Have you ever filled your water bottle up with tap water only to realize that it tastes like chlorine or chemicals? Have you ever wondered what the difference is between mineral water and spring water? Or what about the difference between distilled water and purified water. Maybe you wondered what the point of sparkling and flavoured water is. Maybe you didn’t realize that people actually drink well water, and that alkaline water actually exists even though you’ve never heard of it before.
If you have been thinking about this or trying to decide what water would be best for you to drink, then hopefully after reading this article you will have a better understanding of the various types of drinking water, and which one is best for you.
The first type of water is tap water; it is the easiest to access and it saves people’s money compared to purchasing bottled waters or purified waters as stated by Jennifer Still on Healthline. Unfortunately, one of the negatives about tap water is that for many people it often tastes like chlorine. Home Services Expert on Expertsinyourhome.com explains that having the taste of chlorine is not a bad thing; chlorine is added to the water systems to keep the water clean and prevent any diseases from entering the water. However, Home Services Expert also stated that if the smell or taste of chlorine is too strong for you in the water, it would be a good idea to get a hold of the water company in your area; just in case you think there might be a problem.
Jennifer Still on Healthline explained that if you are concerned about aluminum, pesticide residue, or other materials in the water, it would be a good idea to invest in a water filter to clean the water before you use it.
The second type of water is known as mineral water, it is water that comes directly from a mineral spring and it contains calcium, magnesium, and sulfur which are healthy for you according to Jennifer Still on Healthline. One of the benefits of mineral water is that it supplies your body with minerals it cannot form on its own. Unfortunately, mineral water is considered bottled water and according to Homewater.com, bottled water tends to be 2,000 times more expensive than tap water.
The third type of water is known as spring water, and you might be wondering what the difference is between mineral water and spring water. According to Myownwater.com, there isn’t a difference in taste when the two waters are compared. However, as stated on Myownwater.com, mineral water has minerals that were dissolved into it, whereas spring water is made up of the natural ingredients that were in the spring that the water came from. Spring water also contains the same minerals that mineral water has, but the minerals in spring water are all natural whereas mineral water usually has had the minerals added afterwards.
The next two types of water are known as distilled water and purified water. But, what is the difference between the two? According to Healthline.com, distilled water is also a purified water, but it has had possible impurities removed along with minerals being removed. However, purified water has had chemicals and impurities removed, but it will most likely contain minerals still.
The sixth and seventh types of water are known as sparkling water and flavoured water, and you might be wondering what the point is of those two types of water. According to Jennifer Still on Healthline, flavoured water makes it easier for people to drink, especially for people who do not like the taste of water on its own. According to Lori Welstead and Courtney Schuchmann on Uchicagomedicine.org, sparkling water is a great alternative to pop. The water still has a fizzy taste like pop does, but it does not have the added sugars to it. Additionally, for some people sparkling water helps reduce gas and bloating. Unfortunately, for some people it can make it worse, especially for people with acid reflux, and heartburn as stated on Uchicagomedicine.org.
The final two types of water are known as well water and alkaline water. Well water is taken from the ground and has not been treated which can cause possible health risks. The downside to well water is that since it has not been treated it can contain bacterial infections and diseases, however if purified and treated properly it can be used safely according to Jennifer Still on Healthline.
Alkaline water is said to help reduce acid, it will possibly slow down aging, and could potentially reduce the chance of getting cancer. However, drinking too much alkaline water could reduce the stomach acid too much which could make it hard for your body to fight off harmful bacteria as stated by Jennifer Still on Healthline.
All in all, the water you choose to drink is based off your personal preferences and what you think is best for you. Hopefully you will be able to find a water that is enjoyable and the right option for you and your body.