Difference Between Mineral Water & Tap Water

Deciphering the different types of water available on the market can be quite an ordeal. Besides saving money (from purchasing expensive bottled water from the store), what are the differences between mineral water and tap water?

Mineral Water

• Quench your thirst with some mineral water.

  Mineral water can come from a natural well or spring. Like regular tap water, it contains specific levels of minerals or nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, iron or fluoride. Mineral water is classified by having 250 parts per million total dissolved solids. These minerals may occur naturally and may or may not be added to the water. The nutrients in the mineral water are believed to provide the body with extra nutrition.

Sparkling Mineral Water

• Sparkling mineral water is an alternative to soda.

  Unlike tap water, mineral water can be carbonated. The sparkle or bubbles in sparkling mineral water occurs naturally. When the water is extracted from the source, carbonation is added naturally through the extraction process. Sparkling mineral water can be used as a healthy substitute to sodas, as there is no sugar or extra additives.

Tap Water

• Natural water, straight from the tap.

  Tap water is water that comes from your city or municipality and is treated with chemicals to clean and sanitize the water. Once cleaned, the water then travels through pipes to your home. Tap water, though deemed clean by the municipality, may contain extra fluoride or other chemicals which could alter the natural taste of the water.