Types of Drinking Water: Difference Between RO Purified, Sparkling and Mineral Water

One cannot stress enough on the fact that drinking water is vital for good health. Drinking water regularly helps you stay hydrated at all times. It ensures that your kidneys and other regulatory organs are functioning properly. Drinking water regulates body temperature, helps in nutrient absorption, improves blood oxygen circulation and much more. However, you cannot just scoop a glass of water from any source and expect that it will keep you fit and healthy.

Factors such as TDS in drinking water, mineral value, etc. play an important role in determining whether water is fit for drinking or not. But did you know that there are many types of drinking water? Sparkling to Mineral, you are presented with numerous options as far as drinking water is concerned. 

Types of Drinking Water

Tap water is what you would generally use for household chores such as cleaning, flushing toilets, cooking, gardening and washing clothes, etc. It is regulated by municipal bodies and it is the water you get from the faucets.

This water is usually not fit for drinking purposes in India. While it may be a cheaper option of drinking water, publicly dispensed water may not be free of impurities and may contain plastic particles, pesticide residue, aluminum, and other undesirable substances.

You may have often come across instances in restaurants when a waiter will ask if you prefer sparkling or still water. Sparkling water is the bubbly and fizzy variation of drinking water. The fizz is from naturally occurring gases and not because it is carbonated. It’s pure, clean taste is full of calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

It is a good alternative to sugar-based soft drinks. Sparkling water may be spring water, purified water or even mineral water and upon addition of carbon dioxide, it transforms into sparkling water. While sparkling water is rich in minerals, it is not enough to boost your health. It is way more expensive than tap or bottled water.

When we talk of mineral water, you should set store by leading players in the segment. Ideally, you should choose packaged drinking water which has the right mix of potassium bicarbonate and magnesium sulphate. Also, the purification process is highly essential. Bisleri comes to mind with its 10-step purification process before packaging. TDS in drinking water stands between 80 to 150 PPM for Bisleri which is ideal for human consumption. 

The essential minerals in the water are what make it so healthy - it is a great choice for drinking purposes and aids in digestion. Since it is packaged in PET plastic, used empty bottles can be disposed and recycled efficiently. 

Reverse Osmosis (RO) Purified Water refers to tap water or groundwater that has been obtained from its source and has undergone purification treatment in a plant. The purification process removes all bacteria, contaminants and dissolved solids to make it suitable for drinking and other purposes.

This drinking water is bottled and sold in the markets or you can install a water purifier at home. While you are purifying your water of all harmful and unwanted substances, you may also end up losing out on some of the essential minerals in the process.

Like purified water, distilled water or demineralized water is also where the water has been subjected to a treatment to remove minerals and salt.

While distilled water is technically pure water, it is not exactly fit for consumption since the lack of salts and minerals can cause mineral deficiencies in the body. Drinking this water may result in you losing out on sodium, potassium, chloride, and magnesium. This is an option only when tap water is the only source of water and you have to get rid of the possible bacteria and impurities.

Quick Comparison

Pros - Affordable source of water. Used for household chores

Cons - Not meant for drinking purposes (may contain plastic particles)

Pros - Pure, clean and full of minerals like calcium, potassium and magnesium

Cons - Not enough to benefit your health in any way

Pros - Full of calcium, magnesium and manganese. Suitable for drinking

Cons - Packaged water hence bottles require disposal.

Pros - Groundwater that undergoes purification process for drinking

Cons - During purification process, you may lose out on the essential minerals too

Pros - Water that goes through purification process to remove harmful substances

Cons - Demineralized and hence, not fit for drinking purposes

Conclusion

Each of these types of drinking water come with their own set of pros and cons. While one type of drinking water may be beneficial for your health, another one...not so much. You must assess your options and select the one that is most suitable and feasible for you. Today, just with a few clicks, you can buy water online.

Bisleri water passes through a 10 step purification process and 114 quality tests to ensure you get purity in every sip. A symbol of goodness, trust, and purity, Bisleri has been a household name for decades. A leader in the beverage category, we are cited as the most trusted brand across 500 categories in India. Our relentless commitment to quality stands true to our promise of providing safe, pure & healthy mineral water to consumers for the last 50 years.