Water is one of the key reasons for human survival and civilization in general. Water is considered to be the most important factor behind the existence of life on earth. The human body is made of 70 percent of water, much of which is lost through urine and sweat, which is the reason why experts and nutritionists emphasize the need to be hydrated at all times. Water carries out many important jobs such as flushing bacteria out of your bladder, aiding digestion, carrying nutrients and oxygen to the cells, preventing constipation, maintaining the electrolyte (sodium) balance, etc. Water and its importance have been emphasized for centuries. In India, traditionally we always offer a glass of water to anyone who comes home, be it a guest or a member of the family returning after a long day at work. The colorless and tasteless elixir of life comes in many types. Here's a water guide for all those wondering what is sparkling water and how does it differ from the regular mineral varieties.
1. Tap water
Tap water is the water that you get directly from your faucet, it may or may not be suited for drinking purposes. It is widely used for household chores such as cleaning, cooking, gardening, and washing clothes. It must meet the regulations set by the local Municipal bodies.
Tap water is a type of water is the water that you get directly from your faucet
(Also read: Benefits Of Alkaline Water: Health Benefits, How To Make Alkaline Water And Its Side Effects)
2. Mineral Water
Mineral water is the water that naturally contains minerals. It is obtained from underground sources, which makes it rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, manganese. No further minerals can be added to the water. The water also cannot be subjected to any treatment, except for limited ones such as carbonation, iron, or manganese removal, before packaging. The essential minerals give it a reputation for healthy drinking water. The component of mineral water can vary from brand to brand, some may have more minerals while others may have lesser. The presence of the minerals also gives the water a characteristic salty taste.
Mineral water is the water that naturally contains minerals
3. Springwater
In some places, rainwater accumulated underground tends to “leak” out at the surface as a spring, or puddle. Natural springs are not passed through a community water system and are yet considered suitable for drinking as it comes from under the ground.
4. Well water
When it rains, water trickles down and travels through the inner crevices of the soil, beneath the ground to form underground lakes. This happens over a period of time. In rural areas, one of the primary sources of water is what is dug out from deep wells. Deep wells directly tap groundwater and bring it to the surface from which people can take their water.
5. Purified water
Purified water is water which after deriving from its source has undergone purification treatment in a plant. The act of purifying entails removing all bacteria, contaminants, and dissolved solids making it suitable for drinking and other purposes. You can either purchase it from the markets or install a water purifier at home and have pure water to consume.
6. Distilled water: Distilled water or demineralized water is one where the water has been subjected to a treatment that removes all its minerals and salt by the process of reverse osmosis and distillation. It is an absolutely pure form of water but it is not typically recommended for drinking. It can cause mineral deficiencies because it is devoid of all salts and most of the natural minerals in the water are gone as a result of this process. Drinking this water may cause rapid sodium, potassium, chloride, and magnesium loss.
7.Sparkling Water
You may have encountered waiters in your favourite restaurant asking your preference of water: regular, mineral or sparkling. Sparkling water is the water that has undergone carbonation which makes your water fizzy just like your sodas. Sparkling water may be spring water, purified water or even mineral water, upon addition of carbon dioxide it becomes sparkling water.
Now that you have the knowledge of all kinds of water, go flaunt your new-found wisdom amongst your friends and take your pick wisely.
About Sushmita SenguptaSharing a strong penchant for food, Sushmita loves all things good, cheesy and greasy. Her other favourite pastime activities other than discussing food includes, reading, watching movies and binge-watching TV shows.