Water is the one substance that every living thing on earth needs to exist. The human body is 70% water, so we are required to keep hydrated to maintain health and to survive. 

When we drink water, it doesn’t just rehydrate us, it does many other things too. Water flushes bacteria from our bodies, aids digestion, maintains sodium balance, and carries nutrients and oxygen to cells. There are several different types of water, we look at each one below.

Mineral Water

Mineral water is sourced from a mineral spring and contains natural minerals like salts and sulphur compounds, these naturally occurring compound come from the water flowing over and through rocks. This is the water that we usually find in our shops bottled, and is either still or sparkling because of adding carbonated gases.

In the past, mineral water was used at its source. The water was either consumed or bathed in at spas, baths, or wells, this was referred to as “taking the waters” or “taking the cure”.

Spring Water

Spring water is water which has been accumulated underground and then rises to the surface as a spring. Water is stored far under the surface in natural aquifers and must be bottled at source. 

The water high in natural trace minerals, making it the best for hydration and health. Spring and mineral water is what we see bottled and sold in supermarkets, but what’s the difference between the two?

The Water Delivery Company the definitions of spring and mineral water, “The distinction between the two types of water sold in the UK is often a point of confusion for customers, as brands use different definitions to brand and sell their product. 

In fact, the legal definitions for spring and mineral water are determined by governmental regulations updated in 2010, “The Natural Mineral Water, Spring Water and Bottled Drinking Water (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2010″. These types of regulations are common in many countries and therefore both mineral and spring water can vary greatly in different countries.”

Tap Water

Tap water is sourced from dams, lakes, and bank filtrates and is processed before it is consumed. This water goes through multiple treatments and filtration before it comes out of your taps. Water treatment plants will ensure the water that is your taps is free from bacteria and debris. 

The water will be filtered by activated carbon and chemicals, such as chlorine are used to kill of bacteria, and fluoride is added for oral health benefits.

Raw Water

Raw water is water that has not been treated in any way, it is completely natural. This water can include rainwater, groundwater, well water, and water from bodies of water, such as lakes and streams. Because the water is untreated, it contains all its natural mineral content and ions, as well a various  nasties – such as bacteria, parasites, and particles. 

There was a recent health trend in the US that saw a huge rise in the demand for raw water, however health experts do not recommend that you consume this water due to risk of illness.

Other Types of Water

There are other types of water that are named depending on the process it has been through. Distilled water is that which has first been turned into steam leaving the impurities behind, it then condenses, turning it back into water totally free of contamination. Distilled water is considered the purest water on earth.

Deionised water is created through a process of exchanging hard ions for soft ions, therefore it has no charge. This can be done by taking regular tap water and exposing it to electrically charged resins that will bind and attract salts, removing them from the water.

Distilled and ionised water are both known as purified water and has many uses. It is used in the pharmaceutical industry, beverage industry, added to lead acid batteries to prolong their life and used in aquariums.