilities. | Can be from any tap or borewell source, with quality varying by location. |
| Purification Process | A multi-stage, 10-step process including ozonation, sand, carbon, RO, and micron filtration. | Typically uses a standard RO process, which strips almost all minerals. |
| Mineral Content | Essential minerals like magnesium and potassium are added back in controlled amounts. | Most minerals are removed, though some advanced home systems offer basic mineral cartridges, often without standard calibration. |
| Purity Standards | Adheres to strict ISI standards set by regulating authorities like the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). | Quality is dependent on the household's maintenance of the RO system and cartridges. |
| Taste Consistency | The taste is consistent across all bottles due to the standardized purification and mineralization process. | Taste can vary depending on the initial source water and the RO filter's condition. |
| Convenience & Cost | Convenient and readily available, but can be expensive for long-term daily use. | Cost-effective over the long term, but requires upfront investment and regular maintenance. |
Conclusion
Bisleri water is not just purified water; it is a carefully treated and mineral-enriched product. After the source water undergoes a thorough 10-step purification process to remove all impurities and harmful microorganisms, essential minerals such as magnesium sulfate and potassium bicarbonate are added. This re-mineralization process is what gives Bisleri its characteristic sweet taste and ensures that the water provides beneficial electrolytes, supporting hydration and overall health. For those seeking bottled water with guaranteed purity, consistent taste, and balanced mineral content, Bisleri's added minerals provide a distinct advantage over generic purified water.