Bottled Water Facts

Bottled waters are now a part of our culture that seem to be here to stay. They range from simple purified waters to the trendiest of brands. They are bottled in simple plastic bottles in the United States and in trendy glass shapes and sizes elsewhere. There are flavored waters and fitness waters. Bottled water has something to appeal to most people.

Bottled Water History

Bottled water seems to be a recent invention, but water has been collected and later bottled for centuries. According to Nestle Waters, "bottled water" was born as far back as 10,000 B.C. when people transported water in skins. The water came from natural spring sources. In 218 B.C., Hannibal rested his troops and they quenched their thirst at the source of Perrier, in what is now France. In modern times, Perrier is one of the top-selling bottled sparkling waters of all time.

Distilled and Purified

Fifty percent of the waters sold in the United States are either purified or distilled. "Distilled" and "purified" are interchangeable words. This type of drinking water has been treated with processes such as deionization and reverse osmosis. Basically, during treatment, the water is heated until it turns into steam droplets and then the droplets are collected. This removes the bacteria and dissolved solids, making it purified.

Spring Water

According to MySpringWater.com, spring water is bottled from an underground formation where the water flows naturally to the surface of the earth. To qualify as a spring water, it must be collected at the spring. However, a borehole that taps the underground source may also be used. If a borehole is used, the captured water must retain the quality and physical properties that flow naturally from a spring to the surface.

European Waters

The Europeans have been bottling and exporting waters for centuries. Historically, the sources of these bottled water were well-known before bottling ever came into being. Evian was discovered by the ailing Marquis of Lessert on a 1789 stroll. He became enthralled with the water. Evian's supposed healing properties resulted in a bottled water that is a celebrity choice today. Allegedly, in 1509, Leonardo da Vinci took a painting break in northern Italy to enjoy the refreshing taste of San Pellegrino.

Bottled Water Claims

All bottlers claim their water is superior to everyday tap waters. Purified water brands claim distilled is better because all bacteria and impurities are removed. Spring water brands often have some sort of mineral makeup. Most contain traces of magnesium, potassium, fluoride and calcium. This comes from the natural mountain content from which they flow. Magnesium and potassium are the focus of many studies regarding the prevention and treatment of many chronic illnesses.

Popular Brands

There are many bottled water brands. Bottled waters practically outnumber the shelves in the water section of supermarkets and can be found throughout store displays. There are purified waters, spring waters, nutrient enhanced waters and vitamin packed waters. Some of the most popular purified brands are Dasani, Aquafina and Nestle Pure. Popular domestic spring waters are Poland Spring and Deer Park. Significant imported waters are Evian, Fiji, Perrier, Pellegrino and Apollinaris. Some are sparkling; others are not.

Is Bottled Water Better?

The debate over bottled water versus tap water promises to continue. Latest debates focus on the use of disposable plastics in the "green" environmental trend. Bottlers point out, however, that bottled water choices are simply better choices than bottled soda pops. Fiji Water states that its water is the purest of all. Certainly, some waters such as Apollinaris bear some attention when it comes to mineral content, for Apollinaris contains a high amount of magnesium and potassium. Taste differs from tap water. No tap water ever comes out of the faucet naturally fizzy and carbonated. Regardless, bottled water is convenient for busy lifestyles and easily replaces unhealthy sugary drinks.

Resources

• Evian Water
• Fiji Water