Mineral Levels in Water Over Time

Minerals such as sodium, calcium and magnesium occur naturally in water and determine taste, hardness and toxicity. The amount of the minerals in water and how much is consumed over time determine how these minerals affect human health.

Types

• Water quality changes over time depend upon environmental and anthropogenic influences. If water is stored in a glass bottle and kept in a dark area, the mineral composition will not change. Tap water can change, however, it is regulated by governmental agencies and must meet standards placed by the Environmental Protection Agency. Water well owners are susceptible to changes in mineral levels and must continually have their water tested.

Effects

• Water contains inorganic minerals that make it difficult for human bodies to process. The unutilized minerals are stored in body tissues, which eventually leads to toxicity. Calcium salts are an example of an inorganic mineral that over time can lead to kidney stones, gallstones and joint calcification.

Considerations

• The majority of minerals needed to meet daily requirements for human health come from food, not water. Since drinking water comes from ground or surface water, it is prone to contamination from pollution. The Free Drinking Water Organization suggests it is for this reason that water should be as pure as possible.