10 water types and how to choose between them

Your body needs water to stay hydrated and function properly. There are many types of water available, such as tap, spring, minerals and distilled, each with advantages and disadvantages to be considered.

1. Tap water

Tap water is simply water you get from your tap, supplied by a pipe system. Tap water comes from sources such as rivers, lakes, tanks or underground aquifers.

The pros understand:

• It is practical and affordable.
• Public water agencies treat and test water to eliminate impurities, such as bacteria, parasites, heavy metals and chemicals.
• It can be fluoted to prevent dental caries.
• It is not bottled, so it has less negative impact on the environment.

The disadvantages include:

• Many people complain about the taste of tap water. A study revealed that 26% of those questioned did not think that their local water was tasteful.
• Although many processes are in place to eliminate impurities, tap water can always contain traces of contaminants, such as chlorine, pesticides or lead (old pipes).

2. Mineral water

Mineral water comes from a natural underground source. It contains minerals and trace elements, such as magnesium, sulfur, calcium and potassium. Unlike tap water, mineral water is bottled.

The pros understand:

• Contains minerals that can provide health benefits, such as improving digestion and muscle and bone support.
• Many people prefer the taste of mineral water with tap water.

The disadvantages include:

• Costs much more than tap water.
• Bottle mineral water contributes to plastic waste and has an environmental impact.
• Different marks of mineral water contain different amounts of minerals. Some are rich in sodium, which can be harmful for people with high blood pressure or other health problems.

3. Source water

Source water is collected in the spring or near its source. This type of water is bottled after its collection.

The pros understand:

• Because it comes from an underground source, spring water is generally clean and free from harmful chemicals.
• It can contain natural minerals, such as magnesium and calcium.
• Many people prefer the fresh taste of spring water to other types.

The disadvantages include:

• Source water is more expensive than tap water.
• The plastic bottle also contributes to plastic waste.
• Certain types of bottled water water are not strictly tested and could contain contaminants. In addition, all the bottles labeled in “Spring” water do not come from a spring.

4. Sparkling water

Sparkling water contains carbon dioxide. This gives it a sparkling and sparkling texture. Carbonation can occur naturally, or it can be added during the traffic jam process.

The pros understand:

• Sparkling water is a good alternative to sweet sodas.
• It offers a refreshing and sparkling taste that many people appreciate.
• Some also note that carbonation can facilitate digestion.

The disadvantages include:

• Sparkling water can be expensive.
• Some people also report that carbonation causes gases or bloating, especially those with acid reflux or digestive problems.
• Because it is slightly acidic, consuming a lot of sparkling water can erode dental enamel.

5. Distilled water

The distilled water was purified by distillation, a process in which the water is boiled to produce steam, then cooled in a liquid.

The pros understand:

• Distilled water is one of the cleanest forms of water. The distillation process removes almost all impurities.
• It is often water of choice in a medical environment.
• It is also frequently used in humidifiers and nasal irrigation devices.

The disadvantages include:

• Distilled water lacks essential minerals.
• Many people point out a flat or bland taste.
• Costs more than tap or filtered water
• Bottle water has an environmental impact.

6. Alkaline water

Alkaline water is water that has a higher pH level, which means that it is less acidic.

The pros understand:

• Some people believe that alkaline water improves their health by balancing pH levels in the body.
• Alkaline water often contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium.
• Research suggests that alkaline water can help reduce bone loss over time in menopausal people with osteoporosis. Other studies suggest that alkaline water can improve hydration and exercise performance. However, more evidence is necessary to confirm these claims.

The disadvantages include:

• There is limited scientific evidence that alkaline water can offer more health benefits than other types of water.
• It is more expensive than bottled water or tap water.
• Drinking too much alkaline water can have side effects, such as nausea, headache or muscle cramps.

7. Purified water

Purified water can come from any water source, such as a tap, a well or a spring. It is specifically treated to meet the standards of purity or sterility. It should not contain any chemicals and have a total concentration of solids dissolved from no more than 10 parts per million. Techniques such as distillation, deionization and reverse osmosis are used to purify water.

The pros understand:

• It is very clean and free from chemicals.
• It has a uniform taste, whatever its source of origin.
• It is widely available in stores or via domestic filtration systems.

The disadvantages include:

• Since most substances are eliminated, purified water can lack natural minerals, such as calcium or magnesium.
• It may not contain fluorine, which can help prevent dental caries.
• Higher cost for a domestic purification system or purified bottle in bottle than tap water.

8. Well water

The well water comes from a drilled hole in the ground to access an aquifer. It is pumped directly into a house or a building.

The pros understand:

• Water can have a fresh and clean taste.
• It contains natural minerals.
• You do not have to pay a public water service company.

The disadvantages include:

• Well water should be tested regularly for bacteria, chemicals and other contaminants.
• Private wells are not regulated under the law on water drink, which means that owners are responsible for ensuring that water is safe to drink.
• It is generally not fluoridated.

9. Flated water

The flavored water is water with natural or artificial flavors added.

The pros understand:

• Some people may prefer to drink flavored water on ordinary water, which can help hydration.
• Certain flavored waters are low in calories and sugar, making good alternatives to sweet sodas.
• Flated waters can contain additional nutrients, such as vitamins or electrolytes, which can improve your health and hydration.

The disadvantages include:

• Certain flavored waters contain added sugars, sweeteners or artificial ingredients.
• Additives in flavored water can act as diuretics, which makes you lose more water than you win.
• Can be more expensive than other types.

10. Electrolyte water

Electrolyte water contains added electrolytes (loaded minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium).

The pros understand:

• Supporters of electrolyte water believe that it helps your body absorb and retain water more effectively.
• It is particularly useful for athletes who sweat a lot and need to reconstruct electrolytes.
• Minerals such as potassium and magnesium can also help support muscle function and recovery.

The disadvantages include:

• Electrolyte water can be rich in sodium.
• Costs more than simple drinking water.
• Some brands contain added sugars or aromas.
• People with kidney problems should be careful to consume excessive electrolyte water.