Aquafina's Purification Philosophy: Purity, Not Minerals
For consumers in the United States, the answer to "what minerals are added to Aquafina water?" is that none are added. The company's core philosophy centers on delivering pure, crisp-tasting water by removing impurities, not by fortifying it with minerals. This is a key distinction between purified water and other types of bottled water, like spring or mineral water.
The Hydro-7™ Purification Process
Aquafina uses a comprehensive, seven-step purification system known as HydRO-7™. This state-of-the-art process is so effective that it removes trace compounds and minerals, including some that are naturally beneficial but present in minute, non-impactful levels. The primary goal is to strip the water of any elements that could affect its taste, resulting in a consistent, clean flavor profile.
Here are the key stages of the HydRO-7™ process:
- Source Water: Aquafina begins with water from public sources.
- Prefiltration: Removes larger particles, dirt, and sediment.
- Activated Carbon Filtration: Filters out chlorine and other organic compounds that can affect taste and odor.
- Reverse Osmosis: This is the most critical step, where high pressure forces water through a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane has extremely small pores that remove 95-99% of dissolved solids (TDS), including trace minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium, as well as chlorides and salts.
- Polishing Filters: Additional filtration steps to catch any remaining tiny particles.
- Ultraviolet (UV) Sterilization: High-energy light eliminates microorganisms and naturally occurring organic substances.
- Ozonation: This final purification step uses oxygen-rich air (ozone) to act as a sanitizing agent before bottling.
International Variations and Confusion
While the US version of Aquafina contains no added minerals, the situation is different in some international markets. Some distributors in countries like Pakistan market and sell products explicitly labeled as "Aquafina Mineral Water," which lists added minerals like calcium and magnesium on the ingredients list. The mineral content and formulation vary by region, and this is typically done to satisfy local regulations or consumer preferences. This regional variance explains the confusion among consumers who might see a label with minerals in one country and a label with no minerals in another. The standard US product, however, remains purified with the intent of removing solids and minerals, not adding them.
Aquafina vs. Other Bottled Waters
To truly understand Aquafina's approach, it helps to compare it to other bottled water categories. Different water types are processed differently and have varying mineral contents. This comparison highlights why Aquafina's mineral removal is intentional, not an oversight.
| Feature | Aquafina (US Purified) | Smartwater (Mineral-Enhanced Purified) | Spring Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral Content | Essentially none, as minerals are removed during purification. | Electrolytes (e.g., potassium, calcium, magnesium) are added back for taste after purification. | Retains naturally occurring minerals from its underground source. |
| Source | Public municipal water sources. | Public or British spring water sources. | Underground spring formation. |
| Purification Method | Rigorous multi-step process including Reverse Osmosis and ozonation. | Distillation, followed by the reintroduction of electrolytes. | Filtered to remove contaminants but retains mineral profile. |
| Taste Profile | Consistent, clean, and crisp taste due to low Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). | Distinctive, smooth taste from added electrolytes. | Varies based on the mineral content of its source. |
The Importance of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is a measure of the collective amount of dissolved organic and inorganic substances in water, including minerals like calcium and magnesium. For a bottled water to be labeled as 'purified' by the FDA, it must have a TDS level of no more than 10 parts per million (ppm). Aquafina's TDS reading is even lower, averaging around 4 ppm, a testament to its comprehensive purification process. This low TDS is a direct result of removing minerals, not adding them.
Conclusion
For its primary product in the United States, no minerals are added to Aquafina water. The brand's focus on a comprehensive purification process, centered around its HydRO-7™ system and reverse osmosis, is designed to remove dissolved solids and trace minerals to achieve a consistent, pure taste. While some international versions of Aquafina may have different formulations that include added minerals, this is a regional variation and does not apply to the standard US offering. Consumers can trust that Aquafina's US product is a pure drinking water option that intentionally excludes added minerals. Pure Water, Perfect Taste - Aquafina
