The Aquafina Purification Process and Mineral Removal
Aquafina is not sourced from a natural spring or well, but rather from local public water sources—the same as tap water. The differentiating factor is the extensive, multi-step purification process the water undergoes before it is bottled. PepsiCo developed a proprietary system known as HydRO-7™ to achieve its signature clean taste and high level of purity.
This seven-step process is a key reason why Aquafina water has virtually no mineral content. The most critical step in this system for mineral removal is reverse osmosis (RO). This advanced filtration method uses semi-permeable membranes with incredibly small pores to force water through under pressure, effectively separating it from dissolved solids, salts, and other contaminants.
In addition to reverse osmosis, other steps in the HydRO-7 process include:
- Pre-filtration: Removes larger particles and sediments.
- Polishing filtration: Catches any particles missed in the initial pre-filtration.
- Ozonation: Uses ozone gas to sterilize the water and eliminate bacteria and organic compounds.
- Carbon filtration: Isolates and removes elements that can affect the water's taste and odor.
- UV Light Sterilization: An added safeguard to ensure water is free from microorganisms.
What Minerals Are Removed from Aquafina?
According to the official Aquafina website, the HydRO-7 purification system is specifically designed to remove a wide range of dissolved solids that are often present in natural water sources. The company has stated explicitly that they do not add minerals back into the water. These removed trace compounds include:
- Carbonates
- Bicarbonates
- Chlorides
- Sulfates
- Phosphates
- Nitrates
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Iron
- Manganese
While some of these, like calcium and potassium, are beneficial minerals, the company maintains that the trace levels typically found in water have a negligible impact on overall health. Their primary focus is on achieving a consistent, pure-tasting product. The result is a water with a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) reading of approximately 4 parts per million, which is significantly lower than the FDA's standard of 10 ppm for purified water.
Purified Water vs. Mineral Water: A Comparative Look
| Feature | Aquafina (Purified Water) | Mineral Water/Spring Water |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Public municipal water systems, like tap water. | Underground formations and natural springs. |
| Mineral Content | Virtually no minerals; removed by reverse osmosis. | Retains naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium. |
| TDS Level | Very low (approx. 4 ppm), meeting stringent FDA standards for purified water. | Varies widely based on source, but typically much higher than purified water. |
| Taste Profile | Clean, crisp, and consistent due to the removal of taste-affecting substances. | Distinctive taste profile influenced by the unique mineral composition of its source. |
| Processing | Extensive multi-step purification, including reverse osmosis and ozonation. | Treated to remove bacteria but largely unfiltered to preserve mineral content. |
Why a Lack of Minerals Matters
For most people, the nutritional contribution of minerals from water is very small compared to what they get from food. Drinking purified water with a near-zero mineral content will not lead to mineral deficiencies in a healthy individual with a balanced diet. The decision between purified water like Aquafina and mineral or spring water is largely a matter of personal preference.
- Taste Preference: Some consumers prefer the clean, neutral taste of purified water, as it lacks the flavor notes that naturally occurring minerals can impart. Other individuals enjoy the taste profile that minerals give to spring water.
- Perceived Purity: Aquafina's marketing focuses on the concept of 'pure water' achieved through its intense purification process. For some, the removal of all dissolved solids, regardless of their nature, is a major selling point.
- Water Source Origin: Purified water from municipal sources provides a reliable and consistent product, whereas the mineral composition and taste of spring water can vary depending on its natural source.
For those interested in the science behind water purification methods, the United States Geological Survey provides extensive information on water resources and quality. You can explore their research for a deeper understanding of how different water sources are treated.
Conclusion
In summary, the question of what minerals are in Aquafina water has a straightforward answer: very few. The brand's intensive HydRO-7 purification process, spearheaded by reverse osmosis technology, is designed to strip the water of virtually all dissolved solids and minerals to achieve its advertised 'pure water, perfect taste'. This differentiates it from natural mineral or spring waters, which retain their mineral content. The choice between Aquafina's mineral-free profile and a mineral-rich alternative is ultimately a personal decision based on taste preference, diet, and perceived purity.
