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There are four methods to treat or purify water that comes from a municipal sources (tap water): distillation, reverse osmosis, absolute one micron filtration and ozonation. Once the water has undergone one of these treatments, the FDA allows bottlers to advertise it
as "purified water." - During the distillation process, water is turned into a vapor, a process which causes heavy minerals to be left behind. The mineral-free vapors are then re-condensed to become purified water. This process ensures that cryptosporidium, a dangerous parasite commonly found in lakes and rivers that can cause diarrhea, fever and nausea, is also left behind (see Resources).
- With reverse osmosis, water is forced through membranes to remove traces of minerals, colors and chemicals. Any contaminants, including cryptosporidium, are also removed.
- During the micron filtration process, water flows through filtered screens that remove particles larger than one micron in size. This process ensure that cryptosporidium, which is larger than one micron, is completely eliminated.
- During ozonation, ozone gas is used to disinfect the water, leaving behind little residual taste or smell. This is similar to the process used in making water safe to drink from the tap, except with tap water the chemical chlorine is used, which is known to leave behind a slight taste and odor. As with the other three methods, cryptosporidium is eliminated.
