Drinking water is critical for your body. Whether it comes to your looks, hydration or overall wellbeing, it is imperative for your water to be clean and fresh. Everyone is aware of the importance of hydration, but not everyone does it properly. Moreover, lots of people have no clue what type of water they have. While drinkable, tap water is not necessarily the best option out there due to the high amount of chemicals.
Luckily, there are plenty of options when it comes to water. However, there are so many types out there that you might feel overwhelmed with the choice. It might be hard to tell the difference between two different types, especially as most brands claim their water is the healthiest on the market. When it comes to spring water vs purified water, knowing the differences will help you make a more informed choice.
Understanding purified water
Purified water is normally taken through a series of procedures to produce filtered water and have all the chemicals and particles removed. First, it is filtered, then it goes through purification. Impurities, pathogens, pollutants, chemicals, soil and particles are successfully removed.
For water to be considered pure, it should have 10PPM or less – basically, it requires ten parts per million or less in terms of dissolved impurities. Compared to tap water, the purified alternative will make the difference in your wellbeing.
Purified water is not all about a manufacturer’s claims. Instead, it is often regulated by various agencies. For example, in the USA, it is regulated by the FDA.
The process of making purified water
The purification process involves the water itself is irrelevant. No one cares about the source, but the final result only. Water can come from any source. It could be tap water as well. When it comes to filtration and purification, procedures are way more diversified.
Most companies rely on carbon filters and reverse osmosis procedures. This procedure involves letting clean water molecules go through a membrane. It is not fully permeable, so contaminated water is less likely to go through. Unwanted elements will be kept aside and disposed of.
There are water purification systems that you can use yourself too, without having to buy it bottled water. Such systems do not always involve carbon filters. Instead, water is taken through a simple one micron filtration, which keeps more pollutants away. Ultra violet light treatments are also common, not to mention ozonation procedures.
Purified water can be classified in more categories, depending on the process it goes through. Most of these types of water are often compared one against the other, yet they are all purified. For example, steam distilled water is a type of purified water. The water is taken through a procedure known as distillation. It is boiled, steamed and then turned into the water again. The process leaves everything behind, including viruses and bacteria.
When you see people comparing distilled and purified water, you know it is all nonsense because one of them is a type of another. Distillation is just one of the various processes used to purify water.
Understanding spring water
It is imperative to analyze both types when comparing spring water and purified water. Water from a spring is natural. It flows naturally and ends up on the surface of the ground. It normally comes from larger underground basins. Generally speaking, you will find springs around mountains and valleys.
Sometimes, springs are located by professionals, but the water cannot build its way up. At this point, it requires professional extraction – artesian well water.
It is worth noting that not all water from spring is potable. As you take a long hike or go on a camping trip, you will find all kinds of springs. Some of them have potable water. It is hard to tell because they are not really signposted, but asking locals or those around the springs may give you some hints. If you see locals filling their bottles to drink water, it is probably good to go.
The process of making spring water
Spring water is not really processed by people. Instead, it is nature’s work and is often pure and safe to drink. This is not always the case though. In fact, it may still have mild or tiny pollutants, yet the water is still classified to be potable and probably healthier and better tasting than your chlorine rich tap water.
So, how is spring water made? The process is fairly simple. If you go camping a lot, you will notice springs are more common around places with thick bedrock. Limestone, for example, is quite common. It is soft and has a nice texture for water to flow through. Simply put, a spring is the effect of high pressure water trying to build its way up from the underground. The excess will dig through the surrounding materials and hit the surface.
The water may seem natural and dirty, but the natural filtration system is incredible and often more efficient than man made systems. If you have ever seen a spring, you have probably noticed that water is super clear. Lots of people choose this type of water without any other treatments, as it is rich in all kinds of minerals. Given its lack of treatment, it may also have some impurities that can alter its quality.
You may also find spring water in bottles. Basically, lots of brands rely on spring water, as it requires less filtration. Of course, it will still have to go through some tests and potential procedures. With all these, it tends to keep most of the natural minerals, so you can still have a refreshing taste. It is suitable for people of all ages and it has essential minerals in the optimal amounts.
Spring water vs purified water
When comparing spring water vs purified water, any option is great for the human body. It is up to your personal preferences. Spring water seems to be a more preferred option due to the high amounts of minerals, yet it is not always accessible to everyone – not to mention the fact that it costs more.
Frequently asked questions
Here are a few common issues you might face on your way to make a decision.
Is it safe to drink purified or spring water?
Spring water has more minerals, but this is the only main difference.
Is spring water purified?
When natural, it is not, but the natural filtration system is extremely efficient. When sold in bottled water, it has to go through extensive tests and purification or filtration procedures.
What is the best type of water to drink?
It is a matter of personal preferences. The taste is also important in the process. However, when comparing spring water vs purified water, both of them are healthy and superior to your tap water.
Final words
Bottom line, which type is better? Comparing spring water vs purified water can go in two different directions. All purified water is pure and good to drink, while not all the spring water is potable. However, potable spring water is normally superior to purified water.
The good news is you can get water purified in the comfort of your home too – there are lots of systems in commerce. When it comes to spring water, you can only get it from a natural spring or in bottles.
