The HydRO-7™ Purification Process
Aquafina is sourced from public municipal water supplies and then put through a proprietary purification process called HydRO-7™. This seven-step system is designed to strip the water of any compounds that could affect its taste, clarity, or overall purity. The core of this process is Reverse Osmosis (RO), which is highly effective at removing dissolved solids. The complete process also includes other advanced filtering and purification methods to ensure the final product is as pure as possible.
How Aquafina Specifically Removes Minerals
Unlike spring water, which is bottled at its source and contains naturally occurring minerals, Aquafina's goal is to be consistently pure and neutral-tasting. The HydRO-7™ process explicitly targets and removes Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), a measure of all inorganic and organic substances dissolved in water. The list of compounds removed includes:
- Carbonates
- Bicarbonates
- Chlorides
- Sulfates
- Phosphates
- Nitrates
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Iron
- Manganese
This is why Aquafina is marketed as purified water, not mineral water. The company's official stance confirms that they do not add any minerals back into the water after purification. This results in the characteristic clean, consistent taste that sets it apart from other bottled water types.
Understanding Aquafina's Mineral Content: A Detailed Breakdown
The most telling statistic regarding Aquafina's mineral content is its Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level. While FDA guidelines permit purified water to have up to 10 ppm TDS, Aquafina's average reading is an ultra-low 4 ppm. For context, some natural spring waters can have TDS levels in the hundreds or even thousands of ppm. This dramatic reduction is a direct result of the reverse osmosis and other filtration steps, which effectively separate water molecules from almost all other compounds. While some minimal, trace amounts might theoretically remain, they are not present in any nutritionally significant quantity.
The Health Implications of Very Low Mineral Content
For many health-conscious consumers, the lack of minerals in purified water can be a point of concern. However, health experts generally agree that the minerals found in drinking water, even in natural mineral water, do not contribute a substantial amount to your overall daily intake. The majority of essential minerals, like calcium and potassium, are primarily absorbed through a balanced diet of foods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, and fortified products. Therefore, drinking purified water has no negative impact on a healthy individual's mineral balance.
Comparison: Aquafina vs. Natural Mineral/Spring Water
To fully understand the mineral content of Aquafina, it is useful to compare it with other types of bottled water. Natural mineral and spring waters get their taste profile and mineral content from the geological formations they flow through. This means their composition varies depending on the specific source. Aquafina, on the other hand, is a product engineered for consistency through its HydRO-7™ process.
| Feature | Aquafina (Purified Water) | Natural Mineral/Spring Water |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Public municipal water sources | Naturally occurring underground formations |
| Mineral Content | Virtually zero, due to extensive purification | Varies by source, naturally contains dissolved minerals |
| Taste Consistency | Highly consistent, neutral taste | Can have a distinct, variable taste based on its mineral profile |
| Purification Process | Rigorous multi-step process including reverse osmosis | Treated primarily to remove bacteria and contaminants |
| TDS Levels | Ultra-low, typically around 4 ppm | Can range from low to very high, depending on the source |
The Verdict: Why the Mineral Content is So Low
The minimal mineral content in Aquafina water is not an accident; it is a direct and intentional result of PepsiCo's purification strategy. By using a multi-step process that includes reverse osmosis, the company removes dissolved solids and minerals to ensure a product with consistent taste and purity. The decision to drink Aquafina often comes down to personal preference for a clean, consistent flavor profile, rather than for its mineral or nutritional properties. For those seeking minerals in their hydration, natural spring or mineral waters are the more suitable choice. However, for anyone simply seeking pure, refreshing water without any added compounds, Aquafina delivers on its promise. You can find more details on their purification process on their official site: Pure Water, Perfect Taste - Aquafina.
Conclusion: The Purpose of Purified Water
Ultimately, the low mineral content of Aquafina water is its defining characteristic, not a flaw. The brand's focus is on delivering a pure, clean, and consistent taste experience. This is achieved by taking municipal water and stripping it of all dissolved solids through a comprehensive purification system, including reverse osmosis. While this removes the minerals and electrolytes found in natural water sources, it does not significantly impact human health, as the bulk of our mineral intake comes from a balanced diet. Consumers can choose Aquafina with confidence, knowing they are getting exactly what is promised: pure water with no other compounds to alter its perfect taste.
