Safe, convenient and appealing. These are some of the reasons people choose bottled water.
But the questions remains – how safe is bottled water?
We all know that water is a vital factor in maintaining good health. It helps regulate bodily functions; it is the carrier of nutrients and transports them to our body cells. Also, water helps prevent dehydration and helps us feel energized. Thus, drinking plenty of water is a must.
But what kind of water should we drink? Although tap water is the easiest access one can have, most people feel that tap water isn’t that safe at all. So, they opt for the bottled ones, thinking that they are better and safer. However, how sure are we that bottled water is safe?
Facts about Bottled Water
According to Beverage Marketing Corporation, the total sales of bottled water in the US reached 9.1 billion gallons, with having an average of 29.2 gallons per person. This goes to show that more and more people are inclined to drinking bottled water. Statistics also shows that roughly 30 to 50 billion water bottles are produced each year — that’s about 100 million water bottles a day. Furthermore, about 1500 water bottles are consumed every second. Now, that’s a mass consumption!
Talking about health, it is but right that we discuss the different types of bottled water that we see in the market. These are:
Distilled Water – This type of water involves the process of boiling and condensing the steam. This way, harmful bacteria and microbes are neutralized thus creating a flat taste. Albeit distilled water is cleaner, the downside to this is that it lacks healthy minerals since these are eliminated during the distillation process.
Mineral Water – This contains minerals and other dissolved substances and is somewhat similar to spring water. This groundwater naturally comes from spring sources and is normally bottled at the source. It is classified as mineral water since it contains at least 250 parts per million total dissolved solids and that a relative proportion of trace elements and minerals are present precisely from the source.
Spring water – Also a groundwater and is one of the most recognized forms of bottled water. It is called spring water since the water is from an underground source and that it naturally flows onto the earth’s surface. Spring water is collected directly from the spring and at times, by boring a hole on the ground. This type of water contains nutrients such as potassium, calcium and fluoride, which affect its taste.
Purified Water – This is treated to remove harmful chemicals and pathogens. Purified water must not contain no more than 10 parts per million of dissolved solids.
Artesian Water – As the name says, this kind of water is from the artesian well wherein water is drawn from a confined aquifer. The water is forced from the pressure of the confining layers.
Sparkling Water – Known for its bubbles and fizz, the sparkling water contains carbon dioxide which is dissolved during the process, thus creating carbonation.
Flavored or Nutrient-Added Water – Appears to have a plain taste but it has added minerals and vitamins. This is used as an alternative to soft drinks and juices.
Deionized Water – Also called as demineralized water, deionized water is the same with distilled water. Mineral ions are removed so that impurities will be eliminated.
Process of Water Purification
Water has several sources and bottling water usually starts at the source. After drawing water from a certain source, it is filtered using various processes.
Filtration is done by sending water through filters or membranes with tiny holes that allow the small particles to pass through. On the other hand, distillation is the process wherein water is vaporized. Although minerals don’t vaporize, the remnants of which, becomes demineralized water. Reverse Osmosis is done by forcing the water through a semipermeable membrane but not so absorbent so as not to lose the minerals.
Another process of water purification is called ozonation. This process involves infusing water with ozone molecules in order to disinfect it. During this process, the molecules break down and leave the water naturally. There is also a process called UV-light treatment which uses UV light as a disinfecting agent thereby killing microorganisms, viruses and bacteria. No chemical are involved, instead, water is placed inside a chamber under a UV light, which destroys the harmful organisms.
In addition, if you really want to make sure that the water you’re gulping is totally safe, try using the portable water purifying unit. If you want to enjoy the benefits of infusing energy with structured water, then the portable unit is the answer. Whether you’re out and about, at home or travelling or even dining at your favorite restaurant, the portable unit ensures your safety.
What do Experts have to say?
There is an ongoing dispute about the safety of bottled water. Experts have different points of view as to which kind of water is the safest one to drink. As mentioned in Reader’s Digest, “The bottles are generally safe, says Ken Smith, PhD, immediate past chair of the American Chemical Society’s division of environmental chemistry. But scientists say when stored in hot or warm temperatures, the plastic may leach chemicals into the water.” (http://www.rd.com/health/wellness/rethink-what-you-drink/)
Likewise, one of the findings of the research conducted by the Natural resources Defense Council states that most bottled water apparently is of good quality, but some contains contamination; it should not automatically be assumed to be purer or safer than most tap water. (http://www.nrdc.org/water/drinking/bw/chap1.asp)
However, Jennifer K. Nelson of the Mayo Clinic says “that tap water and bottled water are generally comparable in terms of safety. So the choice of tap or bottled is mostly a matter of personal preference.”
We can be guided by what experts say and at the same time, we get to choose whichever we think is the best for us. Hence, the choice is ours.
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