An Overview of Different Types of Drinking Water
To make sure you are getting good quality drinking water, it’s important that you understand the different types of drinking water and what is in them.
Different Types of Drinking Water
Tap Water
Tap water is generally chlorine-treated and safe to drink but can contain heavy metals such as zinc, lead, copper, and arsenic.
Bottled Water
Bottled water is generally safe if it contains fluoride or can be carbon-filtered. The problem with bottled water is more that it is not good for the planet and contributes to pollution. Getting filtered water through bottleless sources is always better if possible.
Distilled Water
Distilled water can be beneficial because it has fewer dissolved minerals in it. Water distillation involves boiling the water and then cooling it down to separate the drinking water from the minerals that have boiled off. This means that distilled water has reduced levels of contaminants like chlorine and lead but still contains some minerals, so it cannot be considered pure.
Mineral Water
Mineral water is naturally occurring and has several mines in the ground. The minerals come from the ground, and they can vary in taste. The quality of the water will depend on where it comes from.
Purified Water
Water can be purified to remove any heavy metals or minerals from it. Purification is a process through which the water is made drinkable by removing the dissolved solids and minerals.
Bottled and bottled mineral water are all considered safe for drinking because they are treated to reduce heavy metals but contain minerals. Mineral water has no added chemicals, so it is natural but not pure.
Drinking Water Quality
Water quality is usually tested under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) but has several categories. Before water can be used, the EPA must certify it as having met the standards set forth by these tests.
Commercial vs. Public
Some agencies will test for both commercial and public use and international standards. The most common type of testing differs based on who owns the water supply company and their purpose for using it.
What is in Drinking Water:
Drinking water can contain many different minerals and chemicals. There are both man-made and naturally occurring compounds. Some of the most common ones are:
Arsenic ~ naturally occurring and toxic (cancerous) when ingested in large amounts. Some of the most common sources of arsenic exposure include contaminated groundwater, rice, poultry, and fish.
Chemical Compounds ~ synthetic substances that can be found in your drinking water supply.
Biosolids ~ are a mixture of human waste and water saved after toilet use. It can contain some hazardous materials (such as heavy metals) and can contain microorganisms that could be harmful to humans.
Coal Ash ~ is a by-product of coal-burning power plants, which can harm the environment if not properly treated. It can contain heavy metals and other chemicals that are harmful to humans.
Water Filtration:
There are many different types of water filters, but the most common ones fall under either carbon or reverse osmosis filtration:
Carbon or Sediment Filtration: the most common form of filtering water involves filtering out contaminants by passing the water through a carbon filter. This filter comprises layers of activated carbon that remove contaminants as they pass through it.
Reverse Osmosis Filtration: another very popular form of filtering water, the contaminants are filtered out using a semi permeable membrane.
Filtration Methods:
• Ion Exchange – involves the removal of contaminants using a cation (positive ion) and anion (negative ion) exchanger made with resin beads. This process will physically remove the cations in the water by replacing them with safe and beneficial ions such as fluoride. The result is that contaminants are removed by adding a new ion to take its place without changing the taste of your water.
• Reverse Osmosis – is using a high-pressure water pump to force water through a semi-permeable membrane. The membrane is designed to block smaller particles but allows larger ones, like salts, through. The process will filter out contaminants as well as natural minerals and some beneficial minerals as well.
• Distillation – is when water is boiled and then condensed again, leaving alcohols, volatile organic compounds, and other impurities behind.
Key Takeaway
No matter what type of drinking water you chose, it is important to remember the importance of staying hydrated. Having water readily available in your home and workplace is extremely important and promotes healthy hydration. Bottleless water coolers are a perfect way to deliver pure, clean drinking water to your home without the hassle of having to go out and buy water. Give Aqua Chill of Austin a call today or visit our website to learn more!
from: https://aquachillatx.com/an-overview-of-different-types-of-drinking-water/
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