By Dr Anjana Kannankara
Water, aptly called the elixir of life, is the most essential factor behind human survival and establishment of civilisations. Existence of life on earth hugely depends on the key reason, availability of water. No wonder, a major portion of the blue planet is covered with water. Human body consists of 70 per cent of water and it plays a vital role in almost all of our body functions.
Researches show that drinking water increases the rate of metabolism. Water that is naturally clean, pure and mineral-rich is very important to nourish the body and support health. But how many of us are efficient enough to distinguish between the different types in which it is available?
Artesian Water
Artesian water is underground between layers of rocks and confined under positive pressure. This type of water is mostly obtained by using a well. As artesian water does not flow through the soil and rock layers, it does not gather any contaminants on its journey. Artesian water is one of the best natural sources of calcium.
Demineralised Water
Demineralised water, also known as deionised water, is specially purified water that has had most or all of its mineral and salt ions removed but may still contain bacteria or pathogens. Demineralised water is made from otherwise clean water which passes through an ion exchange resin. This makes it ideally suited to a large range of uses, from pharmaceutical manufacturing to cosmetics, laser cutting, fire extinguishers the automotive industry.
Distilled Water
Distilled water is one that has undergone a purification process to remove any contaminants and natural minerals, through a process called distillation. It is considered the purest form of water but not recommended for drinking since it is devoid of minerals essential for the body. Distillation involves boiling the water and then condensing the steam into a clean container. One of the uses of distilled water is in a coolant system for automobiles.
Mineral Water
Mineral water originates from a spring yet contains high levels of dissolved minerals. These minerals may be naturally present in or artificially added to the water to provide health benefits to people. Nowadays, mineral water is usually bottled and transported around the world. It is considered ideal to drink since it is rich in minerals and pure.
Potable Water
Potable water is drinking water. Potable water has to be safe enough to be consumed by humans with a minimal risk of short-term or long-term harm. It has been either treated, cleaned or filtered and meets the local established drinking water standards. It is assumed to be reasonably free of harmful bacteria and contaminants and also considered safe to use in cooking.
Purified Water
Purified water can be from any source but is mechanically filtered or cleaned to be safe to drink. Therefore, purified water does not have any contaminants or chemicals in it. Purified water is usually obtained through reverse osmosis or filtering. The advantages of purified water are that harmful chemicals have been removed but the disadvantages are that minerals which are beneficial to humans have also been taken out. It is said to be usually acidic after purification.
Raw Water
Raw water is one that comes straight from the environment and has not been treated or purified in any way. Hence, it may contain minerals, ions, particles or parasites. Lakes, rivers, rainwater or groundwater has raw water. It is highly helpful in water conservation where it is used for flushing toilets or watering garden plants.
Sparkling Water
Sparkling water, also known as carbonated water, contains dissolved carbon dioxide gas. When carbon dioxide is dissolved under pressure into water through a process called carbonation, the water becomes effervescent or bubbly. Carbonation may be naturally occurring, such as from the German mineral spring seltzers. It may be done artificially as in carbonated soft drinks or sodas we consume.
Spring Water
Spring water originates from an underground spring. Rainwater accumulated underground tends to flow out at the surface as a spring. It has many natural health benefits. However, contaminants such as coliform, arsenic and phthalates have been found in tests carried out on some spring water.
Tonic Water
It is described as carbonated water mixed with sugar, minerals and quinine which is a compound found in the bark of cinchona tree. It is mainly used to be mixed in cocktails and in alcoholic drinks. It has a distinct bitter taste hence typically not consumed in its own.
Infused Water
Also called detox water, infused water can generally be any combination of fruits, vegetables and herbs immersed in cold water and used after some time. While infused water has the benefit of being full of flavour, it also has no calories, making it very effective in losing weight and gain better health. Infused water derives flavour from the rind and tastes bright and tangy, even after infusing for just 15 minutes.
Flavoured Water
Flavoured water has become a big part of post-soda life for plenty of people. This is a category of beverage marketed as water which contains an array of additional ingredients, including natural and artificial flavours, sugar, sweeteners, vitamins, minerals and other enhancements. Most enhanced waters have fewer calories than similarly sized non-diet soft drinks hence termed as causing less damage.
(The author is director, TGL Foundation, & senior director, FWO)