When it comes to drinking water, there are a few main choices: purified, spring, and distilled. All have their pros and cons, but what are the key differences? Let’s take a look.

There are three main types of water available on the market today: purified, spring, and distilled.

Purified water is made by running tap water through a filter. This removes any impurities like chlorine and other metals. It’s a good choice if you’re worried about contaminants in your water supply.

Springwater is taken from an underground source, like a well or natural spring. It’s often seen as more “natural” than other types of water, and some people believe that it has health benefits.

Distilled water is made by boiling regular tap water and then cooling it until it turns into vapor. The vapor is then collected and condensed. The process leaves impurities behind, so distilled water is the cleanest type of water available. But it also has the least natural minerals, so it can be hard on your body.

Most bottled waters are either purified or spring water. If you choose one of these over tap water, you’ll probably save money in the long run. But distilled water isn’t as widely available as other types, so you may have to shop around or prepare it at home.

Differences

  • Purified water is made by filtering regular tap water, and can help eliminate contaminants like chlorine and metals.
  • Spring waters are taken from underground sources like springs or wells; some people believe they have health benefits, but there is little evidence to support this claim.
  • Distilled water is the most pure type of available drinking water, but has less minerals than purified or spring water. It’s also not usually sold bottled in stores unless labeled “drinking water“; it’s most common use is for industrial uses (like car washes).
See also  How to Remove Salt from Drinking Water

Is spring water purified?

There’s something about the taste of cold, refreshing spring water that just can’t be beaten. But is this natural source really as pure as we think?

Springwater is often seen as a healthier alternative to tap water, but is it really any better? While spring water is usually more filtered and cleaner than tap water, it’s not always purified.

In fact, some bottled spring waters may even contain more contaminants than tap water.

For example, bottled water company Gerber Pure Purified Water was recently recalled after it tested positive for arsenic. Bottled waters with a label indicating they are “purified” have usually been filtered and purified at the source to remove impurities, so these would be a safer choice.

Tap water is treated before being distributed to customers, so unless there were problems at the plant or your local water supply was compromised, you’re likely safe with tap water as long as it’s been disinfected – but check with your local authorities just to be sure.

Both spring and distilled water can from time to time contain contaminants that may not have been eliminated in the filtration process, but spring water is more prone to contamination by heavy metals like arsenic due to its natural source.

Is spring water the purest water?

Not necessarily. While some bottled springs are purified, others are not.

Springwater is often referred to as the second least pure type of drinking water as 1/3 as many types of contaminants as distilled water and 5x as many as purified tap water.

Bottled spring water that isn’t purified may contain contaminants like bacteria, arsenic (a toxic metal), or even fluoride (an artificial chemical that can be harmful in high amounts).

These contaminants usually come from the water source itself rather than the plastic bottle. Some bottled springs are filtered to reduce these hazards, but they aren’t always 100% safe.

See also  Can Zero Water Make you Sick

Springwater is taken from underground sources like springs or wells; some people believe they have health benefits, but there is little evidence to support this claim.

Can spring water make you sick?

Yes, it can. If not purified, spring water may contain bacteria or chemicals that could make you sick if consumed in large quantities over a long period of time.

If the contaminants are not filtered out before bottling, they will be in the water you drink. Bottled spring water that isn’t purified may contain contaminants like bacteria or chemicals. Although these types of tap water are usually safe, they can still pose a risk if consumed in large enough quantities.

Distilled water is the cleanest type of water available – it’s so pure that it usually doesn’t have any minerals in it. However, this lack of minerals means that distilled water may not be as good for your body as other types of water.

Distillation is effective at removing most types of contaminants, but it does not remove chemicals like fluoride that are added to tap water.

Chemicals like fluoride can become concentrated during the distillation process and may be harmful if it occurs in high enough amounts.

What is the healthiest water to drink?

If you’re going to spend money on bottled water, it should be because you think it’s healthier – not because you think it tastes better or is cleaner.

In this case, it’s best to go with purified bottled water because the process removes impurities that could cause health problems over time.

Your money will be well-spent on a water filtration system for your home rather than on bottled water.

Bottled waters vary widely in price and quality – from heavily mineralized springs to refined purified waters. The main difference is where the water comes from and how it’s processed.

See also  How To Remove Iron From Well Water Without A Water Softener

Distilled water is the safest choice because it’s free of all contaminants and chemicals, but purified tap water may be just as good for you provided it has been disinfected with a chemical treatment to eliminate bacteria and viruses.

With that said, if you’re looking for a healthy water option, spring water is usually a better choice than purified or distilled.

Why should we not drink purified water?

Purified waters – either bottled or tap – generally don’t contain minerals. This lack of minerals can lead to dehydration, so most doctors recommend drinking only purified water in moderation; this is because purified water lacks the minerals that help to regulate hydration in your body.

It is, however, completely healthy to consume. The EPA points out that most purification processes also retain a portion of the beneficial minerals in tap water, such as calcium and magnesium.

One of the negative aspects associated with this type of water are that the water purification equipment must be maintained on a regular basis. Also, contaminants can build up in old filters and seep into your drinking water if they aren’t properly cleaned.

It is also relatively expensive to purify water.

Final Thoughts

While these 2 types of water are usually safe, they can still pose a risk if consumed in large enough quantities.

Distilled water is the cleanest type of water available – it’s so pure that it usually doesn’t have any minerals in it. However, this lack of minerals means that distilled water may not be as good for your body as other types of water.

Your money will be well-spent on a water filtration system for your home rather than on bottled water.

About the author

I started working as a quality control manager with the Water Authority of Nassau County in 2005. After a few years, I moved into Water Waste Prevention, where I currently work as the production supervisor. I love my job and the people I work with, but most of all I love spending time with my family.