Which Bottled Water Is RO? A Guide to Purified Drinking Water

According to the International Desalination Association, reverse osmosis (RO) accounts for nearly all modern desalination capacity. This same highly effective technology is also used by many major bottled water brands to purify their products, which often contain few or no dissolved solids.

Quick Summary

Several prominent bottled water brands, including Aquafina and Dasani, use reverse osmosis to purify their water. This process removes contaminants and most minerals, resulting in a very clean taste. Some companies then add electrolytes back for flavor.

Key Points

• Identify RO Brands: Look for bottled water labeled "purified," as brands like Aquafina, Dasani, and Nestlé Pure Life use reverse osmosis for purification.

• RO Water Is Low in Minerals: Reverse osmosis removes nearly all dissolved solids, including natural minerals, resulting in a very low Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) count.

• Taste is Controlled: Manufacturers often add a blend of electrolytes back into RO water after purification to control and enhance its flavor.

• Check the Label: For a sure sign of RO, look for the term "purified water" and a low TDS number on the bottle's label.

• RO vs. Other Waters: Unlike spring or mineral water, RO water starts from a blank slate, offering consistent purity, whereas others retain natural, varied mineral content.

• Home RO is an Alternative: For those concerned about plastic waste, installing a home RO system is a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to buying bottled RO water.

Understanding Reverse Osmosis in Bottled Water

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that forces water molecules through a semi-permeable membrane, leaving behind contaminants, dissolved solids, and other impurities. When applied to bottled water, this process ensures a high level of purity and a consistent, clean taste. Unlike natural spring or mineral waters, which retain their mineral content, RO water is deliberately stripped of these elements. Some manufacturers choose to add a blend of minerals, often called electrolytes, back into the water after purification to enhance the flavor.

Major Bottled Water Brands That Use RO

Many of the most recognizable names in bottled water utilize reverse osmosis as a core part of their purification process. These brands typically source their water from municipal supplies and then refine it using RO filtration to achieve a specific, consistent taste and quality.

• Aquafina: Owned by PepsiCo, Aquafina is a prime example of an RO-purified bottled water. The company explicitly states that its water originates from public water sources and then undergoes a multi-step purification process that includes reverse osmosis. The average total dissolved solids (TDS) is very low, often around 4 ppm.
• Dasani: A Coca-Cola product, Dasani also uses reverse osmosis filtration on its municipal water source. Similar to other brands, Dasani adds a proprietary blend of minerals after purification to achieve its signature taste.
• Nestlé Pure Life: This brand treats its purified water with reverse osmosis, UV light, and ozone disinfection. Minerals are then added back to create a pleasing taste.
• Glaceau Smartwater: Known for its vapor-distilled process, Smartwater also incorporates reverse osmosis purification. It then adds electrolytes back for a distinct taste profile.
• Essentia Water: Essentia is an alkaline bottled water that uses reverse osmosis to purify its water. It then infuses the water with electrolytes, achieving a high pH of 9.5.

The Importance of the Label

For a consumer, the easiest way to identify if a bottled water is purified using RO is to read the label. By law, water labeled as "purified" must have a TDS of no more than 10 ppm, which is typically achieved through processes like reverse osmosis or distillation. This is different from water labeled as "natural spring water" or "mineral water," which are sourced from specific underground formations and maintain their natural mineral content.

Why Companies Choose RO for Bottled Water

The main reason large-scale bottling operations favor reverse osmosis is the consistent quality it provides. Unlike spring water, which can vary in mineral content depending on the source, RO allows a company to start with a blank slate, effectively creating a uniform product across multiple bottling plants. This allows for total control over the final product's taste and mineral balance. The process is also highly efficient at removing a vast range of contaminants, including heavy metals like lead and arsenic, pesticides, and other dissolved solids.

Comparison: RO Water vs. Other Types of Bottled Water

To better understand what makes RO bottled water different, here is a comparison with other common types of bottled water.

Feature	RO Purified Water	Natural Spring Water	Mineral Water
Source	Municipal water supplies	Protected underground springs	Geologically and physically protected underground sources
Purification	High-pressure filtration through a semi-permeable membrane; contaminants and minerals removed.	Minimal treatment, primarily to remove bacteria; natural mineral composition is preserved.	Minimal treatment to maintain natural mineral and trace element content.
Mineral Content	Low to zero TDS; minerals often added back for flavor.	Contains natural minerals from the spring source.	High TDS; must contain a minimum of 250 ppm to be classified as such.
Taste Profile	Generally clean, crisp, and consistent; can be influenced by added minerals.	Flavor varies depending on the mineral composition of the spring.	Distinct flavor influenced by high mineral content.
TDS Level	Very low (often below 10 ppm).	Varies, but higher than purified water.	High (at least 250 ppm).

The Advantages and Considerations of RO Water

Reverse osmosis offers distinct advantages, particularly in delivering a consistent product free of most contaminants. For health-conscious consumers, it provides peace of mind that a wide spectrum of pollutants has been removed. However, the process also removes beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium, which some people prefer to retain. Many brands and at-home systems now address this by re-mineralizing the water, which can also improve its taste.

Environmental Impact

Another significant consideration is the environmental footprint. Home RO systems reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles, which is a major environmental benefit. However, the RO process is known for generating a significant amount of wastewater. Modern, high-efficiency RO systems have been developed to reduce this waste, with some units achieving better water recovery rates.

How to Ensure You Are Drinking RO Water

• Read the label: Look for the term "purified water," which indicates it has undergone a purification process like RO.
• Check the TDS: If the label lists the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and it is a very low number (under 10 ppm), it is likely RO or distilled water.
• Research brands: A quick search can confirm if a specific brand uses reverse osmosis, as companies like Aquafina and Dasani are transparent about their processes.

Conclusion

Several major brands, including Aquafina, Dasani, and Nestlé Pure Life, use reverse osmosis to purify their bottled water, ensuring a high-quality product with a consistent taste. The term to look for on a bottle is "purified water." While RO effectively removes contaminants, it also strips beneficial minerals, which some brands add back for flavor and balance. Ultimately, choosing an RO bottled water depends on your preferences for taste, purity, and environmental impact. For those prioritizing both purity and sustainability, a home RO system can be an excellent long-term alternative to bottled options. Choosing the right water is a personal decision, informed by your priorities for health, taste, and the planet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is reverse osmosis (RO)?

Reverse osmosis is a filtration process that uses pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane separates and removes dissolved solids, contaminants, and other impurities, resulting in highly purified water.

Which specific bottled water brands use RO?

Several major bottled water brands use reverse osmosis as part of their purification process. Key examples include Aquafina, Dasani, Nestlé Pure Life, Glaceau Smartwater, and Essentia Water.

How can I tell if a bottled water is RO purified?

The simplest way is to check the bottle's label. Look for water labeled as "purified water." This indicates it has been processed to a high standard, often with reverse osmosis, and will have a very low level of total dissolved solids (TDS).

Does RO water taste different than other bottled water?

RO water, without added minerals, can taste flat to some people because the purification process removes the naturally occurring minerals that give water its taste. Brands often add electrolytes back in to achieve a more appealing, consistent flavor.

Does RO water contain any minerals?

The reverse osmosis process removes virtually all minerals. However, many bottled water brands that use RO, like Dasani and Essentia, add a blend of electrolytes and other minerals back into the water for taste.

Is RO water healthier than other water?

RO water is highly purified, removing a wide range of harmful contaminants like lead, arsenic, and bacteria, making it very safe to drink. For overall health, many people get sufficient minerals from their diet, and the removal of minerals from water is not a significant health concern for most individuals.

What are the environmental pros and cons of RO bottled water?

A major con is the plastic waste generated by single-use bottles. A key benefit is that a home RO system can reduce or eliminate the need for plastic bottles. The RO process itself does generate wastewater, but modern systems are more water-efficient.