Water sources: Tap, spring water, etc.

There are many types of bottled water, all of which are regulated by the FDA.  Artesian water comes from an aquifer (underground water in permeable rock or gravel), mineral water has at least 250 ppm dissolved solids from a natural source (minerals cannot be added), purified water is treated tap water (distillation, deionization, reverse osmosis), sparkling water has CO2 added to the levels that the water contained at its original source, and spring water comes from an underground water formation that flows naturally to the surface.  There are loop holes in meeting these requirements that would no doubt upset most consumers, as would the levels of contamination allowed (pollutants, bacteria, etc).  Therefore, it is not realistic to offer concrete advice on what water source to drink.  My personal approach is to go with my gut feeling with what is most likely both healthy and cost effective.  I load up with spring water from the store when it is on sale and otherwise drink filtered tap water (note that tap water is regulated by the EPA).  Reports comparing the various water sources are too rare for us to use them on a regular basis for making informed decisions, but such comparisons have shown that sometimes tap water is healthier than bottled water, depending on the source and processing in the city where you live.  This was the case in Luxembourg when I visited last year (tap healthier than bottled), and is true for regions within the US as well.  Vitamin water products make no sense to me since vitamins and minerals are absorbed from the intestine into the bloodstream and then into cells primarily in response to digestion.  Therefore, vitamin water products improve the nutritional quality of our poop and urine more than anything else.  The fat-soluble vitamins (A, E and D) are not absorbed at all when consumed without fat (note that water does not contain fat).  CONCLUSIONS: Much of the bottled water on the market is essentially water from someone else's tap.  Tap water can be a good option when filtered or with no treatment depending on the quality of the water source.  Spring and filtered waters improve your chances of water purity, but do not guarantee it.  

Comments

[Water Testing Kits]

Wow that's interesting to think of. I don't understand why people pay $1.50 for bottled water when they can go fill it up from a sink for free. Sure tap water might not be 100% clean but you can filter it or have it tested to show if it is safe to drink or not. I find little difference in the taste of tap water so that is what I prefer.