Water Isn't Just Water

There were a lot of questions about water the other day so I thought these definitions might be beneficial for all of us. This water terminology is from Cornell University’s Environmental Education Program.

Drinking water
Bottled water that is obtained from an approved source, meets all applicable federal and state standards, and has undergone a minimal treatment process, consisting of filtration and some type of disinfection.

Mineral water
Water that is collected and bottled directly at the point of emergence from a protected underground source without any treatment to alter its natural mineral composition (i.e., minerals cannot be added to this product). Mineral water contains at least 250 milligrams per liter (mg/L) of natural dissolved substances and is distinguished from other types of bottled water by its constant level and relative proportions of natural minerals and trace elements in the source water.

Well water
Water that is pumped or collected using some other mechanical means from a bored or drilled well that taps into a groundwater aquifer (a water-bearing rock or soil formation located underground).

Artesian water
Water that is collected from a bored or drilled well that taps into an aquifer trapped beneath a confining layer of impermeable clay or bedrock, which pressurizes the ground water and allows it to rise up through the well to an elevation above the water table without mechanical pumping.

Spring water
Water that is collected directly from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the ground surface or from a bored hole that taps the source of the spring. Although spring water requires minimal treatment before it is bottled, it must retain the same physical properties and composition as the natural spring water.

Purified water
Water than has been produced by a suitable treatment process such as distillation, deionization, or reverse osmosis and meets the most recent definition of purified water in the United States Pharmacopeia

Distilled water
Water than has been produced by vaporizing and then condensing the water during the process of distillation. Distilled water must also meet the definition of purified water in the United States Pharmacopeia.

Sparkling water
Water that contains natural or added carbon dioxide in the same amount that it had at the point of emergence from its source. Sparkling water does not include soft drinks, such as carbonated, soda, seltzer, and tonic waters, which are regulated differently and may contain sugar and calories.