Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining good health, but with the vast variety of drinking waters available on store shelves, choosing the right one can be confusing. From purified to natural spring, alkaline to distilled, and even electrolytes-enhanced water, how do you know what’s best for you? This guide breaks down the common types of bottled water and tap options, helping you unlock your ideal hydration source.
Understanding Different Types of Drinking Water
1. Purified Water and Vapor-Distilled Water
Purified water is often treated to remove contaminants, making it clean and safe for consumption. Vapor-distilled water is a type of purified water. It undergoes distillation where the water is boiled, and the steam is collected, leaving behind impurities and minerals. This results in very pure water—often called medical-grade—which is used not only for drinking but for medical devices like CPAP machines and irons.
However, distillation removes all minerals and electrolytes, which can strip the water of its natural taste, resulting in flat or bland flavor. While safe to drink, distilled water isn’t necessarily recommended for long-term hydration because it lacks these minerals that contribute to taste and some nutritional benefits, although most minerals come from food rather than water.
2. Electrolyte-Added Water
Some bottled waters, such as those labeled “Smart Water,” are also vapor-distilled but include added electrolytes. These electrolytes—minerals such as potassium and magnesium—are primarily added to improve taste rather than provide significant health benefits. While electrolytes are important for bodily function, the amounts added to drinking water are generally not enough to fulfill dietary needs; food remains the primary source.
The Alkaline Water Trend: Should You Drink It?
Alkaline water has gained popularity, especially among celebrities. Its defining feature is its pH level, which is above neutral (above 7 on the pH scale of 0 to 14). Standard plain water typically has a neutral pH around 7, while alkaline water usually falls around pH 8 or higher.
Proponents of alkaline water and alkaline diets claim various health benefits, including improved immunity and disease prevention. Some traditional medicine systems, like Chinese medicine, support these claims. However, scientific research has yet to definitively confirm these benefits, so alkaline water remains somewhat controversial. Drinking alkaline water is not harmful, but it’s not a magic solution either.
What About Tap Water?
Tap water is a convenient and often cost-effective hydration option. In cities like Philadelphia, tap water adheres to strict standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state authorities. It undergoes several treatment processes, including filtration and disinfection with chlorine to ensure water safety.
People sometimes worry about the taste or potential contaminants in tap water, but in many areas, tap water is perfectly safe to drink and meets rigorous federal and state quality tests. If you’re concerned, using a household water filter can improve flavor and reduce any chlorine taste.
Distilled Water: Not Just for Drinking
While distilled water can be drunk safely, it tends not to be favored for daily hydration because it lacks minerals and tastes flat. However, it is excellent for medical uses, such as sinus rinses or devices that require mineral-free water to prevent deposits.
Fun Myths: Smart Water and Garden Hose Water
Some brands, like “Smart Water,” market their product as having added benefits or even imply cognitive improvement, but these claims are more about marketing than science. Drinking Smart Water won’t make you smarter, though it is a clean, vapor-distilled option with electrolytes for taste.
As for drinking from a garden hose — technically possible, but not recommended due to potential contaminants and materials in hoses that aren’t designed for potable water.
Putting It All Together: Which Water is Right for You?
- If you want pure, clean water with minimal additives: vapor-distilled or purified water fits the bill but may taste flat.
- If you want better taste but still clean water: look for vapor-distilled water with added electrolytes.
- If you’re curious about alkaline water: it’s safe to try, but don’t expect miracle health benefits.
- If you want convenience and cost-effectiveness: tap water is a great choice, especially when filtered.
- Avoid drinking from garden hoses or using distilled water exclusively without a balanced diet.
Ultimately, the “best” drinking water depends on your taste preferences, health needs, and lifestyle. Remember, water should be clean, safe, and enjoyable to drink to keep you well hydrated every day.
Drinking water doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding the basics behind different types of water, you can confidently choose an option that suits you best, unlocking hydration that supports your well-being. Cheers to better water and better health!
