A Plethora Of Choices: The Types Of Water Found In Bottled Water

According to the Mayo Clinic, our bodies need approximately two liters of water daily to hydrate, transport nutrients to cells, and flush out toxins from vital organs.  Bottled water makes it easy to quench your thirst, even when you are on the go.  And, you have a plethora of choices.

1.  Spring Water

Spring water is formed underground, and contained in the soil and the rocks.  The water is obtained directly from the spring, or pumped through a drilled hole by either manual or mechanical means.  Spring water is thought to contain healthy levels of minerals, and is bottled unfiltered and untreated.   The taste of spring water varies depending on the levels of nutrients, such as, fluoride, calcium, and potassium.

2.  Artesian Water

In terms of taste and pureness, artesian bottled water is frequently compared to natural spring water.  The chief difference between the two waters is that spring water has to be mechanically or manually pumped, while Artesian water pumps naturally from a pressurized, contained Artesian well.  Artesian water originates underground in an aquifer which is a natural compendium for ground water.  Artesian aquifers are typically enclosed by layers of rock that build pressure, pressing the water to find release.  The pressure is released using pipes which permit the water to rise to the surface.  As the water flows through porous rock, it is naturally filtered. 

3.  Mineral Water

Mineral water comes from a spring, or well, and must contain a minimum of 250 parts per million total dissolved solids.  For the mineral water classification, the levels and proportions of dissolved minerals have to be present at the water source, and cannot be added to the bottled water.  Many people drink mineral water because it is thought to have several health benefits. 

4.  Ground Water

Ground water is any water found below the ground, usually from surface water that has seeped underground, into an aquifer, permeable soil, rock, or sediment.  Aquifers are often the source of water in wells, and springs.  Well water is water produced from a well that penetrates an underground water source. 

5.  Sparkling Water

Sparkling bottled water, from springs or wells, contains dissolved carbon dioxide, which makes it bubbly, or naturally carbonated.  Bottled water producers are legally able to replace carbon dioxide that is consumed during processing, but not add more carbon dioxide than the water had originally when it was pumped from the ground.  Tonic water is a type of sparkling water that also includes quinine.  It is most commonly added to mixed drinks.  There are a variety of sparkling water types depending on the source of the water, such as, sparkling mineral water or sparkling spring water. 

6.  Purified Water

Water that has had all chemicals and minerals removed from it is called purified water.  There are a variety of scientific processes, including filters, to remove chemicals and bacteria from water.  Distilled water is a type of purified water that has undergone distillation, a process which removes microscopic contaminates and dissolved minerals.  The process involves boiling the water until only steam is left, and then cooling the steam until it condenses into liquid.  Distilled water consists of only hydrogen and oxygen molecules, and has a pH value of 7.  Distilled water is safe to drink, but markedly bland in taste because all minerals, and their flavors, have been eliminated.

7.  Fluoridated Water

Most bottled water originates from fresh water sources, and contains very low levels of fluoride.  Fluoridated water has had fluoride added to it.  Many communities in the United States have added fluoride to their community water supply to help prevent tooth decay. 


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