From Dasani to Fiji and Aquafina, there are many different options when deciding what water to purchase. A variety of companies compete to gain your consumerism. The question is, what is the difference between these waters that would persuade one to buy it? In an Instagram poll, 115 of 123 respondents agreed that different water brands have distinct tastes.

Dasani

Dasani, in particular, has a reputation of being one of the less liked brands.

“Dasani tastes like it sat in a gas station bathroom for a couple of days,” senior Andrew Jaggi said.

The water is purified and has a few additives such as magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, and trace amounts of sodium minerals. The pH measures how acidic or basic the water is. The range goes from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. pHs of less than 7 indicate acidity, whereas a pH of greater than 7 indicates a base, all according to usgs.gov. The pH of this water is measured at approximately 5.6, according to tenspringwater.com.

“I do not like Dasani because it has additions of salt and other minerals leading to a strange taste,” freshman Abby Heck said.

Fiji

Although being more on the expensive side, Fiji is a favorite to many people. The company refers to their product as “Earth’s finest water,” which is supposedly bottled at the source and untouched by man until the cap is unscrewed, according to fijiwater.com.

“Fiji tastes nice and smooth, but it is expensive,” Jaggi said.

Fiji water comes from an artesian aquifer where the water is naturally purified through volcanic rock. It is then filtered, but not so much that it removes the natural mineral additives. This water’s pH is measured at 7.8, according to tenspringwater.com.

Aquafina

Some would say Aquafina can sway both directions; it is either a good or not-so-great water. This would leave Aquafina to be more of a mediocre water brand.

“I personally do not like Aquafina because it tastes as if hot was a flavor,” senior Lauren Higgins said.

Aquafina water comes from municipal water sources. It is purified after it is obtained using a seven-step process. Aquafina is measured at a pH of approximately 6.0, according to tenspringwater.com.

Ice Mountain

Ice Mountain Natural Spring Water can range in pH level from 7.9-8.1 at the time of bottling. Ice Mountain water comes from carefully selected spring sources, so its pH level may differ from bottle to bottle, according to icemountainwater.com.

“My go-to water brand is Ice Mountain because it is easily accessible in stores and not too acidic,” Heck said.