Understanding the Different Types of Bottled Water
Navigating the bottled water aisle can be confusing, with labels like “spring water,” “purified water,” and “distilled water” all competing for your attention. The primary distinction lies in the source and the treatment process. While spring water is collected from a natural underground source and retains its native mineral content, purified water is treated to remove almost all total dissolved solids (TDS), making it exceptionally clean and consistent in taste.
The Purification Process: From Source to Bottle
For a bottled water to be legally labeled "purified," it must contain a very low level of total dissolved solids (TDS), typically no more than 10 parts per million (ppm). This is achieved through a multi-step process that eliminates contaminants and minerals. A typical purification system involves several stages:
- Source Water: Many purified water brands start with municipal or tap water, while others use groundwater or wells.
- Pre-Filtration: The water is first passed through coarse filters to remove larger particles like sand, silt, and dirt.
- Activated Carbon Filtration: This step uses activated carbon to absorb organic compounds, chlorine, and other chemicals that can affect taste and odor.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): A core component of most purification systems, RO forces water through a semipermeable membrane that blocks virtually all dissolved solids, heavy metals, and microorganisms.
- Distillation: Some brands use distillation, which involves boiling the water and collecting the resulting steam. The steam is condensed back into liquid, leaving impurities behind.
- Ozonation or UV Disinfection: To ensure microbial safety, the water is treated with ozone gas or ultraviolet light, which kills bacteria and viruses.
- Remineralization (Optional): After the aggressive purification process, some companies add a blend of minerals and electrolytes back into the water to create a specific, consistent flavor profile.
Common Purified Water Brands on the Market
Many popular bottled water brands are in fact purified water. This is often an efficient process for producers, as it allows them to use local municipal sources and guarantee a consistent, pure product regardless of the original water's mineral composition. Some of the most recognizable brands include:
- Aquafina: Owned by PepsiCo, Aquafina is a leading purified water brand. It uses a multi-stage process called Hydro-7, which includes reverse osmosis and other filtering methods, to create a water with a very low TDS.
- Dasani: A product of The Coca-Cola Company, Dasani also utilizes reverse osmosis. After purification, it adds a signature blend of minerals like magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, and salt for taste.
- Smartwater: This brand uses vapor distillation—a form of purification—and then adds electrolytes for a crisp, clean taste. Smartwater is owned by Glacéau, a subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company.
- Nestlé Pure Life: This globally recognized brand uses reverse osmosis as part of its purification process to meet high safety and quality standards.
- Kirkland Signature: Costco's house brand of bottled water is purified using reverse osmosis, offering a cost-effective choice for those seeking purified water.
Purified vs. Spring Water: A Quick Comparison
To help you decide which is right for you, here is a comparison of purified water and spring water based on several key factors.
| Feature | Purified Water | Spring Water |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Municipal tap water, well water, or other sources. | A natural, underground spring source. |
| Processing | Heavily treated with methods like reverse osmosis, distillation, and carbon filtration to remove nearly all impurities. | Minimally processed to remove harmful contaminants, retaining most natural mineral content. |
| Mineral Content | Low to zero TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), though some brands add electrolytes back for flavor. | Retains naturally occurring minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. |
| Taste | Clean, consistent, and neutral taste. | Can vary depending on the specific mineral profile of the spring source. |
| Regulation | Must meet FDA standards for purified water (TDS under 10 ppm). | Must meet FDA standards as spring water, reflecting the composition at the source. |
| Key Benefit | Maximum purity and consistent taste. | Natural mineral content and unique flavor profile. |
The Health and Environmental Impact
For many, the consistent purity of bottled purified water is a primary reason for purchase, as it removes potentially harmful trace contaminants that can be present even in public tap water. However, this intensive purification process also strips away any beneficial minerals. For those who get a balanced diet, this loss is not typically a concern, as most necessary minerals come from food.
Environmentally, the choice between purified and other bottled waters presents similar issues related to plastic waste and the carbon footprint of transportation. The sourcing and treatment processes also require significant energy. For eco-conscious consumers, home filtration systems offer a sustainable alternative, providing purified water without the single-use plastic waste. The best choice for you depends on a balance of your priorities concerning taste, purity, cost, and environmental impact.
Conclusion
So, which bottled water is purified water? Key brands like Aquafina, Dasani, and Smartwater use purification methods like reverse osmosis and distillation to create their products. Unlike spring water, purified water is highly processed to remove nearly all dissolved solids and contaminants, resulting in a consistent, clean taste. While purified bottled water offers the highest level of consistency and purity, alternatives like spring water provide a more natural, mineral-rich experience. Ultimately, both options are safe to drink, and the right one for you comes down to your personal preferences for taste and a clear understanding of the purification process involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between purified water and spring water? Purified water undergoes advanced treatment like reverse osmosis to remove almost all minerals and contaminants, while spring water comes from a natural source and retains its native minerals, which can affect its taste.
2. Is Aquafina purified water? Yes, Aquafina is a purified drinking water. It is sourced from public water systems and is then purified using a rigorous multi-step process that includes reverse osmosis.
3. Is Dasani purified water? Yes, Dasani is purified water. Owned by Coca-Cola, it uses reverse osmosis to purify water and then adds a special blend of minerals for a consistent flavor.
4. Is purified water healthier than regular tap water? In many developed countries, tap water is safe to drink. However, purified bottled water undergoes additional treatment to remove trace contaminants that may still exist in tap water, offering a higher degree of purity for those with concerns.
5. Does purified water have any minerals? Original purified water has had nearly all minerals and dissolved solids removed. Some brands, however, reintroduce a specific blend of minerals and electrolytes after the purification process to enhance the taste.
6. How can I tell if a bottled water is purified? Check the label. Bottled waters that are purified will typically be labeled as "purified drinking water" and will sometimes list the purification method used, such as reverse osmosis or distillation.
7. What is the difference between purified water and distilled water? Distilled water is a type of purified water created by boiling water and condensing the steam. This process removes virtually all minerals and contaminants, whereas other purification methods like reverse osmosis achieve high purity differently.
8. Is purified water expensive? Purified water can be more expensive than tap water due to the cost of sourcing, filtering, bottling, and transporting the product. The Environmental Protection Agency states that tap water is significantly cheaper per gallon.
9. What are the benefits of drinking purified water? Benefits include reduced exposure to contaminants, consistent flavor, and better hydration through purer water absorption. Some people prefer the peace of mind that comes from knowing their water has been thoroughly filtered.
10. How does reverse osmosis purify water? Reverse osmosis forces water under high pressure through a semipermeable membrane. This membrane has tiny pores that allow water molecules to pass through while trapping and removing dissolved solids, heavy metals, and contaminants.
11. Is purified water bad for the environment? Like most single-use plastic bottles, purified bottled water contributes to plastic waste and pollution. Home filtration systems are a more eco-friendly alternative for those concerned about the environmental impact.
12. Can purified water be used for cooking? Yes, purified water is suitable for cooking, as it is free from contaminants and has a consistent, neutral taste that won't affect the flavor of your food.
