Fairfield Dining Needs To Provide Higher-Quality Water Options

By Brooke Lathe Executive Editor

Fully stocked in The Leeve, the Stag, vending machines and most places on campus, countless stout, muted blue Dasani water bottles sit mostly untouched. And, there’s no question why: Dasani is arguably the worst water brand.

Before ever watching conspiracy theory videos, such as clips posted by Shane Dawson, and doing my own research, I always found that Dasani tasted off. It turns out, it’s because other bottled water brands are often derived from natural springs or purified water while Dasani is obtained from a municipal source and filtered through a process called “reverse osmosis,” as written in small print on the bottle’s label.

This process of purification removes countless natural minerals and contaminants found in other companies like Fiji or more affordable options such as Poland Springs. In simpler terms, the drink is collected from tap water, filtered and infused with artificial minerals before shipping them off to be sold in stores. With this major difference in production, it’s not surprising why we find the flavor odd when comparing it to other brands most of us are normally conditioned to enjoy.

Dasani is also notoriously known for adding salt to the water–a fact that they share on the FAQ section of their website with the explanation: “Dasani adds a variety of minerals, including salt, to create the crisp fresh taste you know and love.”

Most consumers, including me, believe that it’s a cover for a consumption tactic, however, as the increased sodium will make you thirster and therefore force you to want (or buy, in this case) more of their product.

One of the more glaring problems: Have you ever noticed the ‘hiss’ sound it makes when you snap open the bottle’s cap as well? You don’t hear that with any other brand that isn’t marketed as a sparkling drink (except for Aquafina, but it’s incredibly close in rank to Dasani’s low favorability). So, why is this?

The company claims it’s a reaction due to the pressure sealing, but I personally believe it’s from the higher acidity. According to Santevia Canada, “Dasani is one of the most acidic bottles on the market with a pH of 6.25.”

Since most drinking water pH levels are desired to be within the 6.5-8.5 range, the low score qualifies Dasani as a “soft” drink since “water is considered soft as the level drops toward the lower side of 6.5 and out of the recommended range,” advises ATS Environmental. More importantly, it is noteworthy to add that hard water is usually preferred for drinking due to the increased minerals and better flavor in comparison.

Ultimately, Dasani is a brand that is owned by the Coca-Cola franchise, and I personally wouldn’t choose water distributed by a mass-producing soda company as my first, second or even third choice.

Ever since my arrival to Fairfield at the start of my freshman year, I was incredibly disappointed when I found out the only water offered by the school is Dasani. Never once in my life has the drink ever fully satisfied me and my mouth is always left with a strange aftertaste.

So, after three years, I am still hoping that the university will make the necessary switch to another company like Poland Springs or Evian. If not, at least take any other options into consideration when thinking about students’ health and overall preference.