Feeling thirsty? Drink some water! Water is essential for health, and yet many people don’t drink enough. Maybe it’s because they don’t like the taste. Some drinking water tastes better than others based on the source, mineral content, pH level, treatment method, and even geographical and environmental factors.
There are approximately ten different kinds of drinking water, and they each have distinct characteristics, benefits, and potential drawbacks. These include:
- Tap Water
- Well Water
- Mineral Water
- Spring Water
- Purified Water
- Filtered Water
- Distilled Water
- Sparkling Water
- Alkaline Water
- Flavored Water
Keep reading to learn all about these different types of drinking water…
1. Tap Water
- Description: The most common type of drinking water, sourced from municipal supplies. It undergoes treatment to remove impurities and is generally considered safe to drink.
- Pros: Cost-effective, readily available, convenient. EPA and state water quality departments ensure that public water systems meet stringent safety standards.
- Cons: The taste may vary, it typically contains chlorine and added fluoride, and some areas may have issues with contaminants like lead.
2. Well Water
- Description: Sourced from underground aquifers and often untreated, making it dependent on local geology for safety and quality.
- Pros: Can be rich in minerals and free from additives common in municipal waters.
- Cons: Should be tested regularly, is often hard water that can form scale on surfaces and cause the buildup of mineral deposits in pipes and water heaters.
3. Mineral Water
- Description: Sourced from underground springs, contains a natural level of minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
- Pros: Provides essential minerals that can contribute to dietary intake; often tastes better than tap water due to its mineral content, free from additives common in municipal waters.
- Cons: More expensive than tap water.
4. Spring Water
- Description: Collected from a natural spring where water flows to the surface. It’s rich in minerals and is often bottled at the source.
- Pros: Typically free from contaminants and additives, tastes fresh and clean.
- Cons: May sometimes contain harmful microorganisms if not properly sourced or treated; also usually sold in plastic bottles which contributes to plastic waste.
5. Purified Water
- Description: Typically regular tap water or groundwater that has been treated through a process such as reverse osmosis to remove contaminants and bacteria. Some minerals may be added for taste.
- Pros: Completely free from impurities and harmful substances, making it safe to drink.
- Cons: The purification process removes naturally occurring minerals and electrolytes beneficial for health; more expensive than the tap water from which it was made.
6. Filtered Water
- Description: Typically tap water that has been filtered through a cartridge filter at the point of use (i.e. Brita filters, fridge filters, faucet-mounted filters, under-sink filters).
- Pros: Free from common contaminants like chlorine and heavy metals.
- Cons: Filtration isn’t as effective as a purification process like reverse osmosis. You need to change the filters regularly or they won’t filter as well.
7. Distilled Water
- Description: Created through a distillation process that removes all minerals and impurities, leaving only H2O.
- Pros: Highly pure and safe, making it useful in medical applications and appliances.
- Cons: While you can drink it for hydration, distilled water will not provide your body with any minerals beneficial for health. Also, since it’s devoid of minerals, it has a flat taste.
8. Sparkling Water (aka seltzer, soda water, or club soda)
- Description: Carbonated water that may be naturally carbonated from a spring in a region of active volcanos, or plain water infused with carbon dioxide gas.
- Pros: A bubbly alternative to sugary beverages, often with added beneficial minerals.
- Cons: Can be more expensive and may contribute to dental erosion if overconsumed.
9. Alkaline Water
- Description: Water that has a higher pH level than regular water, containing additional alkalizing minerals.
- Pros: Believed by some to help neutralize acid in the body and improve hydration.
- Cons: May lower stomach acidity if consumed excessively.
10. Flavored or Infused Water
- Description: Water that has been flavored with fruits, herbs, or vegetables, sometimes with added sugars or sweeteners, and sometimes fortified with added vitamins.
- Pros: Can encourage increased hydration by providing a tasty alternative to plain water.
- Cons: Many varieties include sugars or artificial sweeteners, which can be unhealthy.
Conclusion
Generally, tap water and well water are the most cost-effective and environmentally-friendly options. Bottled alternatives, like mineral and purified water, can be beneficial for specific needs but they often come at a higher cost.
The best drinking water depends on personal preferences and health considerations. The main thing is to ensure the water you consume is safe, clean, and appropriate for your hydration needs. What kind of water do you like best?
