Water is essential to life. In fact, the human body is 65% water so you need to drink enough to keep your organs and cells working properly. That’s why you are advised to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. The most popular types of water are spring and purified – which should you choose? We’re going to walk you through the difference between purified water vs spring water, so you can make an informed decision.
What Is the Difference Between Spring Water and Purified Water
How do you know you’re getting the best water source to fuel your body? The primary difference between spring water and purified water is their source. Spring water lives up to its name as it is collected from natural springs or boreholes. It is naturally filtered underground. Meanwhile, purified water hails from any type of water. Then, this water undergoes controlled filtration and purification to remove any contaminants and impurities. If you’re curious which is better between spring water vs purified water, the answer is both are good for you and safe to drink. They are excellent choices and both must meet stringent safety standards set by the FDA and EPA.
What Is Spring Water?
Spring water is one of the most famous forms of bottled water sold in the market. It is sourced from groundwater, coming from an existing aquifer that sits underground or below the earth’s natural water table. This water flows naturally from underground to the surface. Manufacturers collect the water at the opening of spring. Alternatively, they collect it directly underground from a manmade borehole. In general, this water product is already considered pre-purified because it traverses the earth’s natural filters such as limestone, sand, and clay. After collection, a water sample is tested to ascertain it complies with standards and is safe enough to drink.
Where Does Spring Water Come From?
It’s found in underground aquifers, which are commonly found inside permeable rocks. These rocks contain interconnected pore space to which water traverses and migrates to. Examples of these are clay, sandstone, gravel, or limestone which are commonly found in underground layers. As a result, these materials function as a sponge to absorb rainwater or natural moisture that seeps into them. They store and eventually transmit water to the surface.
Does Spring Water Have Minerals?
Spring water is indeed rich in natural minerals because rainfall soaks into the percolated underlying rocks. Bottled spring water is rich in magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, and other trace minerals. Of course, you must select brands that offer high-quality spring water. Moreover, it is vital to note that spring water is naturally more alkaline than tap water. Alkaline is more optimal for the body as it creates a good environment that deters disease proliferation.
Does Spring Water Have Chlorine?
If you consume spring water, you can rest assured as it provides much-needed oxygen to the body and the brain. It contains a higher oxygen concentration than any other water source. Hence, it effectively enhances oxygen in your blood and delivers more Oxygenation to your cells which your body needs for optimal performance.
Filtered or Purified?
Many people often wonder if spring water is filtered or purified. As a matter of fact, lots of people tend to make the mistake of believing spring water is equal or interchangeable with purified water. However, you must note that spring water is naturally filtered from the ground as it makes its way up to the surface. Thus, studies show that spring water may contain a trace amount of impurities found in well or tap water, unlike completely purified water which undergoes certain processes to take out all contaminants. However, there is nothing to worry about when it comes to spring water because the finished product meets government safety standards.
Is Spring Water Good for You?
If you consume spring water, you can rest assured as it provides much-needed oxygen to the body and the brain. It contains higher oxygen content than any other water source. Hence, it effectively enhances oxygen in your blood and delivers more oxygen into your cells which your body needs for optimal performance.
Benefits of Spring Water
Spring water tastes delicious, never tasting flat or icky. And more importantly, it is nutritious and good for you. It contains a higher concentration of nutrients and minerals as it moves through the ground.
Here are some benefits of spring water:
- Contains ingredients which your body needs to stay fit, healthy, and strong
- Helps aid in digestion and absorption of food
- Aids in maintaining a healthy weight
- Balances your body’s pH level
- Stops salt and sugar cravings
Disadvantages of Spring Water
Of course, just like any of the items you buy, spring water also comes with certain disadvantages, such as:
- Can get pricey compared to tap water
- The minerals add a certain flavor, which some people may not like
- Untested spring water can be dangerous
Thus, it‘s vital to get your natural spring water from a reputable source. You can only enjoy the benefits of spring water if it’s been tested and has passed regulatory standards.
What Is Purified Water?
Purified drinking water ensures you’ve got safe drinking water for hydration. This is very important, especially if you live in an area where the safety of tap water is questionable. The purification process removes bacteria and metal while preserving minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Where Does Purified Water Come From?
In general, purified water comes from groundwater or tap water. It is then treated in a water processing plant to remove impurities and contaminants. In some parts of the world, wastewater flowing down the drain is treated until it’s pure. Alternatively, you can purchase an in-home filtration system to purify your own tap water. You just need to make sure that the filters are frequently changed, and your home unit is well-maintained so as not to compromise your health.
Can You Drink Purified Water?
Of course. Purified water is safe because impurities are removed. It may also reduce your exposure to certain contaminants that are in tap water. Remember, water quality can vary based on where you live. So if you’re not sure if your public drinking water is safe and regulated, purified water is the best choice.
Is Purified Water Good for You?
Purified water is safe to drink as long as you get it from a reputable source. Moreover, this is good for you because it assures that you have a safe water source. This product allows you to reach the recommended 8 glasses of water daily. Besides, purified water is much cheaper and more readily available than spring water.
Purified Water Benefits
The benefits of purified water include:
- Provides peace of mind
- Aids digestion
- Boosts athletic performance
- Detoxifies the body
- Promotes clearer skin
- Removes unpleasant taste associated with chemical treatments
Disadvantages of Purified Water
No system is perfect so it is natural to expect a few disadvantages from purified water. The major con is the cost. Buying purified water or investing in your own water purification system is expensive. On top of that, you have to consider the following issues:
- Water systems need regular maintenance to assure efficacy
- The body becomes more acidic with purified water
- Can filter out important minerals like fluoride
- Plastic bottles may be contaminated.
In Summary, Is Spring Water Better Than Purified Water?
The fact that you’re researching spring water vs purified water means you are on the right track. It is good to be concerned about your water source because it can impact your health. Either spring water or purified water is good for you. The most important part here is you take in the recommended daily water intake. However, if you feel truly concerned about your health and want the best possible source, purified water through reverse osmosis is the healthiest option for drinking. This system is reliable and safe because it removes all impurities. At the same time, it retains calcium and magnesium, which are beneficial for the body.
Simple Ways to Drink More Water
It is vital to get enough drinking water daily because dehydration can lead to a host of health issues. Besides, water is essential for cleansing your body, especially your major organs like the kidney and liver which filters toxins. The key is to make sure you drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. Here are some tips to increase your daily water consumption:
- Use a refillable water bottle
- Take a sip every 30 minutes
- Enhance taste with lemon, herbs, or by learning how to make chlorophyll water
- Set phone reminders
- Replace all sugary drinks like juice, pop, or energy drinks with water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spring Water Safe to Drink?
Yes. Spring water is very safe to drink, provided you get it from a reputable source that has passed all the stringent government requirements. If your water source is proven to be an actual living spring water, you have one of the best drinks in the world that provides vital nutrients that your body needs.
What’s the Difference Between Distilled Water and Spring Water?
Spring water is not the same as distilled water because the former leaves minerals and electrolytes. As a result, you get a crisp, fresh water taste from an underground aquifer. Meanwhile, distilled water is a type of purified water. The process involves collecting the steam or vapor from boiling water which is then condensed back into another container. As a result, the process removes salt, minerals, and other organic materials from the water.
Is Purified Water Bad for You?
Purified water is not bad for you if you get it from a good source. Since the purification process takes out impurities and contaminants, it means you’re getting pure water that your body needs. However, it is vital to note that water purification systems must be maintained regularly. Failure to do so means you compromise the results.
Is Bottled Water Purified?
Bottled water can be purified and filtered. It is deemed appropriate for consumption. However, bottled water undergoes different purification processes such as deionization, distillation, or reverse osmosis. Read the bottle to be sure what filtration system it has undergone. Notably, you will also find bottled spring water, so check the labels.