Without question, water is one of the most vital elements for human survival. In reality, being hydrated has multiple health benefits, including improved energy and cognitive performance.

It’s crucial to remember that no two glasses of water are created equal, and some are more healthy than others. 

Drinking too much of certain types of water might damage one’s health rather than being healthy.

You’ll want to make sure the water you drink is of the finest quality possible so that your body may get the health boost it deserves. 

However, before we get into which water is the finest to drink, it’s vital to understand the different sorts of water. 

Then you’ll be able to make a more informed selection when it comes to selecting the ideal water for your body’s demands and needs.

In this article, we’ll look at the many types of water available and then discuss the best water to drink to improve your general health and energy.

Table of Contents

1. Tap water

Tap water - types of water
Tap water filling the cap| Photo by Andres Simon

Water delivered from a tap, also known as faucet water, running water, or municipal water, is referred to as tap water. 

Drinking, cooking, washing, and flushing the toilet are popular uses for tap water. Many individuals dislike the taste of tap water or are concerned about its safety. 

If we use the proper water filter at home, tap water is safe and healthy to drink. 

Before reaching your tap, tap water is filtered and disinfected to make it drinkable. If you use the right water filter at home, drinking tap water is safe and healthy. 

In reality, bottled water isn’t as secure as you might think. Most water in plastic bottles contains microplastic particles detrimental to you and the environment. 

Other than the water you receive from nature, tap water is effectively carried to your home with little environmental impact.

Pesticides carried into streams and rivers may be picked up by tap water. Chlorine is put into tap water to make it safe to drink, but it can leave a hazardous residue when it interacts with falling leaves. 

Lead can contaminate tap water even if it comes from your pipes. Tap water may include considerably more bacteria and other potentially hazardous compounds.

2. Mineral water

essentia bottle water - types of water
Essentia bottled mineral water| Amazon Purchase Link

Mineral water has plenty of dissolved minerals or gases in it. Calcium carbonate, magnesium sulfate, potassium, and sodium sulfate are typically found in mineral water from natural springs. Mineral water is becoming increasingly vital in everyday life. 

Mineral water consumption steadily expands worldwide, particularly in industrialized countries where the environment is adequately protected, and consumers want high-quality water. 

The presence of several beneficial, helpful components in mineral water, such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, and others, gives it essential functions.

Aside from the minerals listed above, certain mineral waters contain specific elements (iron, iodine, and so on) that have therapeutic effects. 

This type of water is frequently utilized for medical purposes. Mineral water contains Heavy and radioactive elements. 

When such components (Pb, As, U, Th, and Ra) interact with the human body, they can cause dangerous and unexpected disorders. 

Most countries have legislation governing the commercial sale of drinking and mineral water that addresses the issues outlined. 

Calcium, magnesium, and sodium are just a few of the beneficial minerals which provide specific health benefits. 

Mineral water can contain many minerals and other naturally occurring substances like magnesium, calcium, bicarbonate, sodium, sulfate, chloride, and fluoride, as its name implies.

3. Spring or Glacier water

Evian natural spring water - types of water
Evian Natural spring water| Amazon Purchase Link

Springwater is a popular form of bottled water. Springwater is naturally filtered subsurface sources gathered at the opening of a spring or from a borehole. 

In theory, spring or glacier waters should be pretty pure and toxin-free. They also have a lot of the same beneficial minerals as mineral water. 

It’s also straightforward to find in stores, with well-known brands like Evian and Arrowhead offering it in large and small bottles, making it very accessible. 

Spring and glacier waters are examples of bottled waters that claim to have been bottled at the water source.

Springwater supplies the body and brain with much-needed oxygen, assists digestion, helps us maintain a healthy weight, and tastes delicious. 

Springwater never has a flat or fried flavor. It offers a fantastic drinking experience that is also beneficial to the body. 

Mineral water follows closely behind. It provides a tremendous drinking experience that is also beneficial to the body.

Springwater can get pricy depending on how much you consume, especially when compared to tap water. 

Furthermore, some spring water is unfiltered, untested, and untreated, posing health dangers depending on what it contains.

4. Sparkling water

s.pellegrino sparkling water - types of water
S.Pellegrino sparkling natural water| Amazon Purchase Link

Sparkling water, also called soda-water, is plain water that has added carbonation. Water fizzes because of carbonation, the same component that makes soda pop fizz. 

Sparkling waters are frequently drunk on their own and can be either plain or garnished with a twist of lemon or lime, used to make various drinks and sodas. 

Carbonated water improves satiety or the sensation of being complete; for folks who are continuously hungry. 

Carbonated water assists digestion and lessens constipation, which helps empty the stomach and feel hungry. 

Although sparkling water is a delightful alternative to soda, is it healthier? To make water “sparkle,” carbon dioxide gas is introduced under pressure. 

Club soda (sometimes with additional minerals), soda water, and seltzer water are all examples of sparkling water. 

Sparkling water is carbonated water that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure. 

While sparkling water contains certain minerals, they aren’t enough to substantially impact your health. Furthermore, it might be costly compared to tap and certain types of bottled water.

5. Distilled water

resway distilled water - types of water
Resway distilled water| Amazon Purchase Link

Distilled water is clean, mineral-free water that has been cleaned of contaminants. 

Non-purified water, in general, has the potential to induce or interfere with chemical processes and leave mineral deposits after being boiled away. 

Distillation is one method for eliminating contaminants from water and other fluids. Bottled distilled water is sold in supermarkets or pharmacies, and home water distillers are also available. 

Water purification, such as distillation, is particularly vital in areas where water supplies or tap water are unfit for consumption without boiling or chemical treatment. 

All minerals are removed from water during distillation. For health reasons, drinking distilled water as a substitute for drinking water has been promoted and opposed. 

There are no health benefits from distilled water because it lacks vitamins and minerals

Non-mineralized water, on the other hand, can be harmful since it tends to extract minerals from wherever it can, which is your body, notably your teeth.

6. Purified water

crystal geyser purified water - types of water
A gallon bottle of purified crystal geyser water| Amazon Purchase Link

Water that has been either processed or filtered to remove contaminants such as chemicals and other pollutants is purified water. 

Purified water is generated in various purities and is used in multiple applications, including the creation of pharmaceuticals, research and engineering facilities, and industry. 

It is also the key ingredient in any trademarked bottling recipe in the commercial beverage industry to ensure product uniformity. 

Ion exchange, reverse osmosis, or a combination of the two treatment methods commonly produce purified water. 

Purified water is designed to be used in compendial dosage forms. It doesn’t have any additives and isn’t meant to be used in parenteral goods.

Purified water, like distilled water, is a good option if your local water supply is contaminated. 

However, many countries cleanse tap water, so every time you fill a cup from your kitchen sink, you’re drinking pure water.

Because all potentially dangerous substances are removed from purified water, you miss out on some potentially beneficial substances added to tap water sources, such as fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay. 

7. Flavored or Infused water

body armor flavored sports drink - types of water
Flavored sports drink from bodyarmor| Amazon Purchase Link

Water that has been sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners and has natural or artificial flavorings is known as flavored water.

There are suggestions and recipes for infused waters from various places in today’s world. Influencers, lifestyle bloggers, doctors, and even cancer research organizations recommend Infused water as a healthy alternative to plain water.

Flavored water, such as Hint and Propel, can be a delightful alternative to plain water, making it simpler to drink more. It can also add diversity to your water intake because many tastes are picked. 

We can get flavor naturally by infusing fruit and vegetables into tap or bottled water or chemically purchased at most supermarkets.

According to books from the Renaissance, the popularity of flavored and infused water can be traced back several centuries. 

Flowers were ideal for infusion at that time, presumably because a large variety of fresh fruit was not as readily available today.

Flavored waters frequently contain sugar or artificial sweeteners. Sugary varieties can cause weight gain and harm those with diabetes

Furthermore, artificial sweeteners may cause allergic reactions in some persons.

8. Alkaline water

core alkaline water - types of water
Core hydration alkaline nutrient water with recyclable bottle| Amazon Purchase Link

Alkaline water contains a higher pH than regular tap water, alkaline minerals, and lower oxidation-reduction potential (ORP). You’ve undoubtedly heard a lot of claims about the health benefits of alkaline water. 

Some people believe it can help slow down the aging process, regulate your body’s pH level, and avoid chronic diseases.

What is alkaline water, exactly, and why does it have such a cult following? The pH level of alkaline water is referred to as “alkaline.” 

Ordinary drinking water has a pH of around 7. Alkaline water typically has a pH of between 8 and 9; on the other hand, it is insufficient to give water substantial alkalinity. 

Some people believe that because this sort of water has a higher pH level, it can help neutralize the acid in the body, slow the aging process, and even prevent cancer. However, there is little scientific evidence that this is correct.

Drinking alkaline water is generally safe, although it may lessen stomach acidity, reducing the stomach’s capacity to destroy hazardous bacteria

It can also cause metabolic alkalosis, which can cause symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

9. Well water

mom and son exploring well of Montreal, Canada - types of water
Mom and son exploring well of Montereal, Canada| Photo by Maxime Bouffard

Wellwater is untreated and comes straight from the earth, posing several health hazards. 

A threshold beneath the ground’s surface stores groundwater. If you live in a region where wells are familiar, or even if you have one in your backyard, having easy access to what appears to be freshwater may be appealing. 

While many supporters of untreated, raw water, the advantages may not exceed the concerns. 

You may, however, take some steps to ensure that the water from your well is safe to drink. For instance, test your Wellwater for bacteria, nitrates, and pH levels once a year.

Because the water hasn’t been treated, there’s a considerable risk of contamination, particularly from bacterial and parasitic disorders like giardia

While well water was once the standard, there’s a reason city water supplies and the regulations that govern them were established: you don’t know what you’re getting until you test or treat the well water yourself.

Conclusion

Drinking the cleanest water on the earth will give your body the health and vigor it deserves. Make a move from regular water to special water to improve your health and stimulate your taste senses.

(Last Updated on January 29, 2022 by Sadrish Dabadi)

Rishu Shakya, a bachelor’s degree graduate in Business Information Management, holds an extraordinary empathy towards mother nature and her ecosystem. She has always been captivated by green Earth and its charm. She regards spreading awareness about clean energy and sustainable development as her passion as well as responsibility. She believes her compassion about the Earth and human relationships will undoubtedly assist our planet to be a better place.