Types of Water for Every Use and Occasion

By Laurie Fanelli in Natural Products

Between tap, mineral, and purified water, there’s an H2O for every occasion. But that doesn’t mean all hydration is created equal. The various types of water are actually very different from one another. One variety is ideal for nutritional needs, whereas another is the perfect base for skin care products.

It’s important to choose the right water for every occasion so your family can stay healthy, hydrated, and strong. Magnesium is essential for nutrition, but can have negative effects on certain skin types, so mineral water may be the best choice for consumption. Meanwhile, purified water—which has been stripped of all elements, minerals, and toxins—can be ideal for topical use. Tap water has its own pros and cons, some of which you may be aware of, so knowing what makes each kind special is the best way to ensure your family gets the most out of its supply.

From the Tap

The biggest plus to tap water is that it’s affordable and readily available. All municipalities have regulations in place to ensure your water is safe and drinkable. On top of these, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a set of contaminant standards outlined in the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Cat drinking tap water

Nonetheless, contaminants can still find their way into your faucet. Carbon-filter water pitchers are the most inexpensive option for in-home water filtration, but if you really want to eliminate common water toxins, a reverse osmosis unit installed under the sink is most effective at removing bacteria and related chemicals.

You probably live in a city where safe drinking water is plentiful, but a water filter can still help catch contaminants that aren’t regulated. If you suspect your water is unsafe, however, drink bottled water and contact your local government officials or the EPA to clarify the source of what comes out of your tap.

Water with Minerals

Mineral water is a refreshing beverage with more health benefits than most other types of water. Filtered through a rock bed, mineral water has trace minerals like magnesium and calcium that help you maintain muscle performance as well as bone health. Not only does this type of H2O have beneficial elements that naturally occur within it, but it is also free of man-made chemicals found in other different types of water.

Mineral water

The standards are high when it comes to qualifying as mineral water. Few sites make the grade, mostly those in Europe, so mineral water is often bottled and sold in stores instead. This convenience is great, but the excess packaging creates more waste, so be sure to recycle used containers when you finish them.

Purified H2O

Purified water is, as you can imagine, water in its purest form. It has typically gone through processes like deionization and reverse osmosis, and tastes great while quenching your thirst at the same time. But it’s missing key minerals like calcium, so it isn’t ideal for long-term consumption.

What purified water really strives to be, however, is a base for a variety of care products such as Tom’s of Maine’s Beauty Bar for Sensitive Skin. Mineral or tap water may contain elements that could negatively affect skin, but purified water is a clean slate on which to build a variety of skin care items. Bacteria (which can cause skin infections) or chlorine (which can strip your skin of its natural oils, causing dryness and redness) can both be found in non-purified water, so it’s important to ensure your body care products use this pure, unadulterated H2O. Check the labels of your favorite beauty creams and cleansers to look for “purified water” as an ingredient. If a certain brand doesn’t specify that its water is purified, reach out to customer service so they can clarify for you.

Which one actually hydrates the best? Each type of water has the same basic power to quench your thirst, but it’s up to you to decide which variety is best suited for your family’s nutritional and budgetary needs. Mayo Clinic recommends that men drink 3 liters of water per day and women drink 2.2 liters, so drink up!

How do you take your water? Let us know on Twitter!

Image sources: Wikimedia Commons | Laurie Fanelli

This article was brought to you by Tom’s of Maine. The views and opinions expressed by the author do not reflect the position of Tom’s of Maine.

Why It’s Good

Water comprises most of the planet, but which type should you drink? Between tap, mineral, and purified water, each variety of H2O has its own positives and negatives. It's important to educate your family on the differences between water types and make an informed decision that fits any occasion. This ultimately allows you to eliminate waste and ensure you get the most out of your supply.