Water….What Kinds are Really Good For You?

Are you confused by the numerous brands and categories of water?  Here’s a brief overview of the different types of water, as well as their pros and cons.

Water Classifications:

• Tap Water – This city that you reside in provides water that has been purified using chlorine. In Austin, Texas, for instance, tap water is sourced from the Colorado River, which is then purified through chlorination. To learn more visit, AustinTexas.gov. Pro: It’s relatively inexpensive. Con: Chlorine is linked to cancer.
• Distilled Water (Bottled) – Water goes through a process known as vaporization, which essentially eliminates any type of solids in the water. Pro: Pure water. Con: No mineral content.
• Natural  Spring Water (Bottled) – Water that is derived and packaged at a natural spring. Pro: Natural water that contains minerals. Con: BPA from plastic container contaminates water, and contributes to environmental pollution.
• Private Water Wells – Water is sourced by drilling a hole into a water source, which is then pumped to the surface. A list of water wells in Austin, Texas, can be sourced here. Pro: Not counting the electricity it takes to pump it into the house, well water is free. It’s not chlorinated or fluoridated, and there are no monthly bills to deal with. Con:  well water may not be as pure as you think, and it may pose risks that could cause illness if not addressed.
• Harvested/Collected or bottled rain water- Pros: good for the environment Cons: expensive to catch, filter and store and expensive to purchase by the bottle.
• Flavored waters (bottled) These waters come in festive colors and delicious flavors.  Pros: deliver some vitamins Cons: The taste is great due to sugar and unnatural ingredients.  One bottle of vitamin Water has 125 calories and 32.5 g of sugar.  For those with low calorie counts, remember, the more beverages with artificial sweetener you consume during the day, the more your body will crave sugar.

 

Safe Water Options:

• Use a filter that either eliminates minute particles in the water, or an ozone filter that purifies the tap water without chlorine. Minerals are retained in this process, and it saves on the resources that bottled water uses up. The same process used by many brands of bottled water companies can be exercised at home to save money.

 

• Rainwater harvesting is another option when the opportunity allows. The Austin, Texas, municipality has water conservation initiatives that provide rebates to residents who utilize this method.

As an additional note, when buying local from farmers who grow sustainably, it means less pollution will make its way to water sources in the community.