You probably already know the benefits of drinking plenty of water. Eight glasses a day can ensure your body is properly hydrated inside and out. But with all of today’s choices, including tap, purified, spring, mineral and sparkling water, choosing which kind to put in your glass can be a daunting task. I have heard many people tout purified water as their preferred option, but what makes it better?
To be considered “purified,” water is subjected to one or more specialized treatment processes, including distillation, deionization, ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis. Such processes can remove bacteria, contaminants and mineral ions. Unlike tap water, purified water is not treated with chemical compounds such as chlorine, which can alter the taste.
Purified water is often used in laboratories, aquariums, automotive cooling systems and car washes because of its purity. Other waters can contaminate lab samples, promote algae growth in aquariums, corrode car parts and leave behind mineral residue. The use of purified water as a clean drinking water is quickly growing in popularity.
One thing to remember about purified water, however, is that it lacks trace minerals that may be found in tap water, such as calcium and magnesium. This may not present a problem for those who eat a well-balanced diet or those who take daily supplements to get essential levels of vitamins and minerals.
No matter which kind of water you choose, be sure to drink at least eight glasses a day”” and toast to your health!