Ever wonder if bottled water could be from the tap? We’ve all seen bottled water with key words like “mineral”, “spring”, and “artesian”, but what do these words actually mean? The FDA listened to consumers and established regulations specifically for the multibillion-dollar industry of bottled water. And, yes, some bottled water actually comes from municipal sources--in other words--the tap! Thanks to the latest regulations and cGMPs: if the water is from a municipal supply then the label must state that, but it is not quite that simple. In most cases tap water will go through one or more processes to be “cleaned” and actually be labeled as purified water. The FDA also defined key words used in the water industry:

Artesian water: Water from a well that taps a confined aquifer.

Ground water: This is exactly what it sounds like: water that comes from a body of water that is not in contact with any surface water.

Mineral water: Water from a geologically and physically protected underground source that contains dissolved solids. Minerals and trace elements must come from the source of the water; they cannot be added later.

Purified water: Water that has all the minerals removed by distillation, deionization, or reverse osmosis.

Sparkling water: Water that is carbonated naturally.

Spring water: Water that is derived from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface of the earth.

The bottom line is this: hydration is a basic key to being healthy. Read the labels, drink water, and get healthy!