The Quest for Pure Hydration: Understanding the Many Faces of Water
Water – it’s the essence of life, the drink we reach for to quench our thirst. But not all water is created equal. From the icy glaciers of Canada to the deep wells in our own backyards, the sources of our daily hydration vary widely in taste, mineral content, and purity. For city dwellers, sipping straight from nature’s streams may not be an option, making water filters an essential part of urban living. This guide dives deep into the world of water, demystifying the many types available and revealing which might be the healthiest for you. Whether you’re a fan of spring water’s natural mineral kick or lean towards the purity of reverse osmosis, we’ll unravel the mysteries behind each drop.
Importance of Water Quality
- Drinking clean, contaminant free water is crucial for overall health and wellbeing.
- Depending on the location, tap water can contain various contaminants like heavy metals, fluoride, chlorine, and even medications.
Types of Water
Certainly! Let’s delve deeper into the various types of water:
1. Spring Water
Origin: This is water sourced directly from a natural spring.
Features:
- Filtered naturally by the Earth, making it relatively free from pollutants.
- Contains a variety of minerals like calcium and magnesium which are beneficial for health.
- Popular Brands: Evian, Arrowhead Mountain, Poland Spring.
2. Artesian Water
Origin: Comes from a confined aquifer beneath layers of rock and clay.
Features:
- Because of its confinement, it is naturally pressurized and doesn’t come into contact with air, making it less susceptible to contamination.
- Typically rich in minerals.
- Example: Heart Water.
3. Reverse Osmosis Water
Origin: Produced by a purification process where water is pushed through a semipermeable membrane.
Features:
- Removes most of the contaminants including minerals, making it very pure.
- Some believe it’s too “empty” and lacks essential minerals the body needs.
- Popular Brand: Dasani.
4. Alkaline Water
Origin: Water that has been ionized to increase its pH.
Features:
- Has a pH level above 7, which is considered alkaline.
- Believed to neutralize acid in the body.
- Some systems add minerals to the water to achieve alkalinity.
- Popular Systems: Tyent, Kangen.
5. Tap Water
Origin: Delivered directly through the municipal system.
Features:
- Often treated to meet safety standards, but the quality can vary based on location.
- Can contain trace levels of contaminants like chlorine, heavy metals, and even pharmaceuticals.
- Fluori
6. Distilled Water
Origin: Produced by boiling water and collecting the steam, which is then condensed back into liquid.
Features:
- Free from minerals and contaminants.
- Some argue it’s not ideal for regular drinking since it lacks minerals and can leach minerals from the body.
- Popular Brands: Sparkletts, SmartWater.
7. Mineral Water
Origin: Water that naturally contains minerals.
Features:
- Must contain at least 250 parts per million of trace minerals.
- Minerals are naturally sourced, not added.
- Example: Panna from Italy.
8. Sparkling Water
Origin: Natural water that has undergone carbonation.
Features:
- Contains bubbles or effervescence, which is from carbon dioxide either added or naturally occurring.
- Some sparkling waters also contain added flavors or minerals.
- Popular Brands: Perrier, Pellegrino.
9. Well Water
Origin: Sourced from a hole drilled into the ground to access groundwater.
Features:
- The quality depends on the depth of the well and the cleanliness of the source.
- Can be susceptible to contamination from surface runoff, especially in industrial or agricultural areas.
- Regular testing is recommended to ensure safety.
Best Water for Health
- Technically, spring and mineral water due to the potential health benefits of naturally occurring minerals.
- Alkaline water provides antioxidant benefits in addition to the benefits of mineral/spring water.
- However, the most significant health benefit is from hydration itself, regardless of the water type.
Key Takeaway
While the type of water can offer additional health benefits, the primary goal should be to consume clean and contaminant free water. All water types can be beneficial as long as they’re clean.
| AQUATRU WATER FILTER | BERKEY WATER FILTER |
|---|---|
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| Available in 1-size only. | Available in various sizes. |
| Plastic materials. | Metal & plastic materials. |
| Number of filters: 3 | Number of filters: 2 - 4 |
| Filter methods: Mechanical, Reverse Osmosis & Activated Carbon filters. | Filter methods: Black microporous-filters & white fluoride Filters |
| 4-stage filter process. | 2-stage filter process. |
| Holds a maximum water capacity of 3-quarts. | 2.25 Gallons |
| 45.7 x 45.7 x 38.1 cm | 19" High x 8.5" Diameter |
| System: 1 year limited warranty. | Filters: 2 years; System: 1 year. |
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