Spring water vs. purified water
Water is essential for life, and it can be difficult to make the right choice with so many options available. In this article, we’ll compare two popular water types: spring water and purified water.
We’ll look at what makes them unique, their health benefits and drawbacks, and which one may be better for you and your family. So if you’re wondering which type of water to choose, read on to learn more about spring water vs. purified water.
Where does spring water come from?
Spring water is water that has been naturally filtered by the earth. It is typically found in underground reservoirs or aquifers and has a high mineral content. It is naturally flowing water that rises to the surface from an underground water basin. Most of these natural sources are located along the mountainsides and hills, in valleys, and in natural water reserves.
The nature of limestone is such that the water seeps through the softness of limestone rocks, dissolving essential healthy minerals and nutrients. It is a result of a high level of water in the underground aquifer, resulting in excess water rising to the surface. As it rises through the rocks, spring water undergoes a natural filtration process.
It is sometimes necessary to manually fetch spring water if it does not rise on its own. This underground source is known as artesian well water, which is filtered the same way as natural spring water.
Because of this natural filtration, natural spring water appears so clear that people prefer drinking it without any other treatment. The water is generally considered safe and rich in minerals. However, spring water can be contaminated easily. In addition to particles, parasites, and other elements that can compromise the quality and color of spring water, spring water may also be contaminated by other chemical pollutants.
Unlike purified water, natural spring water often retains all of its natural minerals after filtration. Bottled spring water must pass through a filtration system and be tested to meet FDA standards. The natural, refreshing taste in bottled spring water will still be enjoyed, even after filtration.
Does spring water have minerals?
Most spring water does have minerals, which is why it often has a distinct taste. The minerals in spring water come from the rocks and soil that the water flows over and through. While these minerals are generally considered safe, they can build up and cause damage to your pipes and appliances if your water has a high concentration of magnesium and calcium. These minerals cause hardness in water and can lead to scaling and mineral deposits which will damage your infrastructure.
From a health perspective, all the essential minerals needed for your body are present in the right proportions and amounts in spring water due to their exceptional purity. It is safe for people of any age group. Compared to beverages prepared with purified or distilled water, natural spring water is said to taste better and sweeter.
The typical minerals found in water, such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, and sodium, along with trace amounts of iron and zinc, are generally in their ionic form. This means the body absorbs them more readily than foods or supplements.
Unfortunately, this has become a necessity due to modern-day soil depletion. Consequently, taking in mineral-rich water has become increasingly important for your health and well-being.
Of course, one should be mindful of the potential contaminants that can be present in non-spring waters. Evidently, spring water is known to provide the highest mineral content of any type of water available.
How to purify tap water?
There are many ways to purify water, but the most common and effective method is to boil it. Boiling water for at least one minute will kill most bacteria and viruses. If you are using water from a river or lake, you should also filter the drinking water before boiling it to remove any sediment.
Other methods of purifying water include using a water filter or purifier, chlorine tablets, or ultraviolet light. Water filters and purifiers can remove contaminants such as bacteria and viruses, but they may not be effective against all pollutants.
Chlorine tablets are typically used to treat large volumes of water, such as in pools and hot tubs. Ultraviolet light can also be used to purify water, but it must be done correctly to ensure that all bacteria and viruses are killed.
Is it better to drink purified or spring water?
Not sure which water to drink? You’re not alone. Many people are confused about the differences between spring water and purified water. While both types of water may seem similar, they actually have a few key differences that make them unique. Most people believe that spring water is the best option for drinking water because it is natural.
However, purified water is also a valid choice for several reasons. Spring water can contain harmful contaminants that have seeped into the ground but can be high in essential minerals that are better for your health. Purified water goes through filtration to remove impurities and contaminants, including beneficial minerals, making it a safer but perhaps less healthy option.
Whether you choose to drink purified water or natural spring water depends on your personal preferences and accessibility. All living things need water to survive. No matter where it comes from, if the water is safe to drink, the water should be sufficient to meet your hydration needs.
Spring water is still preferred due to its high mineral content, which improves its taste. On the other hand, drinking high-quality spring water daily could prove quite costly for many people.
Water purification systems are available to filter and purify your water, whether at home or outside. But purified water is more readily available and can save you money over time.
Why some people prefer purified water over spring water?
There are a few reasons why some people prefer purified water over spring water. The first reason is that spring water can sometimes contain contaminants that can be harmful to your health. While most spring water is safe to drink, there is always the chance that it could contain bacteria or other contaminants that could make you sick.
Another reason some people prefer purified water is that it tastes better. Purified water goes through a process of reverse osmosis (RO), which removes impurities and gives the water a cleaner taste. Spring water can sometimes have an earthy or mineral taste that some people do not enjoy.
Finally, purified water is often more affordable than spring water. While you can find good deals on spring water, it is typically more expensive than purified water. If you are on a budget, purified water is the better option.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Is 100% spring water healthy?
There are a few critical differences between spring water and purified water. Spring water is naturally occurring, while purified water has been processed to remove impurities. Spring water also contains minerals, while purified water does not.
While both types of water are safe to drink, some people prefer the taste of spring water and believe that it is more healthy because of the minerals it contains. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
You may want to note that even though spring water may have minerals, it can also contain harmful bacteria if it is not properly collected and stored. Depending on where you live, it is also possible for contaminants and toxic chemicals to leach into your spring water which can contaminate your water source.
Overall, spring water is generally considered safe to drink. That said, both spring and purified water are healthy choices for hydration.
2. Does spring water contain fluoride?
Yes, spring water does contain fluoride. However, the amount of fluoride in spring water varies depending on the source of the spring. For example, springs closer to the surface will have higher levels of fluoride than those deeper underground.
Additionally, the level of fluoride in spring water may depend on the time of year and the amount of rainfall. Unlike tap water, however, fluoride isn’t regulated and is added to disinfect your water supply. If you are worried about the amount of fluoride in your spring water, it is best to have it tested by a professional.
3. Is crystal springs water good?
Crystal springs water is delicious and refreshing, but is it really good for you? Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of crystal springs water.
Pros:
- Crystal springs water is naturally filtered through rocks and minerals, so it doesn’t contain any harmful substances or pollutants.
- The high mineral content in crystal springs water can actually be beneficial for your health, providing you with a natural source of electrolytes and minerals.
- Crystal springs water has a clean, crisp taste that many people enjoy.
Cons:
- Because crystal springs water is not treated or purified in any way, there is a chance that it could contain bacteria or other contaminants. If you’re concerned about this, you can always boil your crystal springs water before drinking it.
- The high mineral content in crystal springs water can also be a downside, as it can make the water taste bitter or salty. If you don’t like the taste of mineral-rich water, you may not enjoy drinking crystal springs water.
Overall, crystal springs water is a great choice if you’re looking for a clean, refreshing beverage that contains natural minerals. However, it’s essential to keep in mind the potential risks associated with drinking untreated water.
4. Does boiling water purify it?
While boiling water is a historically good way to purify it, there are other methods that may be more effective. Water can be purified by filtering it through a coffee filter or a clean cloth. It can also be purified by adding bleach to it.
In addition, boiling water will not remove chemical contaminants or heavy metals. To remove these contaminants, it is necessary to use specialized filtration systems or distillation. In a pinch, boiling water is an excellent way to purify your water but less effective than a water purification system.
5. Is purified water the same as distilled water?
There are a few critical differences between purified water and distilled water. Purified water has been filtered and treated to remove impurities, while distilled water has been boiled to remove all impurities, including minerals. This means that distilled water is purer than purified water. However, many people believe that the extra purification process of distillation makes it taste better.
Distilled water is a kind of purified water that has been taken directly by the distillation process. In distillation, water is boiled, and steam is collected, which will return to water form when it cools. The purity of distilled water makes it commonly used in laboratories and medical facilities. While purified water is more commonly consumed than distilled water, distilled water is still safe to drink.
Distilled water is free from all impurities, but in addition to harmful contaminants, it also removes minerals and electrolytes that are good for your health. So, while distilled water is a type of purified water and is safe to drink, it is not advisable to drink only distilled water.
6. Is spring water good for kidneys?
There is no definitive answer to this question since there is no scientific evidence to support or refute the claim that spring water is good for kidneys. However, some people believe spring water can help cleanse the kidneys and improve their function.
Spring water is naturally high in minerals, which could help flush out toxins and promote kidney health. Additionally, drinking plenty of fluids is generally recommended for people with kidney problems, so spring water could help to keep the kidneys hydrated.
Since spring water is natural and packed with vitamins and minerals essential to all organs in your body, it is helpful that it makes up the bulk of what you drink daily. You need water to filter out toxins and waste from your blood so that they can be properly eliminated.
Be sure to drink 1.5 liters of water daily if you do a lot of physical activity or live in a hot climate. Your body will sweat out a greater amount of water, leaving you with less to filter through to your kidneys. This will cause more stones to form because more minerals will settle inside your kidneys.
Ultimately, however, consulting with a doctor before drinking spring water for medical purposes is essential. Spring water may be beneficial for your kidney health, but it is not a comprehensive solution.
Conclusion
While there are differences between spring and purified water, access to clean and completely safe drinking water is always a basic human right. The taste and quality may vary, but they also allow us to make a choice based on personal preferences.
Hopefully, this comparison of spring water vs. purified water can point you in the right direction to understanding water quality and its impact on your health.
About The Author
Judith— a passionate water treatment specialist — is a waste water management enthusiast, clean drinking water advocate, and someone with deep personal experience and knowledge about various water equipments. Her work was mentioned in countless notable water associations. Previously she was an editor at Water Alliance.