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Ingredients in Aquafina Purified Water

Aquafina is among the best-selling bottled waters in America. Aquafina uses a seven-step reverse osmosis purification system that meets or exceeds the requirements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA monitors bottled water companies based on its Current Good Manufacturing Practices that include sanitary conditions, protected water sources, quality control and testing.

  1. Purified Tap Water

    • Aquafina uses water from public sources regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Public water sources provide what is commonly referred to as tap water as it comes out of taps in homes, businesses and restaurants. Aquafina is able to call itself pure water because the other ingredients in the water are below 10 parts per million (ppm). The FDA requires that pure water have no more than 10 ppm of total dissolved solids.

    Trace Minerals

    • Although the water purification process Aquafina uses removes the majority of trace minerals present in the tap water used, it cannot remove them all. According to Aquafina, approximately 4 ppm of total dissolved solids remain after the purification process. The type of trace minerals present in Aquafina water depends on what is in the tap water used at the Aquafina water purification facility where your bottle was filled. Trace minerals include calcium, potassium and similar substances that are beneficial to the human body.

    Heavy Metals

    • Heavy metals, such as lead, mercury and copper may also be present in Aquafina water in small amounts under 4 ppm. The types that are present depends on what is already in the tap water used at the purification facility. Some of these heavy metals are toxic in larger amounts. At less than 4 ppm, however, the amount is deemed negligible by the FDA and the water can legally be labeled as "pure."

    Pharmaceuticals

    • Pharmaceuticals includes drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter, as well as drugs used in the veterinary field. Fragrances and cosmetics are also included in this category. The EPA has found that pharmaceuticals are present in tap water. Because Aquafina is purified tap water, small amounts of pharmaceuticals may be present in the water as well. The amount will be less than 4 ppm as set forth by federal quality standards.

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