Water is one of the body's essential nutrients; without it the body could not function. Most people buy bottled water because of the convenience, while others buy it for what it does not have -- sugar, caffeine and calories. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, and the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, oversee the standards and best practices of not only bottled water, but flavored water and nutrient-added water beverages as well.
Definition
You can find bottled water under a multitude of product names, including drinking water, artesian water, mineral water, sparkling water, spring water and purified water in distilled, demineralized, deionized and reverse osmosis water. All carbonated waters, such as club soda, tonic water and seltzer, fall under the auspices of the FDA, but under the category of soft drinks. Some of these bottled waters may be better for you than others, depending on what is actually dissolved in the water.
Safety
The FDA requires that the manufacturing and bottling process of drinking water be done under strict sanitary conditions. The source of the water must be free of bacteria, toxins and impurities or contaminants. To be beneficial, it has to be bacteria- and contaminate-free. Quality-control measures must be in place to ensure the water is safe for consumption. The source of the water, as well as the bottled product, must be sampled and tested.
Origin
When you see "bottled water" or "drinking water" on the label, it most often comes from the tap or a municipal drinking supply. Artesian water originates from an aquifer --- several layers of rock and sand that rises to just above the aquifer or to the surface. Mineral water is tapped from underground and contains dissolved minerals and trace elements, which are absorbed by the body. Spring water originates from underground and naturally rises to the surface. Well water comes from a drilled well and is piped to the surface. Sparkling water is charged with carbon dioxide and can originate from any source.
Purified
A bottle labeled as having "purified water" is free of chemicals and microbes through reverse osmosis, distillation or ozonation. Reverse osmosis forces the water through several thin membranes to remove impurities and minerals. Distilled water is captured from the steam of boiling water. Ozonation is a process by which the bottler uses ozone gas to disinfect the water. Chlorine can do the same thing, but it leaves a nasty odor and aftertaste.
Flavored and Nutrient-Added Water
Drinking flavored or nutrient-added water can be beneficial; however, keep in mind that most of these products are tap water with added vitamins, electrolytes and minerals. These vitamins, electrolytes and minerals provide you with essential nutrients; however, "flavored" may mean natural or chemically derived flavors. Chemically manufactured artificial flavors are not healthy. Always check the ingredient list on the water bottle; it will give you an indication of what you are actually drinking. The "Nutrition Facts" label will tell you if it provides any nutritional value.
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