Smartwater: The Distillation and Re-Mineralization Process
Smartwater is a bottled water brand owned by Coca-Cola that uses a specific, multi-stage process to create its final product. Unlike standard bottled water that might come directly from a spring or municipal source with minimal filtration, Smartwater undergoes vapor distillation. This process was first introduced to the US market in 1998 and is marketed as a 'process inspired by the clouds'.
How Smartwater is made:
- Source water (which can be municipal tap water or spring water) is collected and purified.
- The water is boiled until it turns into vapor, a process that separates the water from most impurities and dissolved minerals.
- The vapor is then condensed back into purified liquid water.
- A specific blend of electrolytes, primarily calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and potassium bicarbonate, is added back into the water for taste.
This re-mineralization step is crucial because vapor-distilled water can taste flat and dull without the presence of minerals. It's this standardized process and final electrolyte blend that gives Smartwater its consistent and signature 'pure, crisp' taste. The health and nutritional value of these trace electrolytes, however, is considered minimal by many experts for average consumers, as these minerals are readily available in a balanced diet.
Regular Water: Tap Water and Other Bottled Varieties
Regular water can refer to municipal tap water, generic bottled water, or natural spring water. The characteristics of regular water vary greatly depending on its source and treatment process.
Municipal Tap Water
In many developed countries, tap water is highly regulated and monitored by local authorities to ensure it meets strict safety and quality standards. The treatment process typically involves filtering and disinfecting with chemicals like chlorine to remove harmful bacteria and viruses. While the treatment makes it safe, the taste and mineral content can differ based on the local source. Some areas have higher levels of naturally occurring minerals, which can affect the water's 'hardness' and taste.
Other Bottled Waters
Many non-specialized bottled water brands simply filter municipal tap water or collect spring water, adding back a negligible amount of minerals for taste. The level of purification is typically less intensive than Smartwater's vapor distillation. The source of the water is a key differentiator, as some brands source from specific springs, while others use local municipal supplies.
Comparison: Smartwater vs. Regular Water
| Feature | Smartwater | Regular Water (Tap) |
|---|---|---|
| Purification Method | Vapor distilled, then re-mineralized with specific electrolytes. | Filtered, disinfected, and tested by municipal authorities. |
| Electrolytes | A specific blend of calcium, magnesium, and potassium is added for flavor. | Minimal and variable, depending on the natural source. |
| Taste | Consistent, pure, and crisp due to the standardized process. | Varies greatly based on local source and treatment methods. |
| Cost | Significantly more expensive due to the advanced purification, bottling, and branding. | Highly affordable, costing a fraction of bottled water. |
| Health Benefits | Negligible added health benefits for the average person, as a balanced diet provides sufficient minerals. | Provides safe, basic hydration without added cost or processes. |
| Environmental Impact | High carbon footprint due to energy-intensive distillation and reliance on single-use plastic bottles. | Low carbon footprint, especially when consumed directly from the tap in reusable containers. |
The Health Perspective: Is Smartwater "Better"?
Despite the clever marketing, health experts generally agree that for the average person, Smartwater offers no significant health advantage over regular tap or bottled water. The trace electrolytes added for taste are not enough to provide a substantial nutritional boost, and most people receive these minerals from a healthy diet. For athletes engaged in intense, prolonged exercise, specialized sports drinks with higher electrolyte content may be necessary, but Smartwater is not designed to function as a sports drink. In fact, some consumer groups have criticized the marketing as misleading, with Foodwatch awarding Smartwater a "Golden Windbag" anti-award for its unnecessary production process.
Environmental and Cost Considerations
One of the most significant arguments against Smartwater, and bottled water in general, is the environmental toll. The energy required for vapor distillation and the immense resources used in creating and transporting plastic bottles result in a massive carbon footprint compared to tap water. Studies have shown that bottled water can be thousands of times worse for the environment than tap water. Choosing reusable bottles and drinking filtered tap water is a more sustainable and cost-effective choice for both your wallet and the planet. For more information on the production process and criticisms, see the Glaceau Smartwater Wikipedia page.
Conclusion: Making Your Hydration Choice
The fundamental difference between Smartwater and regular water lies in the purification process and the marketing surrounding it. Smartwater utilizes vapor distillation and adds a specific blend of electrolytes for a consistent, crisp taste. Regular tap water, while varying by location, is a safe and reliable source of hydration that is far more economical and environmentally friendly for the vast majority of consumers. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities: a standardized taste experience at a premium cost with a higher environmental impact, or a practical, sustainable, and affordable option that is equally effective for general hydration.
