How Mineral Water Is And Isn’t Purified – Natural Vs Processed

Mineral water is a popular type of water that many of us enjoy for its refreshing taste and health benefits. But what exactly is mineral water, and is it purified like other types of water?

Unlike tap water, which is always purified to remove contaminants, mineral spring water is bottled directly from the source and is not treated. The rock that the mineral water travels through naturally filters out many contaminants.

While mineral water is not always purified in the same way as other types of water, it is still considered safe to drink. In fact, many people prefer mineral water over purified water for its unique taste and mineral content. However, it is important to note that not all mineral water is the same, and the mineral content can vary depending on the source.

Is mineral water purified?

It’s easy to see why mineral water is so popular. With its refreshing taste and perceived health benefits, mineral water is an excellent alternative to other sugary or artificially flavored drinks.

But is mineral water purified like other types of bottled water? The answer is both yes and no.

To answer this question, it’s important to first understand what mineral water is and how it differs from other types of water.

Mineral water is naturally sourced from underground springs or wells, and it contains naturally occurring minerals and trace elements, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals give mineral water its distinct taste and can offer some health benefits.

Unlike purified water, which undergoes a rigorous filtration and purification process to remove impurities and minerals, mineral water is often left in its natural state (such as Gerolsteiner). Although, a few brands choose to purify their mineral water.

If the mineral water is also sold as ‘spring water‘ or ‘mineral spring water‘ then it has not been purified. For water to be sold as spring water in the U.S. it cannot have been altered.

However, this doesn’t mean that mineral water is not safe to drink. In fact, the content of mineral water is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which ensures that it meets certain safety and quality standards.

While a few mineral waters are purified and most are not, the minerals must come naturally from the rock that the water passes through and cannot be added artificially.

Natural Purification Process

Mineral water is naturally purified as it passes through rocks and other geological formations underground. As the water moves through these natural filters, impurities and other contaminants are removed, resulting in water that is naturally clean and pure.

This process can remove contaminants, such as certain heavy metals. as well as organic compounds like pesticides and herbicides.

However, it’s important to note that the degree of natural purification varies depending on the type of rock and the specific contaminants present.

Bacteria and viruses, for example, are not removed during this process, but don’t worry, bottled mineral water cannot be sold if it is highly contaminated with these types of contaminants.

Bottled Mineral Water Standards

While mineral water may not be completely free of all contaminants, bottled mineral water that is sold in the United States must meet safety and quality standards to ensure that it is safe to drink. This includes testing for several types of contaminants, including bacteria and viruses.

These standards, set by the FDA, require that bottled mineral water must contain no more than 5 colony-forming units (CFU) of bacteria per milliliter and no detectable levels of viruses.

This means that while natural purification may not remove all bacteria and viruses, bottled mineral water that is sold in the United States must meet these strict safety standards to ensure that it is safe to drink.

If you’re concerned about the mineral content of your drinking water or the presence of certain contaminants, you may wish to consult a registered dietitian or other healthcare professional for advice on selecting the right type of water for your needs.

However, for most people, mineral water is a safe and healthy beverage choice that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Difference between distilled water and mineral water

Purified distilled water has been treated to remove all impurities, minerals, and chemicals. On the other hand, mineral water contains natural minerals and nutrients that come from the ground where it’s sourced.

Mineral water can be still or sparkling and comes from natural springs or wells. Purified and distilled water are great for hydrating and staying refreshed, but mineral water has added benefits from its natural mineral content.

When choosing between these types of water, it’s important to consider what you’re looking for in a beverage, whether it’s pure hydration or added nutrients.

Also consider the taste. Distilled water tends to taste incredibly bland because it has been stripped of its mineral content – the very thing that gives water its flavor. Plus, with mineral water you can choose the type of flavor or taste you want. Some mineral waters are more earthy, while others are smooth or even bitter.

High Mineral Content Waters

Each mineral water has its unique taste and mineral composition depending on the rock type that it travels through.

For example, Gerolsteiner is a German mineral water that has been sourced from the Vulkaneifel volcanic region for over 100 years. With a TDS of 2,500 milligrams per liter (mg/L), Gerolsteiner has one of the most mineral-rich waters in Europe, and is packed with essential minerals.

Another example is Perrier mineral water, which comes from a natural spring in the south of France. The water is naturally filtered through volcanic rock, which gives it a special mineral content that includes calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

San Pellegrino is drawn from a natural spring deep in the heart of the Italian Alps, where it has been naturally filtered for over 30 years. It contains high levels of calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate, which give it a distinct crisp taste.

Final Word

Mineral water is not artificially purified in the same way that purified water is (such as by reverse osmosis or filtration), but it can be naturally purified as it passes through underground geological formations. This natural purification process can remove a variety of contaminants, including heavy metals and organic compounds, but may not be effective against all contaminants, such as bacteria and viruses.