The Best 9 Types of Water You Can Drink

It is often said that people should drink more water. The amount of water consumed depends on the individual, however, staying hydrated can provide a variety of health advantages. These include enhanced energy levels and high cognitive performance.

Not all waters are comparable. Here is a look at the multiple types of water and what you need to understand about them.

Tap water

You can find piped water anywhere, from the liquid used to flush your toilets to the liquid that pours out of your kitchen faucet or even cleans the dishes in your dishwasher.

Pros

Many folks express their distaste for drinking tap water due to its taste or potential safety issues, yet the actuality is that most of America’s tap water is safe to consume. Additionally, it’s not just beneficial for health, but also cheaper than bottled waters.

Cons

In spite of industry regulations to protect water sources from being contaminated by lead and other dangerous chemicals, this hasn’t always been a success story. Take Flint, Michigan as an illustration of the tragedy that can unfold when these rules are not obeyed.

Furthermore, the Guardian outlined findings that indicated traces of plastic in tap water worldwide. In addition, municipal water may be contaminated with small amounts of pesticides, aluminum, and other contaminants. For those concerned about tap water quality, investing in a home filtration system is an option for additional purification.

Mineral water

Harvested from an underground source, mineral water is – as the phrase implies – bursting with minerals like sulfur, magnesium, and calcium – all helpful to health.

Pros

Consuming mineral water definitely has some health perks since minerals that the body cannot generate are available this way. It can also aid in digestion and many individuals find it more palatable than tap water but this all comes down to individual taste.

Cons

The most significant con of mineral water is its cost, which can be significantly more than what you would pay for regular tap water. In addition, nutritional benefits from this type of water can often be gained from a balanced, nutritious diet.

Spring or glacier water

Two distinct sorts of bottled water are claimed to come straight from the origin of the flow: spring water and glacier water.

Pros

 Spring and glacier water are generally believed to be quite pure and free of contaminants. Additionally, they contain beneficial minerals which are similar to those found in mineral water.

The availability of this type of water is quite common, from renowned companies such as Evian and Arrowhead. It can be obtained in both big and small sizes, thus making it effortless to access.

Cons

For those who consume more than enough, the costs associated with spring water might be pricey compared to tap water. Furthermore, sometimes the spring water may not have gone through any treatment or testing and consequently, it could bring about health problems depending on its contents.

Sparkling water

Carbonated water, otherwise known as sparkling or soda water, is water that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas while under pressure.

Pros

 Providing a different experience than regular water, sparkling water might be the correct choice if you crave something fizzy without any sweetener.

A wide range of flavored sparkling waters that have either one or two kinds of added sweeteners are available. Moreover, sparkling water is typically mineral-filled, such as Perrier and San Pellegrino – thus providing the extra advantage of minerals that promote wellness.

Cons

Though certain minerals can be detected in sparkling water, their amount is insufficient to impact one’s health positively. Moreover, its price tag may be relatively high compared to both traditional tap water and bottled varieties.

Distilled water

This type of water is heated up and the resulting vapor is accumulated, then changed back into liquid form.

Pros

If you’re at a location where the tap water may not be suitable for drinking, then opt for distilled water — perfect for individuals who are living in and/or visiting certain places.

Cons

Due to the absence of vitamins and minerals, drinking distilled water does not offer any health advantages. It may even be detrimental as unmineralized water will attempt to extract what minerals are available – mainly from the body or your teeth specifically.

Purified water

Purified water is typically from either a faucet or an underground source and subjected to treatments to eliminate any potentially harmful contaminants, such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites. 

Therefore, consuming it carries with it an assurance that it is safe.

Pros

Distilled water is an excellent choice if your particular water source is known to be tainted. Nonetheless, many nations take the appropriate steps to ensure their tap water is purified, so filling up a container from the sink is basically like drinking purified water.

Cons

The elimination of any hazardous components from purified water means that the positive additions present in tap water, like fluoride, which works to protect against cavities and tooth decay, are not included.

Flavored or infused water

Sugared or artificially sweetened liquid with either synthetic or naturally-derived savory components is what is known as flavored water.

Pros

Popular flavored waters such as Hint and Propel can be a nice change from the usual taste of water, making it easier to consume in larger amounts. 

Furthermore, there is no shortage of flavor choices available when adding a kick of taste to your drinking water. One creative way is by infusing various fresh fruits and vegetables in regular tap or bottled water; alternatively, you can find an array of artificially flavored waters at most stores.

Cons

 Flavored waters may contribute to weight gain due to an addition of sugar, especially for individuals with diabetes. Consequently, artificial sweeteners may cause negative reactions from some people.

Alkaline water

Water with an alkalinity higher than ordinary tap water that contains alkaline elements and a negative oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) is known as Alkaline water.

Pros

Due to its higher pH level, some individuals have claimed that this water can reduce acidity in the body, decelerate aging, and even avert cancer. Unfortunately, there is a lack of scientific research to support these assertions.

Cons

It is typically considered safe to consume alkaline water. However, it could decrease the level of acidity in the stomach which can lead to a reduction of its capability to destroy dangerous bacteria.

Too much of it may result in metabolic alkalosis, which can cause symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

Well water

Water from a well is untamed, meaning it’s not been prepared in any way, which may pose certain issues.

Pros

Living in an area that has an abundance of wells, for example, in your own back garden, could offer straightforward access to water that may appear to be fresh and pure.

Advocates of raw, untouched liquid may have strong opinions about it; however, the dangers could outweigh any potential advantages.

Taking certain steps guarantees that your water from the well is drinkable. Have the well water analyzed annually for bacteria, nitrates, and pH levels? Installing a filtration system is another way to ensure it’s safe to consume.

Cons

 Not processing the water can have serious consequences, particularly from bacterial and parasitic infections such as giardia.

The dominance of well water is a thing of the past due to the introduction of city water systems. To ensure safety and quality, stringent regulations needed to be implemented; if not, one might only know what lies beneath the surface if testing or treating the well water.

The bottom line

While it is understandable to have a preference for certain types of water, usually, only a few kinds offer superior health advantages.

As long as you know that the water consumed is clean and safe, it’s essential to keep your body hydrated by drinking adequate amounts of fluids regularly.