Types Of Water

Town Water – Municipal Water

Town water, also referred to as municipal water, is a source of tap water where in most cities and towns comes from large wells, lakes, rivers or reservoirs. This water is generally safe to consume and utilize and is treated specifically to meet certain standards set by governments to protect the health and well-being of the public. However, there are many reasons why town water may not be beneficial for usage such as heavy contaminates, chemicals, hard water and lack of nutrients. Despite treatment, town water will still contain various amounts of contaminants such as bacteria’s, viruses, pesticides and heavy metals. Town water is treated with chemicals such as chlorine, used to disinfect it, and while these chemicals help kill bacteria, they are not entirely extracted prior to our consumption and usage.

Town water can be referred to as hard water, meaning the water contains high levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These can affect the taste and odour of the water and contribute to health problem such as kidney stones. The lack of nutrients in town water indicates that it does not contain the minerals and nutrients found in natural flowing spring water, and whilst this is not necessarily harmful, it means that town water would not provide the same health benefits. Overall, exposure to these contaminates can have and cause negative health effects over time.  

Spring Water

Spring water is naturally flowing water which flows to the surface from an underground source, which is usually filtered through layers of soil and rock that help to remove impurities, whilst adding natural minerals and nutrients. Spring water can be sourced in various locations such as hills, mountains and valleys and is known to be considered a high-quality source of water due to its natural filtration process and mineral content. The taste of this water can vary greatly depending of the locations and climate and geological makeup of the area it is sourced from, making it a sought-after resource for consumption due to being unique. Generally sold commercially, spring water can be found in bottled form or dispensed from natural springs for public usage and consumption. However, is it important to understand that not all bottled spring water is of high quality, and some may be subject to additional treatments or processing before being bottled and stored.

Bore Water – Well Water

Bore water is known as groundwater, accessed by drilling a borehole into an aquifer. An aquifer is an underground layer of soil and rock that holds water and can be utilised for various purposes, such as irrigation, livestock watering, and household supply. Known to have varying levels of purity, bore water may require treatment before it is safe to consume or use. Depending on the depth and location of the borehole, water may actually be naturally filtered through the multiple layers of soil and rock but also possible to contain contaminants such as minerals, bacteria and viruses. In some areas, bore water may contain high levels of dissolved minerals such as iron, calcium and magnesium, which can affect the taste and quality of the water and causing issues such as staining of clothing and fixtures. In these scenarios, treatment by filtration may be necessary to improve the water quality for usage. Testing of bore water is important and recommended regularly when using it for drinking, cooking, or bathing purposes.

Rain Water

Rain water is water that falls from the sky in the form of rain. It is a naturally occurring source of freshwater that’s formed through the process of evaporation and condensation as the sun heats the surface of Earth, water evaporates from oceans, lakes and rivers, rising into the atmosphere. As the evaporated water vapor cools and condenses, it forms clouds, which eventually release moisture known as rain. Rainwater can be collected, stored and used for various purposes such as irrigation, watering plantation and as a household water supply. Generally, it is considered safe to use and consume if stored properly, although it may contain contaminants such as bacteria, viruses and pollutants from the air and surrounding environment. Harvesting of rainwater has become increasingly popular as a way to conserve water resources and reduce dependence of town or municipal water supply. In many cases, rainwater can be utilised for non-portable purposes such as flushing toilets or washing clothes, which can aid in the reduction of water bills and conserve resources. However, it is important that the collection and storage of rainwater is properly designed and maintained to ensure the water if safe and free from contaminants.  

Tank Water – Stored Water

Tank water refers to water that is collected and stored in a tank for later use, which comes from a variety of sources such as rainwater, bore water, town or municipal water supply. Tank waters is commonly utilised for various household purposes such as flushing toilets, washing clothing and watering plantation. Rainwater is usually collected from a catchment area generally being a roof of a building, flowing through a gutter and downpipe system into a storage tank. This water is then used where necessary and filtered depending on the form of usage required, being consumption or bathing. Bore water can also be stored in tanks, ensuring the correct treatment is taken to remove impurities depending on the intended use. Town or municipal water can be stored in tanks in areas where water pressure is low or where access to the town water is limited. Town water will be pumped to the holding tank, then distributed to the household or area of need. Tank water is known to be a sustainable and cost-effective way to supply water to an area of need, particularly in areas where access to town water is limited or expensive. It is important that any form of storage tank that holds water is properly designed and maintained to prevent contamination, ensuring the water is safe for use.

Bottled Water

Bottled water is drinking water that is packaged in plastic or glass bottles and made available for purchasing, typically sourced from natural springs, purified municipal water sources or treated well water. Bottled water in its various forms is known to be carbonated or still and if often marketed with claims of being “Pure,” “natural,” “mineral-rich,” or “alkaline.” Bottled water is a widely consumed, convenient alternative to tap water, however it is known to have several drawbacks and negative qualities. Its environmental impact of the production and transportation of plastic bottles consumes large amounts of energy and releases harmful greenhouse gases. The disposal of used plastic bottles can also cause environmental pollution. Quality control of bottled water is not subject to the same quality standard as tap water, which is strictly regulated by the government, therefore, the quality and safety of bottled water may vary depending on the manufacturer and source.

The cost of bottled water is significantly more expensive than tap water, as many filtration systems are known to be less costly with far greater results in quality which is also not stored or packaged. With many health risks, plastic bottles may contain chemicals such as BPA, which can leach into the water and potentially harm human health. Additionally, bottled water may not have the necessary minerals that are present in town water and required for human health. Its availability in some areas may not be readily available or affordable, which limits access to safe drinking water for some people.

Sea Water – Ocean Water – Salt Water

Seawater (ocean water) is known to be salt water, which makes up the oceans and other bodies of saltwater on the earth’s surface, composed of various minerals and salts including sodium chloride (common salt), magnesium, calcium and potassium. Seawaters surface coverage on earth is approximately seventy percent, being an important source of food, transportation and recreation. However, it is not suitable for consumption or irrigation due its high salt content and presence of other minerals and contaminants. It’s known to have a significant impact to the climate of earth and its weather patterns as it’s a major component of the global water cycle and plays a role in regulating temperatures and weather patterns as it interacts with the atmosphere. Seawater can be desalinated, or treated to remove the salt and minerals, making it suitable for consumption and usage for agricultural purposes, however, desalination is expensive and can be an energy intensive process, making it a less common method of water supply in many regions of the world.

Creek Water – River Water – Fresh Water

River water (creek water) is typically fresh water that flows in a natural bed or channel, generally from higher elevations to lower elevations due to the force of gravity which come in various forms such as rain, melting snow or ice and ground water seepages. Fresh water means it has a low concentration of dissolved salts and minerals, however, the quality of the river water can vary depending on a variety of factors such as the location, climate and surrounding areas where human activities take place. For example, rivers in agricultural areas may be contaminated by pesticides and fertilizers as opposed to rivers near industrial areas may be polluted by chemicals and waste products. River water for many purposes is an important resource, bring for usage of drinking water, irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. It plays a crucial role in the natural environment by providing habitat for various aquatic plantation, animals and supporting a range of ecological processes, however, human activities can have significant impacts on the availability and quality of river water, making it important to protect and manage this valuable resource. 

Mineral Water

Mineral Water is a form of water that’s known to contain high levels of minerals amongst other trace elements, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. Mineral water is generally sourced from underground springs and wells, known to then be bottled at the source without treatment or processing. This product is known to be marketed as a healthier alternative to regular town water due to its mineral content and perceived health benefits with studies suggesting that consumption of mineral water may improve bone health, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and improve digestion. In order for water to be classified as mineral water, the water must meet certain quality standards and contain a certain minimum concentration of dissolved minerals. The source and location of the underground springs and other environmental factors play a role in the composition and taste of the mineral water, making it a good source of essential minerals and can provide additional benefits to a balanced diet. Over all, it is important to choose a high-quality mineral water from a reliable and trusted source, consumed in moderation as excess consumption of minerals can have a negative effect.

Alkaline Water

Alkaline water is a form of water that’s known to have a higher pH level compared to regular town water which can scale from zero to fourteen, with seven being neutral, below seven being acidic and above seven being alkaline. Alkaline water typically has a pH level between seven point five and nine, utilising alkaline minerals dissolved in the water such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium to achieve these results. Proponents of alkaline water claiming that it can assist in neutralizing acid in the body, improve digestion, boost immunity, support bone health and improve hydration. The neutralizing of acidity in the body through alkaline water may assist in the reduction of acid reflux and other symptoms of acidity. Alkaline water is able to hydrate the body more effectively due to having smaller clusters of water molecules which are more easily absorbed by the body which may help to improve bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Although there are many articles and studies showing the beneficial results from alkaline water, there are many grey areas as there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims. 

The methods of producing alkaline water vary from the introduction of alkaline minerals mentioned earlier to the water supply naturally or by using an electronic machine to ionize the water and increase its pH level. In addition to minerals, alkaline water can be produced through a process called electrolysis, which involves using an electric current to split the water molecules into acidic and alkaline components. The components which are alkaline are then collected and the resulting water left is more alkaline than the original water. Whilst consuming alkaline water is generally considered safe, it is important to understand that we differ from one another, therefore, excessive consumption of alkaline water can lead to an imbalance in the body’s Ph level and may lead to negative health effects. It is important to note that alkaline water should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical treatments or natural treatments and therefore you should consult with your healthcare professional before starting any new health regimen.

Hydrogen Water

Hydrogen water (H2) is a form of water that is infused with molecular hydrogen gas, making it a powerful antioxidant that’s been shown to have potential health benefits such as, reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress, improving athletic performance and the overall support of health and wellbeing. Oxidative stress is a process that can damage cells and contribute to aging and disease with studies showing that hydrogen water can act as a powerful antioxidant and help protect cells from oxidative damage. Hydrogen water may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could aid in the reduction of inflammation throughout the body as chronic inflammation is associated with many diseases, including heart disease, cancer and autoimmune disorders. Some studies suggest that hydrogen water may contribute to improving the performance of athletes by reducing muscle fatigue, improving recovery time, digestion and boosting the immune system.

Hydrogen water is produced through various methods such as adding magnesium or other metals to water and then reacting it with an acid, or through a process called electrolysis, which involves using and electric current to split the water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. There are some scientific evidence and studies that suggest that drinking hydrogen water may benefit health, but more research is needed to confirm and fully understand its effects. It is important to note that hydrogen water should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical treatments or natural treatments and should be consulted with your healthcare professional before starting any new health regimen.

Ozone Water

Ozone water is a form of water that has been treated with ozone gas, which is a highly reactive gas, made up of three oxygen atoms (03) that can be generated using a specialized ozone generator or machine. When ozone gas is bubbled throughout the water, it reacts with the organic and inorganic contaminants, disinfecting the water and removing the unpleasant odours and taste. Ozone itself is a powerful disinfectant and can kill bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms that may be present in water, often known to be used in swimming pools, spas and hot tubs. Known to be effective in the removal of a wide range of contaminants in the water, including pesticides, herbicides and other harmful chemicals whilst improving and making the water more palatable by removing unpleasant tastes and odours. Ozone water treatment can help reduce the amount of chlorine needed to treat water which can be beneficial for people who have an intolerance or sensitivity to chlorine.

Being a natural gas that is produced from oxygen, it does not leave behind any harmful chemicals or by products, making it a cost-effective water treatment method as opposed to chlorination. It is important to understand that ozone gas can be hazardous in high concentrations and should only be utilised by professionals who are trained, where treatment should also be used in combination with other treatment methods to ensure the water is safe for consumption.

Reverse Osmosis Water

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water filtration process that removes impurities from water by forcing it through a semi -permeable membrane under pressure. This membrane allows the water molecules to pass through, filtering out contaminants such as dissolved minerals, salts and various other impurities. Reverse osmosis can be used in many settings such as domestically for consumption, commercially for coffee machinery, dishwashers and other appliances where the clean, pure water is desired. In addition to making the water taste better and safer for consumption, reverse osmosis systems can also aid in extending the life of appliances and machinery which utilise water, by reducing the build-up of mineral deposit. Industrial settings are also known to utilise reverse osmosis water such as laboratories, manufacturing and food processing to ensure the quality and purity of the products or items. Consumption of reverse osmosis water should be done with care, utilising the correct configuration of filter cartridges in a particular sequence is crucial for optimal results.

Reverse osmosis water without a remineraliser filter cartridge can potentially be no good for consumption and digestion as there are no good minerals in the water. It is important to note that reverse osmosis water should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical treatments or natural treatments and should be consulted with your healthcare professional before starting any new health regimen.

Distilled Water

Distilled water is a form of purified water that’s experienced a process of distillation. This process of distillation involves boiling the water to create steam, which is then collected and condensed back into liquid form. Through the process it removes impurities and minerals form the water, resulting in a very pure form of water, often used in laboratory settings as well as medical applications and in some household appliances such as irons and humidifiers. Distilled water typically has low levels of contaminants, such as lead and arsenic, which can be harmful to human health. Some people with sensitive skin or allergies may prefer to utilise distilled water for bathing or other personal care applications as it does not contain the mineral or chemical content found in tap water and can cause skin irritations or allergic reactions. However, because the water lacks minerals which are beneficial to the human body, such as calcium and magnesium, some people may choose not to consume distilled water.

Waste Water

Waste water is a form of any water that has been used in households, industries or businesses and then is discharged through a sewer system or treatment plant. Examples of domestic waste water derives from washing machines, dishwashers, showers, sinks and flushing toilets. Industrial waste water derives from manufacturing, mining, oil and gas production. Commercial waste water derives from restaurants, hotels and shopping centres. Waste water can contain a wide range of pollutants and contaminants including bacteria, viruses, organic and inorganic chemicals and nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. These pollutants can be harmful to the human health and the environment if not properly treated and managed. To ensure waste water does not harm the environment or the health of the public, it is collected through a network of sewer pipes and transported to a wastewater treatment plant where it is then treated using a combination of physical, chemical and biological processes to remove the pollutants and contaminates. 

Once treated, the water is typically discharged into a river or other bodies of water, or reused for irrigation or other non-portable purposes. Untreated or poorly treated waste water can cause a range of problems to the environment and health of the public, including the spread of waterborne diseases, pollution of waterways and harm to aquatic life. Therefore, if we treat and manage wastewater properly, we can protect our water resources, public health and the environment.