Water types include spring water, mineral water, distilled water, sparkling water, and purified water, among others. Some types may have more nutrients than others.
Drinking enough water daily is essential for supporting your body’s basic functions and overall well-being.
Water comes from a variety of sources, including lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and underground. The water usually undergoes a
There are several types of drinking water available. For instance, some can be sourced from the tap in your kitchen sink, while others can be purchased in bottles at the store.
Continue reading to discover 9 different types of drinking water and learn how to select the best one for your needs.
How much water should I drink daily?
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that male adults consume 3.7 liters (15.5 cups) of water per day, and adult females consume 2.7 liters (11.5 cups).
Tap water is one of the most common sources of water in North America. It refers to a piped water supply that serves the water used in toilets, sinks, dishwashers, and laundry machines.
According to the
Some people are hesitant to drink tap water due to concerns about its taste or potential safety issues, but tap water is generally safe to drink across much of the United States.
In fact, tap water is tested far more regularly than bottled water to ensure it’s safe for the public to drink, according to the Natural Resources Defence Council.
Tap water is also the most affordable drinking option.
That said, in rare cases, tap water may contain pesticide residue from farms, gardens, and lawns, as well as plastic particles, aluminium, or other undesirable substances.
If you’re concerned that the treatments applied to your water supply aren’t up to standard, you can always invest in a home filtration system for additional purification.
Mineral water is pulled from a mineral spring, which is full of minerals like magnesium, calcium, and iron. This type of water may offer several health benefits.
For instance, a 2023 review found that drinking calcium-rich mineral water may be particularly beneficial for individuals with lactose intolerance or those following a plant-based diet.
A 2024 review also found that mineral water may help support the health of your bones, teeth, and immune system.
The minerals from mineral water may be absorbed more quickly than from other dietary sources. Some people also prefer the taste of it over tap water.
One of the main downsides to mineral water is cost, especially when compared to tap water. Many of the minerals found in this type of water can also be obtained from a healthy, balanced diet.
Spring water or glacier water are types of bottled water that are claimed to be bottled directly at the source from which the water originates, either from a spring or a glacier.
The water originates from an underground source that naturally flows to the Earth’s surface. According to the
In theory, spring or glacier waters should be relatively clean and free of toxins. They also contain many of the same helpful minerals found in mineral water.
It’salso readily available in stores, often found in well-known brands like Evian and Arrowhead.
Depending on how much you drink, spring water can become pricey, especially when compared to tap water. Additionally, some spring and glacier waters are raw, unfiltered, and untested, which may pose health risks depending on their contents.
Sparkling water is infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure to become carbonated. Some research suggests that sparkling water may have several health benefits, such as:
- increasing feelings of fullness
- possibly improving digestion
- temporarily decreasing blood glucose levels
A small 2024 study also found that drinking carbonated water within 20 minutes of exercising helped decrease blood pressure and increase cerebral blood flow better than drinking non-carbonated water.
Sparkling water offers a different mouth feel than flat water, which may be particularly beneficial if you don’t like tap water but want to stay hydrated throughout the day.
What’s more, sparkling water is a great sugar-free alternative to other carbonated beverages, such as soda and beer. You can spruce it up with fresh citrus fruits or berries for added taste, too.
This type of water may also contain added sodium and other minerals. However, there aren’t enough to be truly beneficial to your health in a meaningful way.
Additionally, sparkling water can be more expensive than both tap water and certain types of bottled water.
Distilled water is produced by boiling water and then collecting the steam to condense it into a liquid that is safe to drink.
Distilling is a
Distilled water may be a great option for drinking water if you live in or visit an area where the tap water may be contaminated.
Drinking this type of water can be part of a balanced diet and keep you well hydrated. However, some research found that drinking demineralized water over the long term may increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies.
Demineralized water contains no minerals, so it doesn’t replenish lost nutrients from sweating and other bodily functions. It may also increase the frequency of urination, potentially pulling nutrients from the body.
Purified water is tap or groundwater that has been treated to remove harmful substances like bacteria, fungi, and parasites. This means that drinking it is pretty much guaranteed to be safe.
The benefits and possible drawbacks of drinking purified water are similar to those of distilled water.
For instance, purified water is a great option if your immediate water source is contaminated. However, many countries purify tap water, so you’re basically drinking purified water when you drink water from the tap.
During the purification process, all the “impurities” are removed, so you also don’t get some of the possible minerals found in water, such as calcium, fluoride, and iron.
In addition, purchasing purified water or even installing a filtration system at home can be pretty costly.
Flavored water is water that’s flavored or sweetened with natural fruits, added sugars, or artificial sweeteners. Store-bought flavored water also often contains natural or artificial colorings, preservatives, and acidulants.
Flavored water can offer a tasty alternative to plain water, making it easier to drink in larger quantities.
It can also add variety to your water intake, as many flavors are available. Flavor can be added naturally by infusing fruit and vegetables into tap or bottled water, or you can purchase artificially flavored waters.
On the other hand, store-bought flavored waters often contain added sugars and artificial sweeteners, which are associated with health conditions like diabetes, obesity, cavities, and heart disease, among others.
Try these flavored water recipes today
Here are some naturally-sweetened flavored water recipes you can try today:
Compared to regular tap water, alkaline water has a higher pH level, contains alkaline minerals, and has a negative oxidation-reduction potential.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, tap water must have a pH level of around 7 on a scale of 0 to 14. Alkaline water contains a pH level of 8 or 9.
Due to its higher pH level, some people claim that alkaline water may help relieve acid reflux symptoms, slow the aging process, or even prevent cancer. It could also be more hydrating than regular tap water.
However, very little scientific research supports these purported benefits.
It’s generally safe to drink alkaline water, but it may reduce stomach acidity, thereby lowering its ability to kill off harmful bacteria. In excess, it can also lead to metabolic alkalosis, which may cause nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms.
Well water comes directly from the ground. There are three main types of wells:
- Dug or bored: These wells are dug 10 to 30 feet deep using a shovel.
- Driven: These wells are constructed by inserting, or “driving,” a pipe 30 to 50 feet deep in the ground.
- Drilled: These wells can be thousands of feet deep and are constructed with special machines.
Many areas and communities have multiple wells, providing convenient access to fresh water. According to the
- at least 25 people for more than 60 days yearly
- connects to more than 15 services, such as buildings
If a well serves fewer than these people or buildings, it’s considered a private well. This may include one you have in your backyard.
Several risks are
There are several steps you can take to ensure your well water is suitable for drinking, such as testing your well water annually for bacteria, nitrates, and pH levels. It’s also possible to install a filtration system.
The main factor to consider when selecting drinking water is whether it’s safe to drink.
In most places in the United States, tap water is safe to drink and is the most affordable option. If you travel to a new place, consider enquiring about whether the tap water is safe to drink before doing so.
If you’re unsure about the safety of the water or don’t like the taste of tap water, then drinking bottled spring, mineral, or distilled water is your safest bet. But this is the most expensive option.
There are also ways to purify water when camping or traveling. The most effective way is to boil water for
Lastly, if you find it difficult to consume enough water due to its taste, consider adding natural flavors to your water with fruits like lemons, berries, and watermelon.
While you may have a preference for which type of water is best, generally, there’s no one type that promises greater health benefits than the others.
As long as the water you’re drinking is clean and safe, the main focus is to ensure that you stay hydrated and drink enough water on a regular basis.
Jennifer Still is an editor and writer with bylines in Vanity Fair, Glamour, Bon Appétit, Business Insider, and more. She writes about food and culture.