Bottled Drinking Water Explained!

This article will perhaps give you an overview of the bottled drinking water on the market and which is best.

The varieties of drinking wateravailable run a wide range.  On one end, distilled water contains essentially nothing but H2O; minerals, dissolved solids, etc. should all have been removed through the distillation process. On the other end, spa waters are loaded with carbonates and minerals. Selecting a bottled water to meet your needs can be confusing, until you compare your goals with the methods used to produce the water.

First, keep in mind that water is simply one compound, H2O, which, by itself has no taste, repeat, no taste at all and no nutritional value. The taste and any health claims are derived from things added to or present along with the water. And although many claims have been and still are made for the various non-water additives, essentially they have only been shown to affect taste. The health claims are generally exaggerated.  Keep in mind that water, like air, is not a nutrient, although it can carry them.
The other constituents dissolved in water are of utmost importance, though, as distilled water is devoid of any taste, and is undrinkable, these are the minerals that impart some taste to water that we all prefer.  The same is true of pH: the range is very narrow and won't affect safety. Dissolved solids (usually iron oxide [rust] and other inerts, generally only affect appearances and clarity.

First let's look at the types of water you will find on the market: Artesian Well Water, simple drinking water, distilled water, mineral water, purified water, sparkling water, spring water and well water.

Why are you buying bottled water: because it tastes better? To have a cleaner, safer source of water? Or because it's a spa water that will make your healthier?

What harmful things can be in water?  Pathogens, like cryptosporidium, bacteria, heavy metals, pesticides,
This, of course, is highly subjective. It simply depends on what you like. 
If you like bubbles, go for sparkling water.

However, in general, choose artesian waters rather than surface waters.  Artesian supplies are stable, secure underground lakes, isolated from sources of contamination and unlikely to vary.  Surface waters and near surface wells and aquifers (like many springs) can be much more easily contaminated with industrial and agriculture run-off. Artesian waters will usually also have enough dissolved inorganic salts to give a taste that is pleasing.

Mineral waters will tend to have a stronger taste.  Distilled water ought to have no taste. Spring waters can vary considerably.  In general, surface waters would be the last choice, as they are the most variable (from brand to brand) and have the greatest potential for most types of contamination (rainfall, surface run off, soil contamination, etc.).

Discussing the "health" properties of bottled water is a lot like discussing crop circles and astrology.  While there are people who believe that certain water will make them healthier, there is absolutely no credible scientific evidence to suggest that certain water has any properties that will make it healthier than simple clean, purified water and a healthy diet.  In other words, the additives (natural or otherwise) such as carbonates, other minerals, etc. are present in a health diet and have not been shown to have any exceptional health value when present in water beyond that which they provide in other sources.

Put simply, there is no water which is a fountain of youth or health.  But if you want to believe that are certain water will make you healthy, go for it.  And can we also sell you some lucky magnetic Elvis medallions to put in your shoes to improve your health, too?
 
A case can be made for making your own "bottled" water at home. Bottled waters may sit on a shelf or in a warehouse for months and beyond.  If exposed to sunlight, algae and other microorganisms may grow.  Few bottled waters are sterilized and there is no chlorine present to inhibit bacterial growth.  There is typically also less scrutiny of water bottlers than municipal water suppliers.  Anyone receiving water from a municipal water supply can see the most recent test results and any violations by going to this page and entering their zip code, http://www.ehso.com/ehshome/DrWater/drinkingwaterreports.php.  I have not heard of any water bottlers that allow routine public access to their test results.   A relatively inexpensive at home water purification system, ranging from the Britta and Pur brands for the facet or fridge, to the under sink or whole-house reverse-osmosis systems can produce water for you to fill your own clean bottles to take outside the home!