6 Types of Water and How They Might Affect Your Health
You probably don’t think twice about the water you drink. It’s just water, right? But there are actually many types of water, and the differences among them go well beyond taste. Here’s a quick look at several types and how they might affect your health.
Tap Water
Tap water comes from surface sources like rivers and reservoirs, or from groundwater. Municipal systems treat it with chemicals like chlorine and chloramine to kill bacteria and other pathogens before it reaches your home.
Most tap water in the US meets EPA safety standards, but depending on where you live, your tap water can contain varying levels of heavy metals, agricultural runoff, and disinfection byproducts.
Filtered Water
Filtered water starts as tap water but goes through one or more filtration stages before you drink it. The type of filter matters a lot here. Activated carbon filters remove chlorine and improve taste but don’t touch heavy metals or microorganisms. Reverse osmosis systems are far more thorough, stripping out contaminants like nitrates, arsenic, and lead.
The benefits of drinking purified water through reverse osmosis are well-documented, particularly for households with older plumbing or water quality concerns. If you’re serious about what’s in your glass, a multi-stage filter is worth the investment.
Mineral Water
Mineral water comes from underground springs and contains naturally occurring minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Since most people don’t get enough magnesium from their diet alone, drinking mineral water regularly can be an easy way to supplement while simultaneously boosting calcium and potassium. Just keep in mind that this water’s mineral content varies by source, so you cannot guarantee a certain daily dosage.
Sparkling Water
Sparkling water is water infused with carbon dioxide gas, which creates carbonation. Natural sparkling mineral water (like Perrier or San Pellegrino) already has minerals from the source. Carbonated water without minerals is just water with CO2.
There’s been concern about whether sparkling water erodes tooth enamel. Research shows it’s mildly acidic, but far less erosive than soda or fruit juice. The bigger issue is flavored sparkling waters, which sometimes contain citric acid that’s more damaging. Plain sparkling water, drunk in moderation, is generally fine for your teeth.
Alkaline Water
Alkaline water has a pH above 7, which is the neutral point on the pH scale. For reference, regular drinking water sits around 6.5 to 7.5. Alkaline water is either naturally alkaline (due to mineral content) or artificially ionized through a machine.
There is research regarding the benefits of alkaline water. Proponents claim it neutralizes acid in the body, boosts metabolism, and improves hydration. The evidence for most of these claims is thin, but it’s not nonexistent.
Distilled Water
Distilled water is produced by boiling water and collecting the steam, which leaves behind dissolved solids, minerals, and most contaminants. What you’re left with is extremely pure H2O.
Because it’s free of impurities, distilled water is useful in medical equipment, humidifiers, and laboratory settings. But drinking it exclusively long-term isn’t a good idea, as it lacks the minerals your body is used to getting from water.
Choose Your Water With Intention
You can’t live without water, and though all water will hydrate you, you can go a step further. By understanding the main types of water and how each might affect your health, you can make this daily need something that boosts your well-being even more.
