Water is essential to life, yet the options on supermarket shelves, in our taps, and through specialty filters can leave us wondering: What kind of water is best for us? Every day, we’re bombarded with a multitude of choices about what to eat and drink. Water might seem like the simplest of beverages, but the variety of available types can make even this basic decision complex. In this article, we evaluate the various types of water available and discuss their benefits and drawbacks to help you make an informed choice about what to drink.
Tap Water: The Accessible Choice
Tap water is the most accessible type of water for most people. In many countries, it is subject to rigorous quality control checks to ensure safety from contaminants like bacteria, nitrates, and toxic metals. Many municipal water supplies are also fortified with fluoride to promote dental health.
However, sometimes tap water quality can vary depending on local water treatment processes and the condition of the pipes in your home, which may add unwanted flavors or contaminants. Some people also raise concerns about trace amounts of pharmaceuticals and other chemicals found in tap water, although these are generally present at levels considered safe by regulatory agencies.
Bottled Water: Convenience at a Cost
When it comes to choosing the best bottled water, consumers are often guided by taste and purity claims. Bottled water is perceived as being cleaner or better tasting than tap water. It is sourced from springs or artesian wells, or it may simply be tap water that has been further treated and packaged for sale. The convenience of grabbing a bottle on the go is undeniable, but it comes with environmental drawbacks.
These bottles contribute significantly to pollution and waste, so recycling them is an important consideration. Bottled water is also significantly more expensive per liter compared to tap water. When choosing bottled water, consider the source and the purity of the water, as well as the environmental impact of the packaging. You can take example of how hydrogen water bottles work to know better.
Reusable Water Bottles: Sustainable Hydration
Water bottles, especially reusable ones, have become a staple accessory for those aiming to meet their daily hydration needs regardless of the water type they fill up with. These bottles come in various materials like stainless steel, glass, or BPA-free plastic, offering a durable and eco-friendly way to stay hydrated.
Using reusable water bottles not only cuts down on waste but also allows you to keep water on hand at all times, whether you fill up with tap, filtered, or spring water. They’re a practical choice for both the environment and personal hydration. Investing in a great reusable water bottle can easily help you to drink more water throughout the day while reducing the environmental impact associated with disposable bottled water.
Distilled Water: Purity Above All
Distilled water is specifically created through the process of distillation, where water is boiled, and the steam is captured and condensed back into a liquid. This method removes impurities, including minerals, bacteria, and chemicals, resulting in extremely pure water. Distilled water is often recommended for use in appliances that are prone to scale buildup, such as irons and humidifiers, because it contains no minerals to leave deposits.
However, the lack of minerals can also be seen as a drawback for daily consumption. Some health experts argue that the minerals found in water, such as calcium and magnesium, are beneficial for health, and their absence in distilled water could mean missing out on these essential nutrients. Also, because distilled water is so pure, it can taste flat or bland to many people.
Kangen Water: The Alkaline Alternative
Kangen water, a type of alkaline water produced by certain water ionizers, has garnered attention for its health claims, including providing better hydration, neutralizing acidity in the body, and even acting as an antioxidant. The water ionizer modifies the pH of the water through electrolysis, splitting the water molecules into acidic and alkaline components.
The alkaline water (with a higher pH) is consumed while the acidic water is often used for cleaning or sterilizing purposes. Despite the enthusiastic claims, scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of alkaline water is limited. Critics argue that the body maintains its pH balance regardless of the type of water consumed. Kangen water systems can also be quite expensive, making them less accessible for average consumers.
Boiling Water: The Traditional Method
Boiling water is one of the oldest and most traditional methods of purifying water. It is effective at killing a multitude of bacteria, viruses, and parasites, making it a safe option for drinking, especially in emergency situations or in areas where water quality is questionable.
Boiling is simple: bring water to a full boil for at least one minute and 3 minutes or more when you are at high altitudes to ensure all pathogens are destroyed. However, boiling does not remove chemical contaminants such as heavy metals or pesticides, which can remain in the water even after boiling. While boiling is an accessible method for purifying water, it also requires energy and time, and it does not improve the water’s taste, which can sometimes be a downside for regular consumption.
