9 Kinds of Drinkable Water – Pros and Cons

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In my earlier post, I emphasized the importance of drinking water to stay hydrated.

Understandably, everyone’s fluid requirement largely depends on varying factors.

Regardless of the kind of water you choose to drink, every water is not the same. Interestingly, while some are cheaper than others, some provide more nutritional benefits than others.

Here are 9 kinds of water:

Mineral water

It is sourced from a spring laden with minerals like magnesium, calcium, and sulfur. Is this not awesome, people?

Pros

It furnishes the body with the minerals needed to facilitate digestion.

Moreover, the body cannot produce the minerals on its own. The taste is more appealing to some people.

Cons

Relative to tap water, it is more expensive. One does not have to entirely depend on mineral water for the provision of the aforementioned minerals, because they could be derived from a very healthy diet. 

Tap water

This is pipe-borne water used on daily basis at home and in public places.

Pros

In some parts of the world, tap water is a common source of potable water.

Some people feel uncomfortable about drinking water from this source. It was interesting to find, that in the United States, the safety concerns associated with tap water have been allayed.

Cons

Although regulatory bodies work hard to ensure safety standards of tap water, unfortunately in some countries around the world, some people cut corners. In addition, during a water crisis, the consumers become disadvantaged.

Purified water

In most cases, it is either groundwater or tap water that has been properly treated, and all the unhealthy substances, such as fungi, parasites, and bacteria removed to ensure safe drinking.

Pros

Where there is water contamination, purified water undoubtedly becomes an option.

Did you know that most countries purify their tap water?  In some African countries, the immediate source of water is purified water.

Cons

In the course of purification to remove potentially unhealthy and harmful substances, the potentially healthy and beneficial ones get destroyed.

Flavored or infused water

When you choose to add artificial sweeteners, sugar, or natural or artificial flavorings to your water, it becomes flavored water.

Pros

For those who find plain water boring, it provides for them, a more flavored alternative.

Variety: they say, is the spice of life! Now you have some variations, and you could choose to make them healthier by infusing them, with fresh vegetables and fruits.

Cons

Most times, sugars and artificial sweeteners are added to flavored waters. Unless it is naturally flavored, diabetics and weight watchers should consider steering clear from this option.

Alkaline water

With a  pH level than normal tap water, alkaline water contains several negative oxidation-reduction potentials (ORP) and alkaline minerals.

Pros

Did you know, that our bodies perform best, and wards off potential diseased conditions while in a state of alkalinity?

Cons

Drinking alkaline water tends to reduce stomach acidity. Consequently, its ability to fight off pathogenic bacteria gets lowered as well.

Well water

It is provided to us straight from the ground, it conveys with it so many risks because it is untreated.

Pros

You would find a huge presence of wells in certain parts of the world where it serves as their immediate source of water. When you test your well water annually for nitrates, bacteria, and pH levels, the benefits outweigh the potential risks.  You might also want to consider installing a filtration system

Cons

When the well water is untreated, chances for contamination become higher. Oftentimes, when it comes to wells, there are no water regulations put in place. So, take up the responsibility.

Sparkling water

Sometimes referred to as carbonated water or soda water, sparkling water is infused with carbon dioxide gas while under pressure.

Pros

Where are the fizzy lovers? Most of them are mineralized, and there are so many different brands of Sparkling water out there. Take your pick!

Cons

Besides being more expensive than tap water, there are not enough minerals in sparkling water to sufficiently benefit your health.

Spring water

Some companies claim to source their water from springs or glaciers.

Pros

Generally speaking, spring or glacier waters are relatively portable, clean, and free of toxins. In addition, they contain as many useful minerals as mineral water. There are so many brands of spring or glacier water. Go grab one for yourself.

Cons

It could be expensive, some of them are raw and untested, and unfiltered with a potential for health risks depending on their constituents.

Distilled water

Water is said to be distilled when it is boiled, and the steam is collected and condensed back into a liquid.

Pros

If you ever find yourself in one of “those places”; where the water supply is contaminated, distilled water could serve as a great option for you.

Cons

You will find NO health benefits from distilled water. Because it is non-mineralized water, it can pull minerals from wherever possible.

My take

Whichever your preference for water might be, the main objective should be to stay hydrated with clean and safe water.