There are different types of drinking water, but are some types healthier compared to others?
Types of Drinking Water
Some of the most common drinking water types are mineral, tap, spring, purified, and distilled drinking water.
Mineral water is sourced from underground. Its natural content consists of at least 250 parts per million of dissolved solid minerals, while tap water can be sourced out from the taps at one's home. Tap water may come from a water source of the municipality or a well that is privately owned.
On the other hand, spring water comes from an underground water source that naturally rises to the surface. It should be bottled at its source, while purified water has undergone reverse osmosis, ozonation, distillation, or absolute one-micron filtration treatments.
Lastly, distilled water has minerals taken away through a distillation process that involves the vaporization of water and further condensation into liquid.
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Healthiest and Safest Drinking Water
Across the US, the majority of drinking water is safe. Every type of drinking water has tight regulations managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also regulated bottled water.
Though there could be minimal differences in mineral content and taste of various water types, they are mostly equally healthy.
Contaminated Water
However, certain water types have their own downsides. Every type of water has a risk of contamination at source. Though these contaminants could be harmless, they could also be potentially harmful pathogens, such as E, coli.
If a municipal water source is where the tap water comes from, it is likely regulated and regularly tested for pathogen presence. However, if it comes from a private well, regular quality testing through an agency is recommended.
As for bottled water that is contaminated, the FDA may subject recalls.
When it comes to bottled water, downsides include associated plastic wastage and higher costs. Hence, for individuals who live in areas with safe tap water for drinking, opting for tap water over bottled water may be good for one's own budget and also for the environment.
Water Acidity or Alkalinity
A liquid's pH refers to its level of alkalinity or acidity. When it has a pH level of 7, it is mostly neutral. On the other hand, a higher pH would indicate higher alkalinity, while a lower pH would signify more acidity.
The majority of drinking water has a pH that ranges from 6.5 to 7 (neutral). There are some water types that are a bit more acidic, such as distilled water. There are also more alkaline options.
However, water pH level does not yield big differences when it comes to health. Regardless of pH level, drinking water will not alter blood pH unless one consumes great quantities that are nearly humanly impossible.
Moreover, in such amounts, any water type would end up dangerous as it could lead to blood sodium dilution and trigger a condition known as hyponatremia.
No studies also suggest that there are significant health benefits associated with alkaline water.
However, at times, when water pH is abnormally high or low, this could imply that the municipal water source is contaminated.
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