Ever wondered what goes into treating different types of drinking water? Producing fresh, drinkable water is no easy feat. Different types of water have their own unique processes in place when it comes to cleansing for consumption.
Recent trends in water consumption have seen new and exciting ways of processing different types of water. Each water type goes through its own unique process before it's read for consumption. We're breaking down the most common types of water consumed, along with some fascinating insights into how they're prepared.
Before we go into the different types of water available, it's important to know why water consumption is so important. When your body isn't properly hydrated, it's not performing at its best. A lack of water consumption drastically affects your bodily functions and cognitive ability.
Why water is so essential for your health
Health benefits of water consumption
- Helps prevent and headaches
- Lubricates your body's cushion joints
- Aids digestion and regularity
- Hydrates and improves the appearance of skin
- Helps carry nutrients and oxygen to cells in your body
- Boosts your immune system and helps prevent colds and flu
Improve the quality of your drinking water by getting a new water filter installed in your home or office.
How much water should I drink every day?
To maintain optimum health, it's important to stay hydrated throughout the day. Your recommended daily intake of water can vary depending on your gender, size, and activity level. In general, the below can be used as a guide:
Women 2.1 litres (8 cups)
Men 2.6 litres (10 cups)
Average water consumption in Australia
The average Australian drinks around 1.29 litres of water per day. This figure still falls short of the amount recommended by the World Health Organisation.
80% of Australian adults suffer from chronic dehydration.
Common health issues associated with dehydration
- Dizziness
- Dry skin
- Muscle cramps
- Headaches
- Body aches
Tap water
Where it comes from
Regular tap water is still one of the most natural types of water available for consumption. It can flow from rivers, land fall off, or rain before being captured in dams. This water is then filtered and disinfected. Chemicals used in this process may include chlorine, chloramine, and fluoride. Treatments can vary depending on which water treatment plant it comes from.
Chlorine and other chemical treatments are used to kill microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses that may cause disease. All chemicals are added in carefully monitored amounts to meet Australian health guidelines. Australia is renowned for having some of the cleanest water supplies in the world.
Benefits of tap water
- The cheapest form of clean drinking water available
- Contains natural minerals such as calcium and magnesium
- 88% of Melbourne's water comes from natural, protected catchments
- Filtered and chemically treated in line with Australian health standards
Filtered tap water
How it's made
Filtered tap water is sourced from your building's water supply before going through a water filter system. at your house's point of entry or under your sink. Water filter systems generally clean your water through a two-step process: mechanical filtration and chemical filtration. They can include up to five stages of specialised filters depending on your filtration requirements.
First, the water is filtered down to remove small particles of sediment. The micron size of your filter will determines how small the filter is that your water is being pushed through. The smaller micron size of the filter, the more chemicals and contaminants are removed. Filtered tap water then goes through a range of further specialised filters pending on your filtration requirements.
These filters are designed to reduce fluoride, chlorine, dirt, odours, colour, sediment, heavy metals, and many more contaminants that may wish to be filtered. There are many filter systems that can be set up to give you your individual desired drinking water quality.
Benefits of filtered tap water
- Reduced levels of sediment and dissolved solids
- Improved colour, taste, and smell of water
- Filters out pathogenic micro-organisms and bacteria
- Known to be beneficial for the development of children's immune systems
Sparkling tap water
How it's made
Sparkling tap water is one of those popular types of water you'll find being used for making sweet and alcoholic beverages. Sparkling water is made through a carbonation process. This process involves infusing carbon dioxide(C02) gas with water to create the suspended bubbles you see in a fresh glass of sparkling water.
A carbonation system is the machine responsible for carbonating your water. Your water is pressurised with the help of in-built sensor controls that monitor levels of pressure. Certain sparkling water systems will give you the option to choose the desired level of carbonation in your sparkling water.
Benefits of sparkling tap water
- No added salt, sugar or flavouring
- Healthier alternative to sugary soda beverages
- Cheaper than purchasing bottled sparking water
- Environmentally sustainable alternative to bottled water
Mineral water
How it's made
Mineral water is a liquid obtained from natural underground deposits. Wells are one of the most common sources of mineral water today. Mineral water is sourced from a well before going through a physical process of filtration.
No methods of chemical filtration are used in the production of mineral water. With fewer filtration processes used, mineral water retains a high content of naturally occurring minerals. The natural minerals present in this type of water can provide a range of great health benefits.
Benefits of mineral water
- No added chemicals like chlorine
- High levels of calcium, which helps strengthen bones
- Contains metabolising minerals that help break down fat
- Helps your body to detoxify itself from harmful substances
- Contains iron, which helps deliver oxygen to the bloodstream
Alkaline water
How it's made
Alkaline water is produced in a process called electrolysis. The process involves running an electric current through your water to separate it into positive and negatively charged streams. The alkaline water dispensed and consumed from this type of system is the negatively charged water.
As water continues to pass through an alkaline filter cartridge, water molecules are broken down into smaller clusters. This breakdown of molecules makes the water easier to digest. One of the main benefits of alkaline water is its incredibly high pH level, which is believed to neutralise acid in the body. The pH level of alkaline water generally ranges from 8 to 9.5.
Benefits of alkaline water
- Easier for your body to absorb
- A high pH level ranging from 8-9.5
- Promotes the production of free radicals
- Rich in antioxidants that promote healthy cell growth
- Helps to reduce acidity which protects your organs from harmful disease
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