What is the healthiest water you can drink? A complete guide

Over half of the human body is composed of water, underscoring its vital importance for all biological functions. Choosing the right kind of water is crucial, but with so many options available, many wonder: what is the healthiest water you can drink?

Quick Summary

The healthiest water is often a balance between purity and mineral content, which varies greatly depending on the source and treatment. Options range from spring and mineral water, which contain natural electrolytes, to filtered tap water, which effectively removes contaminants without excessive cost or environmental waste.

Key Points

• Purity vs. Minerals: The purest water isn't always the healthiest; a balance of mineral content is important for taste and some health functions, but most essential minerals come from food.

• Filtered Tap Water is a Top Contender: For most people, using a certified home filter on municipal tap water offers an excellent balance of safety, cost, and environmental responsibility by removing contaminants while potentially retaining beneficial minerals.

• Bottled Water Comes with Caveats: Bottled water is not more regulated than tap water and carries high costs and significant environmental baggage due to plastic waste and potential microplastic contamination.

• Spring and Mineral Water have Natural Benefits: These options contain natural minerals and can taste great, but quality varies by source, and they are typically expensive and less environmentally friendly than filtered tap water.

• Alkaline and Distilled Water have Specific Uses: While both offer very high purity, alkaline water's health claims are largely unproven, and distilled water is stripped of all minerals, making it less ideal for consistent daily consumption unless mineral intake is supplemented through diet.

• The Choice Depends on Location: The best choice for you depends on the quality of your local tap water, your budget, your health needs, and your environmental concerns.

Understanding the quest for healthy hydration

For centuries, humans have sought the cleanest and safest water sources. Today, the choice has become complex, moving beyond simple potability to questions of mineral content, pH levels, and environmental impact. Deciding on the "healthiest" water involves weighing these various factors to find what best suits your body's needs and your lifestyle.

A closer look at common water types

Tap water (municipal)

Your local tap water is regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure it is safe for public consumption. While it's convenient and affordable, its quality can vary depending on local water sources and the age of the piping system delivering it. Many contaminants, including lead from old pipes or certain chemicals, are regulated but may not be entirely absent.

Pros:

• Convenient and low-cost.
• Often fortified with fluoride for dental health.
• Subject to federal and local safety standards.

Cons:

• Potential for taste issues from chlorine.
• Risk of contaminants from aging infrastructure.
• Quality varies significantly by region.

Bottled water

Bottled water is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a food product, not as strictly as public tap water. A significant percentage of bottled water is simply repackaged municipal tap water, sometimes with additional filtration. This option is often associated with a higher environmental cost due to plastic bottle waste.

Pros:

• Convenient for on-the-go hydration.
• Consistent taste profile across brands.

Cons:

• High cost compared to tap water.
• Significant environmental impact from plastic waste.
• Some bottles may contain microplastics or leach chemicals over time.

Spring and mineral water

Sourced from underground aquifers, both spring and mineral waters contain naturally occurring minerals and electrolytes. Mineral water must contain at least 250 parts per million of dissolved solids, giving it a distinctive taste and potential health benefits. Spring water is naturally filtered by the earth, but its mineral content is not regulated to the same degree.

Pros:

• Contains natural, beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium.
• Often has a cleaner, more appealing taste.

Cons:

• Can be expensive.
• Environmental concerns related to bottling and transportation.
• Mineral composition and benefits can vary widely by source.

Purified and distilled water

Purified water undergoes a multi-stage process like reverse osmosis, distillation, or deionization to remove nearly all impurities and dissolved solids. Distilled water, a form of purified water created by boiling and recondensing steam, is among the purest forms but is stripped of all minerals.

Pros:

• Extremely high level of purity, removing many contaminants.
• Safest option when tap water quality is questionable.

Cons:

• Removes all natural minerals, potentially creating a bland taste.
• Consuming demineralized water for an extended period might lead to mineral deficiencies if not balanced by diet.

Alkaline water

Alkaline water has a higher pH level than standard tap water (typically above 7.0), achieved through ionization or the addition of minerals. Proponents suggest it can neutralize acid in the body, but scientific evidence is mixed and largely unproven.

Pros:

• Might provide better hydration and help with digestion, although research is ongoing.
• Many enjoy its smoother taste.

Cons:

• Health benefits are not fully substantiated by science.
• Can be expensive, especially bottled options.
• Can alter stomach acid levels with excessive consumption.

The best of both worlds: filtered tap water

For many, the ideal balance of safety, cost, and health is achieved with filtered tap water. A quality home filter can remove a wide array of contaminants, including chlorine, lead, pesticides, and other impurities, while often retaining beneficial minerals that contribute to taste and health.

Common types of home water filters:

• Pitcher filters: Convenient and inexpensive, ideal for small households or individuals.
• Faucet-mounted filters: Easy to install and provide filtration on demand.
• Under-sink filters: Offer a more robust filtration system, typically lasting longer.
• Reverse osmosis systems: Provide a high level of purification, similar to bottled purified water, but may also strip beneficial minerals unless a re-mineralization stage is included.

A comparative guide to drinking water

Type of Water	Purity Level	Mineral Content	Cost	Environmental Impact
Tap Water	Good, regulated	Variable	Low	Low
Bottled Water	Variable	Variable	High	High
Spring Water	Very Good	High, Natural	Moderate to High	High
Mineral Water	Very Good	High, Natural	High	High
Purified Water	Excellent	Low or None	Moderate to High	High (Bottled) / Low (Home RO)
Distilled Water	Excellent	None	Moderate	Moderate to High
Alkaline Water	Variable	Variable	High	High
Filtered Tap	Excellent	Variable	Low	Low

Choosing the right water for your needs

1. For daily drinking: A home water filter is a great, cost-effective choice. It ensures safety by removing contaminants without the environmental toll of bottled water. Look for a filter certified by NSF International for specific contaminant removal.
2. For specific health concerns: If you have concerns about contaminants like lead in older pipes, a reverse osmosis system offers superior filtration. For those seeking mineral intake from water, mineral water can supplement your diet, though diet is the primary source of minerals for most people.
3. For travel or emergencies: Bottled purified water is a safe and convenient option when a reliable tap water source is unavailable, such as during a natural disaster or camping.
4. For cooking: Using filtered water can improve the taste of your food and beverages by removing off-flavors from chlorine.
5. For athletes: After intense exercise, electrolyte-enhanced or mineral water can help replenish lost minerals and aid in rehydration.

The crucial question of mineral intake

While marketing often emphasizes the mineral content of certain waters, most of our essential minerals come from food, not water. Water, even mineral-rich types, contributes a relatively small fraction of daily mineral requirements. The primary health benefit of water is hydration, and the most important factor is ensuring the water is free from harmful contaminants. Ultimately, prioritizing safe hydration over sourcing a specific mineral profile from water is the wisest approach.

The takeaway: balance purity with practicality

When considering what is the healthiest water you can drink?, the answer is more nuanced than a single brand or type. For most people, a high-quality home filtration system for tap water provides the best combination of purity, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. It addresses the potential safety concerns of municipal water while providing clean, refreshing water on demand. The key is to be informed about your options and make a choice that supports both your health and the environment. For more information on drinking water standards, a reliable source is the official website of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bottled water better than tap water for health?

Not necessarily. In the U.S., municipal tap water is often more strictly regulated by the EPA than bottled water is by the FDA. Many brands of bottled water are simply treated tap water, and the bottles can pose risks from plastic contamination.

Does alkaline water actually have proven health benefits?

Scientific evidence on the health benefits of alkaline water is limited and mixed. While some studies show potential benefits for specific conditions like acid reflux, general claims of neutralizing acidity are not fully supported, and excessive consumption could alter natural pH levels.

What is the difference between purified and distilled water?

Purified water is filtered to remove contaminants, while distilled water is specifically created by boiling water and recondensing the steam, which removes all minerals and impurities. Purified water may retain some beneficial minerals, whereas distilled water contains none.

Is drinking demineralized water harmful?

While demineralized water is safe, consistently drinking it may put you at a greater risk of mineral deficiencies if your diet does not provide sufficient minerals. Water is not the primary source of minerals for most people, but prolonged consumption without replacement is not ideal.

Do I need an expensive filter system for healthy water?

Not always. The best filter depends on your local water quality and budget. Simple pitcher filters can remove many common contaminants, while under-sink or reverse osmosis systems offer more advanced filtration. Check your local water quality report to determine your specific needs.

How can I check the quality of my tap water?

You can request your local water utility’s annual Consumer Confidence Report, which details the quality and any detected contaminants in your tap water. If you have a private well, regular testing is recommended.

Is filtered tap water safe for infants?

Filtered tap water is generally safe for mixing formula, but always consult a pediatrician for advice, especially if your local tap water has any known issues. In some cases, bottled water may be recommended, particularly during public water alerts.