Is Drinking Spring Water Good for You? Spring vs. Purified

Spring water

Spring water is also called well water, groundwater, and artesian water. It comes from water that exists underground in an aquifer that sits at or below the natural water table of the earth.

Although it may undergo additional treatment before distribution, spring water is always collected at the point where it flows or otherwise arrives at the surface of the structure in which it resides.

Because spring water is naturally filtered underground through things such as limestone, sandstone, and clay, it is often richer in beneficial minerals than other types of water.

Purified water

Purified water is mechanically filtered or treated to remove impurities, such as bacteria, viruses, chemical pollutants, pathogens, and minerals like lead and copper.

Purified water can come from any source, including groundwater, springs, or existing tap water systems. Purified water must undergo the following processing methods:

• Coagulation and flocculation: This is the first step of the purification process that typically involves the addition of positively charged chemicals to the water. These positively charged chemicals help neutralize negatively charged chemicals, including dirt and contaminants and create larger particles called floc.
• Sedimentation: All the dirt particles and contaminants settle at the bottom of the water supply due to the heavier weight of the floc, which leaves clear water on the surface.
• Filtration: This clear water is further filtered through filters of different sizes, such as sand, charcoal, and gravel. This filtering process removes unwanted substances such as dirt, dust, bacteria, and chemical contaminants.
• Disinfection: This step adds a chemical disinfectant, such as chlorine or chloramine, to kill the remaining bacteria or viruses. The amount of disinfectant added is monitored to ensure that it is safe for consumption.

Various at-home filters can be used to purify tap water and remove contaminants such as lead, chlorine, and mercury.

Spring water is collected from springs or boreholes that contain natural minerals, whereas purified water has undergone a controlled filtration and purification process to remove impurities and contaminants.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Environmental Protection Agency, both purified water and bottled spring water are considered safe to drink. The best option between the two is mostly a matter of personal preference, availability, and convenience.

Those who prefer spring water often do because they believe the minerals improve the flavor and make the water healthier than other options. People who prefer purified water may feel safer due to the strict standards imposed on the quality. It is also cheaper and more readily available than spring water.

The amount of water you need to drink a day depends on many factors, including physical activity levels, climate, age, and health status. 

Here are some tips that can help you drink more water throughout the day:

• Always keep a reusable water bottle with you
• Take a few sips of water every 15-30 minutes
• Set a reminder on your phone to drink water
• Increase water intake after a workout or any physical activity
• Add fruit or herbs to boost the flavor of your water
• Avoid sugary drinks such as soda and replace them with unsweetened water
• Try to drink at least 2 L of water a day