Key Takeaways

Wellness buildings engineer air, light, and materials — but the kitchen faucet is still specced by finish and flow rate, not by what it does to the water. Nobody tests what comes out of your specific tap, through your specific plumbing. Start with your water quality report or a zip code check before spending anything — the gap between the legal limit and the health-based guideline is where the real signal lives.

You probably think carefully about what you eat. Maybe you read nutrition labels, buy organic when it matters, have opinions about processed food. Now think about the thing you consume more of than anything else, every single day — water. The gap between how seriously people treat food and how casually they treat the water coming out of their kitchen tap is enormous. And the wellness industry, for all its sophistication, has the same blind spot.

What does the wellness building movement actually get right?

Give them credit — these buildings are much better than your standard apartment or office. The WELL Building Standard, developed by the International WELL Building Institute and backed by Delos, addresses ten categories of building performance: air, water, nourishment, light, movement, thermal comfort, sound, materials, mind, and community. Projects like 35 Hudson Yards in Manhattan (home to Equinox Hotel residences) market “ducted fresh air with multiple filtration points,” low-VOC materials, green cleaning protocols, and biophilic design. The Fitwel and RESET standards take similar approaches.

The air quality engineering in these buildings is legitimately impressive. MERV-13 filtration, CO2 monitoring, dedicated outdoor air systems, VOC testing of finish materials before occupancy — these are measurable, verifiable improvements over conventional construction. Light design has come equally far: circadian-tuned LED systems, daylight-harvesting controls, glare analysis. Materials science: formaldehyde-free insulation, zero-VOC paints, FSC-certified wood.

These aren’t marketing fictions. They’re real engineering decisions that affect health outcomes. The Air concept alone spans filtration, ventilation, contaminant management, and microbe control across more than a dozen features. Buildings that earn these certifications are materially different from conventional construction.

So when I say they have a blind spot, I’m not dismissing the work. I’m saying there’s one category where the engineering stops and the marketing takes over.

Where does water get left behind?

The WELL Building Standard does have a Water concept. It requires testing for turbidity, coliform bacteria, lead, and a list of regulated contaminants. It sets a lead threshold in the range of 5–10 µg/L — tighter than the EPA’s current action level of 15 ppb. On paper, it looks thorough.

In practice, here’s what typically happens: a developer installs the same plumbing fixtures they’d use in any Class A building, runs a water test at a single sampling point before occupancy, and checks the WELL water box. The faucet itself — the last thing the water touches before it reaches a resident’s glass — is specced the same way it’s been specced for decades: by finish, flow rate, and price point. Not by what it does to the water passing through it.

There’s a structural reason for this. In commercial and residential development, the plumbing spec is driven by the mechanical engineer and the plumber, not by the wellness consultant. The air system gets a dedicated design engineer. The lighting gets a circadian consultant. The water? The plumber picks the fixtures from the approved submittal list, the GC installs them, and nobody asks what’s happening at the molecular level between the supply pipe and the glass.

The incentive structure reinforces this. Air quality improvements are visible in marketing materials — “MERV-13 filtration” sounds impressive to a buyer who’s read about indoor air quality. Water quality improvements are invisible. You can’t photograph clean water. A buyer touring a $3 million wellness condo isn’t thinking about whether the kitchen faucet contains lead-bearing brass or whether the water that sat in it overnight leached anything detectable.

What would “wellness water” actually look like?

If you applied the same engineering rigor to a kitchen faucet that WELL-certified buildings apply to HVAC systems, you’d want to know a few things.

What’s the fixture made of — really? Most kitchen faucets are brass. From 1986 until 2014, “lead-free” brass could still contain up to 8% lead. The current standard (effective 2014) limits lead to a weighted average of 0.25% on wetted surfaces. That’s a massive improvement — and it’s still not zero. The NSF/ANSI 61 standard was revised in 2024 to tighten lead leaching limits to 1 microgram for faucets — five times more protective than before. Even compliant fixtures leach small amounts when new. [Cite: EPA; NSF/ANSI 61 & 372.]

What’s in the water before it reaches the fixture? Your utility’s Consumer Confidence Report tests water at the plant and at select distribution points — not at your tap. The gap between those locations is where lead contamination, disinfection byproducts, and pipe-related contaminants accumulate. A 2025 meta-analysis in Environmental Health Perspectives found that people in the highest THM-exposure group were roughly 1.5× more likely to develop bladder cancer than those in the lowest-exposure group — and THMs form in the distribution pipes, not at the treatment plant.

Is the fixture doing anything about it? In almost every building — wellness-certified or not — the answer is no. A faucet delivers water. It doesn’t treat it. No standard kitchen faucet includes any form of filtration. If a building wants point-of-use water treatment, it’s a separate system plumbed in under the sink — a bolt-on, not an integrated feature.

That’s the blind spot. The wellness building industry has made air, light, and materials into engineered health systems. Water is still treated as plumbing.

Why does this matter beyond luxury buildings?

This isn’t just a problem for people buying $3 million condos. The disconnect between how we think about water and how we think about other health inputs runs through every household.

PFAS weren’t regulated at the federal level until 2024. Microplastics still aren’t. A USGS study found at least 45% of U.S. tap water contains one or more PFAS compounds. The EWG’s 2025 database update identified 324 contaminants across nearly 50,000 water systems — many detected at levels above health-based guidelines but below legal limits.

The regulatory framework was designed for acute safety — preventing outbreaks, keeping obvious toxins below immediate-danger thresholds. It wasn’t designed for the kind of long-term, low-level exposure that modern toxicology studies increasingly connect to chronic health outcomes.

The wellness building movement understood this distinction for air quality years ago. They recognized that “meets code” and “optimized for health” are different standards, and they built an entire industry around closing the gap. For water, that same gap is wide open — in a $2,000-a-month apartment and a $20,000-a-month penthouse alike.

[Not sure what’s in your water? →](https://mrwatergeek.com/water-quality/) Check your zip code at mrwatergeek.com/water-quality. It takes 30 seconds and tells you more than most water reports.

What can you actually do about it?

Start with information, not equipment. Look up your utility’s annual water quality report or check your zip codeto see what’s been detected. The gap between the legal limit and the health-based guideline for each contaminant is where the real information lives.

If you have specific concerns — lead in an older building, PFAS in your area, chlorine byproducts — point-of-use filtration matched to the right NSF certification addresses them. Match the technology to the contaminant, not the marketing to your anxiety.

And maybe start asking a question that nobody in the wellness industry seems to be asking: if you’ll pay a premium for air that’s been engineered for health, why wouldn’t you expect the same from the most-used water source in your home?

The kitchen faucet is the most-touched appliance in most homes. It’s the last thing your water contacts before you drink it. And it’s still specced like a plumbing part — not a health device. That’s a gap worth watching.

Frequently asked questions about water and wellness buildings

Does WELL certification cover drinking water? Yes — the WELL Building Standard includes a Water concept that requires testing for turbidity, coliform bacteria, lead, and a list of regulated contaminants. But testing typically happens once at a single sampling point before occupancy. It doesn’t cover what happens at your specific tap after move-in, through your specific plumbing, or account for water that’s been sitting in fixtures overnight. The certification checks the supply — not the point of use.

Do luxury or wellness apartments filter tap water? In most cases, no. Standard kitchen faucets — even in WELL-certified buildings — deliver water without treating it. If a building provides point-of-use water treatment, it’s a separate system plumbed in under the sink. Filtration is a bolt-on, not an integrated feature of the fixture. The faucet itself is still specced by finish, flow rate, and price point.

Does a kitchen faucet filter water? No standard kitchen faucet includes any form of filtration. A faucet delivers water from your plumbing to your glass — that’s it. To filter at the point of use, you need either an under sink filtration system or a faucet-mounted filter with NSF certification for the specific contaminants you want to address.

About the author: Shashank — 9 years at Kohler building water filtration. Mr Water Geek translates water science into clear decisions.

The post What Wellness Real Estate Gets Wrong About Water appeared first on Mr Water Geek.

One effect of hard water is that soaps and detergents lose effectiveness. Instead of dissolving completely, the soap takes longer to form foam. As less soap dissolves, more is needed. The insoluble and sticky foam can adhere to skin hindering any moisturizing effect. The result of this is that your hair looks dull and lifeless. A calcium water filter can remove the calcium and help this side effect.

The effect on laundry is not much better. Hard water can penetrate into your clothes while it’s getting washed in your automatic washing machine. This can remain in the fiber, harden or scratch the fabric.

The incomplete removal of dirt in clothes causes a loss of brightness in the colors. Clothes may also develop an acid smell. Continuous washing in hard water can shorten the life of clothing.

In addition to the actual washing process, deposits of insoluble soap leave stains on anything you wash from the plates to the family car. And a soap film accumulates in your bathroom and in the shower.

Another reason to worry about calcium in water is the effect on your plumbing system. Calcium in water can accumulate in pipes, thereby reducing the flow to fittings and equipment.

With water heaters, these minerals produce scale deposits that reduce the efficiency and life of the heater.

Some synthetic cleaners are less effective in hard water because the active ingredient is partially inactivated by hardness.

Hard water also contributes to the inefficient and costly operation of water-use equipment.

The pipes can be clogged with a scale that reduces the flow of water and ultimately requires the replacement of the pipe.

The Fastest Fix: Get a Water Softener

The solution to the problem is to target calcium in water.

Yes, it’s true that calcium consumption is not harmful to health but the most practical solution could be a water conditioner or water softener.

A basic salt based water softener eliminates calcium and magnesium. This makes the water “soft” and calcium free.

Alternatively, you can use a salt-free / salt-less water conditioner that does not have to regenerate like a conventional water softener.

However, this type of unit does not require any chemicals or salts to complete the conditioning process.

Aquasana Salt Free Softener and Filter System (Conditioner & Filter)	SpringWell Whole House Filter & Salt Softener (Traditional Salt Water Softener & Filter)
– Powerful salt-FREE water softener. – 1,000,000 one million gallon capacity. – Aquasana Rhino exceeds NSF standards. – Treats hard water WITHOUT salt. – Removes chlorine, bacteria, iron, sulfide, manganese, mercury, lead etc. – Includes pre-filter, copper-zinc and carbon filtration stages with standard fittings. – Treats hard water up to 25 ppm WITHOUT needing salt. – 90-Day Pure Satisfaction Guarantee.	– Powerful salt-BASED water softener. – Also includes a multi-stage filter. – Easy installation (inside or outside) – 6 month satisfaction guarantee and limited lifetime warranty. – Sufficient for 1-3 bathrooms (options for more bathrooms available).
Does NOT require electricity or back-flushing.	Requires electricity if using the electronic head monitor.
N/A	Effectively treats: calcium and magnesium.
Control Your System With An App:? NO	Control Your System With An App:? YES
Treats hard water UP TO 25 ppm (low to medium low hard water).	Treats hard water OVER 25 ppm (medium to extremely hard water).
Sale prices automatically applied by clicking this link.
If there is *no* sale try coupon code: AQGEEK50	Coupon Code: GEEK5
$$$ Ships to US and CA.	$$$ Ships to US, CA and Puerto Rico.

Calcium Health Concerns?

In general, hard water or calcium-heavy water is NOT a health risk.

But it does have some downsides:

It’s not great for appliances especially when in very high levels.

Calcium and magnesium in water is what leaves behind white limescale stains on your sink, faucet, glassware, and the residue at the bottom of your kettle.

It makes water taste horrible.

Hard water that is high in calcium can have a metallic taste.

This taste can affect the quality of your cooking, teas, coffees, and the quality of your shower water.

Calcium in water can be a problem. However, this article will highlight the best ways to remove calcium from water.

What Is Calcium?

Calcium is the major constituent of water hardness and is generally in the range of 5 to 500 mg / L as CaCO3.

It comes from almost all rocks. But the highest concentrations come from limestone and gypsum.

Calcium ions are the major cations in most natural waters.

The reduction of calcium is necessary in the treatment of hard water.

It is also necessary for refining metals, textile work, and boiler feed applications that need complete calcium elimination.

Calcium Measurements In Water

Water hardness (calcium in water) measures in grains per gallon (GPG) or milligrams per liter (mg / L, corresponding to parts per million or ppm).

• Water up to 1 GPG (or 17.1 mg / L) is soft.
• Water from 1 to 3.5 GPG is medium hard.
• Water from 3.5 to 7 GPG is hard water.
• 7 to 10.5 GPG is very hard.

Treatment of Calcium in Water?

The simple answer is to get a water softener.

Calcium, like all water hardness, can be removed with a simple cation exchanger in the form of sodium-based water softeners.

Alternatively, reverse osmosis removes 95% – 98% of the calcium in water.

Electrodialysis and ultrafiltration can eliminate calcium.

Calcium can also be removed with the portion of the cation exchanger in the form of hydrogen from a deionization system.

The Best Calcium Water Filter: Reverse Osmosis

Another general solution is not to remove the calcium from water but to treat the calcium in the water supplies by installing some type of in-line water filtration system.

If you can not take calcium for health reasons, you need to install a high-quality, stainless steel reverse osmosis potable water system that removes calcium.

The reason I say it is simple is because you do not need to buy salt as is the case in a water softener.

Also, you do not lose water because a reverse osmosis machine does not need to be regenerated.

Calcium Water Treatment?

Hard water affects almost all cleaning tasks, from washing dishes to bathing and personal hygiene.

Clothes that are washed in hard water can look dirty and feel rough.

Hard water can cause a white limescale film on the glass doors of the shower, shower walls, bathtubs, sinks, taps, and leave residue in kettles. Hair washed in hard water can feel sticky and dull.

Even the level of water pressure can be reduced by hard water calcium deposits in the pipes.

The amount of calcium minerals that cause hardness affects the amount of soap and detergent you need for cleaning.

This is because hard water reduces the amount of foam that generates.

The simple answer is to use a reverse osmosis or get a water softener.

Calcium, like all hardness, can be removed with a simple cation softener in the form of sodium.

Reverse Osmosis Drinking System Under-Sink Filter	Aquasana Undersink Reverse Osmosis System
Removes Arsenic by 88%	Removes Arsenic by 97%
Removes Fluoride by 93.6%	Removes Fluoride by 95%
– Reduces 80%+ of over 70 contaminants (reduces Chlorine by 99.5%, Arsenic 88%, Cysts by 99.99%, Fluoride 93.6%, Lead by 98.6%, Chromium by 96.4%) – 6 to 24 month life cartridges. – 3.2 gallon tank capacity. – Leak protection seal. – 1 year warranty and a 6 month money back guarantee.	– Effectively remove fluoride plus 87 additional contaminants. – Multi-stage filter INCLUDES ReverseOsmosis + ActivatedCarbon + CatalyticCarbon + IonExchange + Remineralization. – Filters 5x more contaminants than other RO systems. – Removes 97% of chlorine and arsenic. – 99% of lead and asbestos. – 2 year warranty and 90 day guarantee.
$$	$

Why Softeners Are Great For Filtering Calcium

You should consider buying a water softener for the following reasons:

Effectively filters out calcium and lots of other contaminants.

Will soften AND filter your water at the same time.

A softener can deal with very hard water issues and provide enough soft water for an average household. If you have a larger household then go for a higher-spec model.

Water softeners are very easy to install. A person with basic plumbing skills can do it with all the free information available online. However, if you feel unsure then hire a professional plumber.

They offer the best value for money as you no longer have to buy bottled water or any other machines to treat hard water. You will be able to cook with and drink the water that comes out of your faucet.

These are low to no-maintenance machines and they typically take care of themselves. Set it up with the programmable valve and you’re good to go.

You can download an app to maintain and control the whole system.

Pelican models are designed to consume less water which also means lower operating costs.

It is a popular water softener model. This means that there are lots of free help pages online talking about how to deal with any technical issues, troubleshooting, and free manuals. More than is available for other softener brands.

Aquasana Salt Free Softener and Filter System (Conditioner & Filter)	SpringWell Whole House Filter & Salt Softener (Traditional Salt Water Softener & Filter)
– Powerful salt-FREE water softener. – 1,000,000 one million gallon capacity. – Aquasana Rhino exceeds NSF standards. – Treats hard water WITHOUT salt. – Removes chlorine, bacteria, iron, sulfide, manganese, mercury, lead etc. – Includes pre-filter, copper-zinc and carbon filtration stages with standard fittings. – Treats hard water up to 25 ppm WITHOUT needing salt. – 90-Day Pure Satisfaction Guarantee.	– Powerful salt-BASED water softener. – Also includes a multi-stage filter. – Easy installation (inside or outside) – 6 month satisfaction guarantee and limited lifetime warranty. – Sufficient for 1-3 bathrooms (options for more bathrooms available).
Does NOT require electricity or back-flushing.	Requires electricity if using the electronic head monitor.
N/A	Effectively treats: calcium and magnesium.
Control Your System With An App:? NO	Control Your System With An App:? YES
Treats hard water UP TO 25 ppm (low to medium low hard water).	Treats hard water OVER 25 ppm (medium to extremely hard water).
Sale prices automatically applied by clicking this link.
If there is *no* sale try coupon code: AQGEEK50	Coupon Code: GEEK5
$$$ Ships to US and CA.	$$$ Ships to US, CA and Puerto Rico.

The post Calcium Health Concerns and The Best Calcium Water Filters appeared first on Mr Water Geek.

Spring water vs distilled water, which is best? Find out below!

Spring water comes from an underground source, from which the water naturally rises to the surface. Although the water must naturally rise to the surface to be classified as natural spring water.

Good quality spring water will usually go through several filter stages to remove particles and other unwanted elements. This doesn’t remove minerals. Filters can act as cleaning agents and ensure that only the water passes through. It is important to remember that this does not mean that the spring water is altered in any way.

Once it passes through the filtration system, it still has all the beneficial minerals and natural properties that give the water its great taste.

The Biggest Problem with Spring Water

Spring water is natural water from underground springs. There is usually no extra filtration process or minerals added to spring water, so you can drink clean, spring, and healthy water as it is obtained from nature.

Completely natural spring water will not be mechanically filtered so it may harbor harmful bacteria and parasites if you drink it directly. However, bottled spring water will be lightly processed and filtered to remove waste, and kill bacteria and other microbes.

The Biggest Problem with Distilled Water

Distilled water is a technical process that removes everything from water. Both good and bad. It’s completely pure but has nothing in it. As a result, many people consider it to be ’empty’ water as it lacks any nutrients and any taste.

What Is Spring Water?

Spring water comes from natural springs, freshwater ponds, and streams, which originate from underground aquifers and exist in different sizes in most parts of the world. Some sources are better known than others for their drinking water, and the natural mineral content can vary dramatically from one place to another.

Spring Water Benefits

It is believed that spring water is one of the safest types of drinking water, with some good health benefits. It is pure and natural and contains all the essential minerals that the human body needs. Natural spring water is free of toxins. It has the ideal mineral composition that the human body needs.

It is drinking water in its most natural and raw form – the way in which nature intends. This water is safe for people of all ages.

Spring water has a very refreshing taste. Coffee, tea, and other drinks made from it also taste great.

Drinking spring water is a good option, as it is the most natural and purest water and contains many essential minerals our body needs:

• • Good quality spring water contains no toxins and promotes the growth cells due to its perfect mineral composition.
  • Spring water is low in magnesium and calcium and has a perfectly balanced PH of 7.5
  • Water from the spring is 100% free of contaminants or toxins. 
  • Drinking spring water is drinking water in its raw and natural state – as nature intended.
  • Spring water tastes great and also makes tea and coffee taste better.
  • Buy spring water that is bottled in glass instead of plastic bottles so that it does not leach plastic or BPA chemicals into your drink. If you do not want to buy bottled water, invest in a reverse osmosis filter for the same effect.

Spring Water Composition

Water from the spring is unique because of its purity and its composition of minerals and trace elements. The most important minerals in this natural drinking water are:

• Sodium
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Potassium

These minerals are present in the right amount that the human body needs. Studies have shown that drinking water containing the right concentration of these minerals can help prevent a variety of health conditions. Therefore, you should look for a source water supply service that delivers natural water that has not been treated or altered from its original composition, or it may have a lack of minerals.

What Is Distilled Water?

Distilled water is produced by the distillation process. Basically, in the distillation process, pure H2O is removed from its impurities. 

Many of the contaminants found in water (especially tap water) are inorganic minerals, metals, etc. These types of contaminants have very high melting points and even higher boiling points (much higher than the boiling point of water at 212 degrees F).

When the water (with its pollutants) is boiled, the pure water becomes steam and is captured and cooled to become distilled water.

The garbage that remains is all pollutants while the water becomes 100% pure and empty.

Is Distilled Water Completely Safe?

The short answer, yes.

There are many volatile organic compounds in water and many of them have lower boiling points than pure water (such as pesticides or herbicides and many other volatile chemicals that have names that are too difficult to pronounce, let alone spell out).

The point is that when the water heats up, the pure water evaporates and leaves everything else behind.

Therefore, what’s left behind is only pure clean safe drinking water.

Spring and Distilled Water Comparison Table

Spring Water and Distilled Water: Which Is Best?

So, spring water vs distilled water, which is best? The short answer is it depends.

If high levels of water purity are important to you then choose distilled water.

If water with minerals and nutrients is what’s most important to you then spring water is better.

Unlike tap water, which is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), bottled water is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is subject to high government health standards.

The best spring water sources come from springs that flow freely in the mountains. This water is fully alkaline by nature and has not been touched by civilization.

In some cases, the water has been flowing from these mountains for millions of years and is clean and has the perfect balance of minerals. The source of this water is the rain and snow that has formed on the mountain and seeps through it to reach the subterranean springs.

Distilled water is pure H2O that is totally empty because all of its impurities are removed through a process of condensation. While a lot of people think that water is water, this couldn’t be more false!

The post Spring Water vs Distilled Water: The Biggest PROBLEMS appeared first on Mr Water Geek.

In the world of beverages, carbonated waters have emerged as a popular refreshing and guilt-free alternative to the sugary sodas that have long dominated the market. Whether you’re a fan of the subtle fizz of sparkling water or the distinctive taste of tonic water, these carbonated beverages offer a diverse range of options to quench your thirst.

As someone who appreciates the nuances of these carbonated delights, I’m excited to dive deep into the world of tonic water and sparkling water, exploring their similarities and differences that set them apart. By the end of this post, you’ll have identified the carbonated beverage that best suits your taste preferences and health goals.

Tonic Water Vs Sparkling Water

Tonic water and sparkling water may seem quite similar at first glance, as they both offer a bubbly, refreshing experience. However, there are some key differences between the two that are worth exploring.

Tonic water and sparkling water are both carbonated beverages filled with carbon dioxide gas for their signature fizz. However, their production methods and ingredients differ significantly.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the composition, taste, and health benefits of tonic water versus sparkling water, so you can make an informed decision about which one to reach for next time you’re in the mood for a carbonated treat.

What Is Tonic Water?

Tonic water is a carbonated beverage that has been around since the 19th century. Originally created to deliver quinine, extracted from the bark of the cinchona tree, to British colonists in India fighting malaria, it now flavors tonic water. This is why your bartender might press the Q button on the soda gun.

Quinine has a distinctive, slightly bitter taste, which is why tonic water has a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other carbonated beverages. In addition to quinine, tonic water also contains high fructose corn syrup or sugar, which helps to balance out the bitterness of the quinine. Tonic water and club soda are also often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same.

What Is In Tonic Water?

The main ingredients in tonic water are:

• Carbonated water
• Quinine
• Sugar or high fructose corn syrup

Quinine gives tonic water its signature taste, while sugar or high fructose corn syrup balances the bitterness, creating a more palatable flavor.

What Does Tonic Water Taste Like?

Tonic water has a distinctive, slightly bitter taste that comes from the quinine, while the added sugar or high fructose corn syrup helps to balance out the flavor, resulting in a crisp, refreshing taste.

Some people also detect subtle citrus or herbal notes in tonic water, which can vary depending on the brand and the specific blend of ingredients used.

How Many Calories Are In Tonic Water?

Tonic water typically contains between 90-150 calories per 12-ounce serving, depending on the brand and the amount of sugar or high fructose corn syrup added.

Is Tonic Water Healthy?

Tonic water contributes to weight gain and other health issues when consumed in excess due to its added sugar or high fructose corn syrup, making it less of a “healthy” beverage.

However, the quinine in tonic water has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may even help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

What Is Sparkling Water?

Manufacturers create sparkling water, also known as seltzer or club soda, by infusing regular water with carbon dioxide gas. People often use “seltzer” and “sparkling” interchangeably to describe carbonated water without added flavors or sweeteners. This process creates the signature fizz and bubbles that are characteristic of sparkling water.

Unlike tonic water, sparkling water does not contain any added sugars, sweeteners, or other flavorings. It is simply carbonated water, with the potential addition of naturally occurring minerals.

What Is In Sparkling Water?

The main ingredients in sparkling water are:

• Carbonated water
• Naturally occurring minerals (in some cases)

Sparkling water is made by taking regular water and adding carbon dioxide gas to it, which creates the fizzy, bubbly texture. Some brands of sparkling water may also contain small amounts of naturally occurring minerals, such as sodium bicarbonate, which can give the water a slightly salty or mineral-like taste (often called sparkling mineral water).

What Does Sparkling Water Taste Like?

Sparkling water has a clean, refreshing taste that is often described as being similar to soda, but without the added sugars or sweeteners. The carbonation provides a pleasant, fizzy mouthfeel, while the lack of added flavors allows the natural taste of the water to shine through.

Some sparkling waters may have a slightly mineral or salty taste, depending on the natural composition of the water and any added minerals. But overall, the taste of sparkling water is generally light, crisp, and highly refreshing.

How Many Calories Are In Sparkling Water?

Sparkling water remains calorie-free because it contains no added sugars or sweeteners. Look for the zero-calorie label on the packaging to ensure you’re grabbing sparkling water instead of tonic water!

Is Sparkling Water Healthy?

People generally consider sparkling water a healthier alternative to sugary sodas and other carbonated beverages. Since it does not contain any added sugars, sweeteners, or other unhealthy ingredients, sparkling water is a calorie-free option that can help satisfy your thirst and cravings for a carbonated drink.

Additionally, some sparkling waters may contain small amounts of naturally occurring minerals, which can provide additional health benefits. For example, some sparkling waters may contain sodium bicarbonate, which can help regulate the body’s pH levels and support overall health.

Can You Substitute Tonic Water For Sparkling Water?

While tonic water and sparkling water may seem similar at first glance, they are not interchangeable in terms of their use and application. Attempting to substitute one for the other can significantly alter the taste and composition of a recipe or beverage.

Tonic water, with its distinctive quinine flavor and added sugar or high fructose corn syrup, would not be a suitable substitute for the clean, unsweetened taste of sparkling water. Likewise, sparkling water would not be a good replacement for the unique flavor profile of tonic water.

The key differences between tonic water and sparkling water lie in their ingredients, taste, and overall composition. Tonic water is a sweetened, slightly bitter beverage, while sparkling water is a calorie-free, unsweetened option that simply features the refreshing fizz of carbon dioxide gas.

So, while both tonic water and sparkling water are carbonated beverages, they serve different purposes and should not be used interchangeably. Knowing the distinct characteristics of each can help you make the best choice for your specific needs and preferences.

The choice between both options depends on your taste preferences and health goals.

Overall, both tonic water and sparkling water can be enjoyable and refreshing options, but the choice ultimately comes down to your taste preferences and health goals. Whether you prefer the slightly bitter flavor of tonic water or the clean, fizzy taste of sparkling water, there’s a carbonated beverage out there that’s sure to quench your thirst and satisfy your cravings.

For more information on beneficial water therapies and all things around the benefits of water, stay tuned to my blog. I’m always available to give recommendations, reviews, and health information about water. If you found this particular post helpful, you might want to check out my posts on the pros and cons of drinking salt water, the effects of drinking salt water, and this salt water flush recipe.

Stay hydrated,

Shashank Varma (Mr. Water Geek)

The post Tonic Water Vs Sparkling Water: Key Differences and Benefits appeared first on Mr Water Geek.

Which is the best bottled water? Most people don’t give a second thought to what bottled water tastes like. I mean it’s just water right?

However, if you take a closer look (or taste, as would be appropriate in this case), you will notice that not all bottled waters are made equally.

Some differences in bottle water taste (by brands) are subtle and others are quite distinct.

This article is loosely based on rigorous taste tests conducted by Dan Gentile over at Thrillist, which I read about several years ago. The testers consumed pretzels and coke to “mask” their palate before blindly tasting the biggest brands in an effort to name the best bottled water.

The Best Bottled Water Testing Kit

The best way to get accurate and detailed water test results is to get a laboratory test.

I have carefully studied reports and outcomes of testing on the top water bottle brands. After trying different brands, I have produced my own “best of the best” list.

The results I’m sharing in this post are based on my personal experience when trying all of the brands.

That said, I didn’t included brands like lifewtr, blk water or hint water-brands I would consider premium-but I tried to include the major bottled water brands you can find in most supermarkets.

I also found some information about potential issues with specific brands.

For instance, some brands have more pH levels than others.As a result, I have modified my version of the original list accordingly, while also peppering the article with related videos so that you can make a better informed decision when it comes time to drink water.

Comprehensive Bottled Water Test	Best Features
	– Full laboratory analysis. – Tests for pH, alkalinity, coliform bacteria, chemicals associated with plastics, and common metals (arsenic, lead etc.) – Detailed report including a detailed health risks analysis.

One thing I learned from this whole process is that, for the most part, differentiating between multiple bottled waters only by taste is difficult. It is just as discerning as noticing the subtleties of different wine qualities.

On the other hand, the variation from one brand to another can be as pronounced as the difference between red and white wine.

All that said, I encourage you to sit back, relax and read on to uncover all the information you need to determine which bottle of water is the best on the market.

Best Water Brands

1. Mountain Valley Spring Water

2. Voss

3. Fiji Natural Artesian Water

4. Nestlé Pure Life

5. Evian Water

6. Dasani

7. Aquafina

8. Smartwater

8. Smartwater

Glaceau Smartwater, known as smartwater, is a bottled water brand owned by Glacéau (Energy Brands), a subsidiary of soft drink the giant The Coca-Cola Company.

The sales pitch for Smartwater is that it’s “vapor-distilled through a process inspired by the clouds” with electrolytes added for taste.

A notable aspect of their brand is the trash talking against ‘non-customers’. Specifically, people who like the taste of water sourced from the ground i.e. natural spring water, or mountain spring water like Ice Mountain.

What does it taste like? Tastes tart and tangy. Like water that has gone through your BRITA filter jug many times.

Score: 3.9

7. Aquafina

Aquafina is purified water that has gone through a lengthy filtration and purification process. The process includes reverse osmosis as well as other methods to remove substances that can affect the water’s taste.

They claim this thorough process results in “pure water and perfect taste.”

What does Aquafina taste like? The taste starts off good, but the after taste isn’t pleasant. However, it is very full-bodied.

A bit like the Cabernet of water.

Score: 4.4

Read: PepsiCo Finally Admits Aquafina Water Ingredients = Tap Water

6. Dasani

Dasani is another bottled water owned by Coca-Cola.

In addition, DASANI is made using “purified water”Dasani comes from purified publicly supplied water. Like tap water (yes, that’s right tap water). The tap water then goes through a complex filtration process that includes various methods like reverse osmosis, interim ultraviolet light disinfection, and re-mineralization with the addition of magnesium sulfate and potassium chloride.

What does Dasani taste like? It tastes very vibrant in your mouth, clean and slightly fruity.

Score: 5.1

5. Evian Water

Isn’t it interesting that “Evian” is “naive” spelled backwards? That aside, Evian is the name of a small town in the French Alps.

The company behind this brand claims their water is a geological “miracle”.

This is because it has passed through what should be an impossible amount of permeable layers. For more than 15 years the underground spring harvests water from snow and rain. While also adding minerals and electrolytes to the mix.

What does Evian Water taste like? You can actually taste the minerals. So much so that some of the participants of the original Thrillist study talked about “over-hydration” because it is so rich. Having tasted it myself, I can safely confirm that this is the case. It tastes very rich and full of minerals.

Score: 5.6

4. Nestlé Pure Life

Nestlé is a large and enduring brand that owns over 2,000 brands, from coffee and food to pet care. They also own several different water brands. Think everything from Poland Spring to Perrier.

However, one of the most popular bottled water brands in their portfolio is called “Pure Life”. It is categorised as “purified water”, which essentially means that it comes from a municipal source.

A source like the humble tap or a public well. But the water has been softened, carbon filtered, demineralized (i.e. minerals removed), re-mineralized (i.e. minerals put back into the water). Then finally disinfected with ultraviolet light. The most recent marketing campaigns for Nestle Pure Life focus on the fact that their resealable bottle is made with 100% recycled plastic, as opposed to the water itself.

What does Nestlé Pure Life taste like? After all that it must be of no surprise that the result is a clean, clear taste. It has a neutral flavour with no traces of minerals but it still quenches thirst in a direct and pleasant way.

Score: 6.3

3. Fiji Natural Artesian Water

This water apparently comes from tropical rain that falls on an island in Fiji (Viti Levu).

It’s filtered naturally through volcanic rock where it is also able to mix with minerals and electrolytes.

This is before welling up in an underground aquifer. The fact that it is NATURALLY purified makes it one of the safest bottled water available today.

What does Fiji Natural Artesian Water taste like? The first thing to note is that there is no after taste. It also tastes like it has been carefully curated by a small group of meticulous scientist working on an exotic island.

Score: 6.5

2. Voss

The water used by Voss comes from a small “artesian” well in Norway.

It is one of the most expensive bottled waters on the market today. It is what you might consider to be a designer brand of bottle water. Many experts attribute it’s taste and quality to low concentrations of total dissolved solids (TDS).

Consequently you can expect to find this in luxury hotel rooms. Or perhaps in the first class cabin of an airplane.

What does Voss taste like? It tastes very impressive to be honest, lots of character, slightly rough round the edges. But you can feel the quality as it seems like it contains lots of minerals.

Score: 6.8

1. Mountain Valley Spring Water

The story behind Mountain Valley Spring Water is that it originally comes from a fresh spring in Arkansas US. It has been quenching thirsts since 1871.

Apart from this unique pedigree, it is reported to have been the favourite of celebrities. For instance, presidents like Eisenhower and legends like Elvis Presley.

It apparently takes 3,500 years for rain water to make it’s way to the aquifer, as a result, this water naturally has high a pH, which is supposed to help neutralize high acidity in the body.

It was by far the most favourite among the testers who took part in the original Thrillist experiment and having tasted it myself, I agree with them.

What does Mountain Valley Spring Water taste like? It does have a rich, luxurious feel with slight hints of sweetness and bursts full of minerals as you would expect from water that has been filtered through a geological treasure.

Score: 7.7

Why Are ALL Plastic Water Bottles BAD For You?

Bottled waters are not always as pure as you might expect them to be and you should take some of the following points into consideration when you are deciding on which brand of bottled water you want:

1. It is possible that dangerous toxins from some plastic water bottles can leak into your water. The most notable of this is BPA (bisphenol-a), which is used when creating plastic in the industrial process and can be very hazardous to health.
2. There are lots of credible reports that say many bottled waters are just purified tap water and because they have gone through a further filtration process, they also lack essential minerals. For instance, it is reported that brands like Aquafina and Dasani are simply re-filtered tap water.
3. The process of purifying, bottling and shipping water takes up a huge amount of resources and it is often impossible to recycle the bottles meaning that they simply fill up our landfill sites.

> Read: How To Check Plastic Bottles for BPA Poisoning <

If you choose to buy bottled water despite all of this try not to consume ultra purified municipal waters (i.e. re-filtered tap water) in favour of naturally clean sources like those that come from a spring or valley. The best are mentioned below.

The Best Bottled Water – My Top Picks

My favourite? Mountain Valley Spring Water. It has the best taste, right ph level and completely natural.

Is taste most important to you? Then choose Fiji water. It is filtered naturally through volcanic rock by scientists.

Are you looking for an all round good product that has the wow factor. Then I recommend VOSS water. The bottle design has a designer feel and the water itself has been curated with a lot of attention.

If you want to save money, the environment and avoid BPA contamination. Then you might want to consider AquaTru.

It removes several contaminants (including, heavy metals, lead and viruses) within seconds. It comes with filters, which are easy to replace.

Using something like this will save thousands of bottles of water in a year.

The video below is a little hyped up but does a good job of describing how powerful this product is.

AquaTru Water Filter	Berkey Water Filter
– Arsenic: Approx 90% (unspecified). – Fluoride by 91.8% (WITHOUT extra filters). – Lead 97.5% – Benzene 99.9% – Chlorine 96.6% – Cysts 99.99%	– Arsenic by 99.9% (special filters required). – Fluoride by 99.9% (special filters required). – Lead 97.5% – Benzene 99.8%
Available in 1-size only.	Available in various sizes.
Plastic materials.	Metal & plastic materials.
Number of filters: 3	Number of filters: 2 – 4
Filter methods: Mechanical, Reverse Osmosis & Activated Carbon filters.	Filter methods: Black microporous-filters & white fluoride Filters
4-stage filter process.	2-stage filter process.
Holds a maximum water capacity of 3-quarts.	2.25 Gallons
45.7 x 45.7 x 38.1 cm	19″ High x 8.5″ Diameter
System: 1 year limited warranty.	Filters: 2 years; System: 1 year.
Full Performance Data Sheet (AquaTru).	Berkey Contaminants List NSF/ANSI test results
SPECIAL OFFER? Yes, use code MRWATERGEEK	SPECIAL OFFER? Yes, Big Berkey bundle sale

The post 8 Best Bottled Water And Why They’re ALL BAD For You! appeared first on Mr Water Geek.

In the world of health and wellness, different types of water are popping up as part of optimized hydration strategies. Beyond regular tap water, new types like hydrogen water and alkaline water have become ultra-popular in the last few years. As people are looking for beverages that offer unique nutritional benefits, these special kinds of H₂O are getting a lot of attention.  

While some enhanced water products are hyped and misunderstood, hydrogen water and alkaline water do seem to have real, scientifically backed benefits beyond plain water’s basic hydration benefits. In this post, I want to focus on the difference between hydrogen water and alkaline ionized water. By understanding the key differences and what the science says about them, you can make an informed decision on which one (if not both or neither) may best support your hydration and health goals.

Let’s get into it!

Hydrogen vs Alkaline Water: A Comphrensive Guide 

To make an informed decision between hydrogen water and alkaline water, you need to understand the key differences between these two types of enhanced hydration. Knowing what each is will show you their different benefits and applications. Only with clear understanding of their unique properties, production method, proposed effect on the human body, and documented support can you decide which special water is best for your health and lifestyle.

This post will give you the details, at a scientific level. By the end, you’ll be able to decide if hydrogen water or alkaline water is more beneficial for you.

What is Hydrogen Water?

Hydrogen water, also known as hydrogen rich water, is water that has been enhanced through methods like electrolysis to have higher molecular hydrogen, or H2, than regular drinking water sources have. The molecular hydrogen gas is dissolved into the water, usually through controlled bubbling in a process that infuses each molecule. This gives hydrogen water unique properties not found in regular tap water because of the extra hydrogen molecules.

How Does Hydrogen Water Work?  

The molecular hydrogen in hydrogen water allows for certain effects due to its small size and properties. As the smallest molecule in science, the inclusion of hydrogen has the potential to give unique benefits. When consumed, the molecular hydrogen in hydrogen water is believed to interact with the human body in specific ways.

As an antioxidant booster, molecular hydrogen is thought to help the body in neutralizing harmful free radicals before they can harm cells. Research shows hydrogen selectively interacts with bad reactive oxygen species without disrupting critical cellular signaling pathways. This supportive antioxidant activity gives hydrogen water an edge over regular water for overall cellular health.

Because of its small size, molecular hydrogen can also penetrate tissues all over the body when included in hydration. Studies show hydrogen can even pass the blood brain barrier, for potential neurological effects. This cellular access is a mode of action not found in regular water. Hydrogen’s penetration can give localized effects in different parts of the body.

More research links molecular hydrogen to regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and resolving inflammation. Consuming hydrogen is also believed to help the body maintain a lower internal environment with lower levels of oxidative stress. These are the proposed mechanisms of how added hydrogen may translate to user benefits over plain water.

What Are The Benefits Of Hydrogen Water?

Boosted Natural Antioxidants

Instead of directly acting as an antioxidant itself, hydrogen boosts our body’s natural antioxidants by transiently raising helpful reactive oxygen species. This triggers the Nrf₂ protein pathway to increase expression of genes regulating glutathione, catalase, SOD and other endogenous antioxidants involved in protecting cells. Hydrogen promotes redox homeostasis, maintaining the balance between antioxidants and beneficial cellular stressors like nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide. 

Reduced Inflammation

Research shows molecular hydrogen has anti-inflammatory properties. It regulates pathways involved in inflammation and cytokine signaling. Hydrogen water may benefit conditions caused by chronic inflammation like arthritis, IBD, heart disease and metabolic syndrome. Acute inflammation is also important for injury and illness response and hydrogen helps maintain balance.

Energy

The support of hydrogen water in boosting the body’s natural antioxidants is believed to benefit mitochondrial health and function over time. As these cellular powerhouses produce energy, protecting them from oxidative damage helps optimize energy production. Reported effects include increased endurance, faster post-workout recovery, and higher energy throughout the day. These effects may be from hydrogen’s protection of mitochondria.

Brain and Cognition

Since hydrogen molecules can pass the blood brain barrier, some research shows consuming hydrogen water may benefit brain health and cognition. Studies link it to protecting neurons from oxidative damage, potentially slowing down degenerative conditions. Reports also show it may improve mood, focus and memory when taken regularly through antioxidant support of the brain.

Detoxification

Oxidative stress leads to accumulation of toxins in the body over time. Molecular hydrogen is believed to help the body’s natural detox processes by neutralizing free radicals that would combine with metals and pollutants. This antioxidant support may help optimal liver function and remove toxins from tissues. Some studies show regular hydrogen water intake to lower toxic metal readings and excretion of waste compounds.

For more information on the benefits and side effects of hydrogen water, read my post on hydrogen water side effects. 

What Is Alkaline Water? 

Alkaline water is water that has been treated to increase its pH level above most tap and bottled water sources, making it more alkaline or basic. Regular water has a neutral pH of around 7, while alkaline water has a higher pH of 8-10. It is made through processes like electrolysis that introduces beneficial minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium that ionize and buffer the water to a higher pH level.

This is done at home through an alkaline water ionizer or machine. Ionizers use electrolysis to split water into alkaline and acidic streams. While the acidic stream can be discarded, the alkaline stream has added minerals that raise its pH. Popular home devices for generating ionized alkaline water are the Tyent machines, but there are also other opinions in the market with limited benefits.

The pH and minerals make ionized alkaline water different from regular water. Its proponents claim these properties will have unique effects when consumed as a hydration source regularly. The following sections will discuss the mechanisms and benefits of drinking alkaline ionized water vs plain water.

How Does Alkaline Water Work?

When consumed, alkaline water can have specific effects related to its properties. Chief among these is its ability to balance the body’s fluids and tissues pH. Modern diet puts us in an acidic pH state, and some research links this to health problems. Alkaline water with its pH buffering minerals can counteract this effect.

Specifically, the ionized minerals introduced through electrolysis are absorbed systemically. Studies show they can bind and transport out of the body metabolic acids and other compounds that can contribute to low pH. By alkalizing and removing acid waste, alkaline water supports homeostasis and cellular processes that require optimal pH.

More benefits may come from the direct delivery of minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium into fluid compartments and cellular locations where they work. Furthermore, some proponents claim these optimized micronutrient levels have advantages over plain water with no such added function. Additionally, these minerals can enhance hydration and improve overall health by supporting essential bodily functions.

Alkaline water, with its high pH and added minerals, is often considered better tolerated than regular water. Its alkalizing effect is believed to contribute to overall wellness by helping maintain a balanced body. To know more on the effects of alkaline water on the body, read my post on the effects of drinking alkaline water everyday.

What Are The Benefits Of Alkaline Water? 

pH Balance

As a more alkaline hydration source, ionized alkaline water can balance an acidic inner terrain. Its pH buffering minerals can support fluid compartments and tissues pH homeostasis, which affects many biochemical processes in the body.

Hydration

Direct delivery of critical minerals supports optimal cellular hydration. Magnesium and calcium can penetrate and hydrate tissues better than plain water. Some claim alkaline mineral water can hydrate the cells more.

Detoxification

The alkalizing effect of mineral-rich alkaline water enables the kidneys, liver, and other organs to more efficiently remove metabolic waste and toxins through urine. Moreover, its bicarbonate buffering can remove acids from pollution, infections, and an unhealthy diet. This enhanced detoxification process supports overall health and well-being.

Bone and Muscle

Studies show alkaline water’s array of bone beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium support musculoskeletal health. Their optimized absorption can maintain bone density and alleviate osteoporosis with age.

Heart Health

Some research links acidic pH to higher heart disease risk over time. Alkaline water can neutralize metabolic acids, support blood bicarbonate buffering and regulate pH – all potential heart health benefits.

Comparing Hydrogen Water and Alkaline Water

Hydrogen Water vs Alkaline Water: Which Is Better?

While both hydrogen water and alkaline ionized water can provide health supportive qualities above standard tap water sources, discerning which may be best suited to individual needs helps to maximize the benefits. Both hydrogen water and alkaline water delivery attributes that plain water lacks, but in manners tailored differently depending on one’s specific situation and requirements. 

Those coping with high levels of chronic oxidative stress, persistent inflammation, or accumulation of toxic compounds often find hydrogen water’s direct antioxidant effects from molecular hydrogen confer the most impact. Its protective effects target underlying issues. Meanwhile, individuals focused on alkalization support, addressing diet-induced acidity imbalances, or mineral deficiencies tend to benefit more from alkaline water’s mineral-rich pH balancing approach that helps correct pH issues over the long term.

Certain conditions may see quicker resolution utilizing alkaline water’s alkalizing corrective abilities to eliminate acidity. However, hydrogen water shows promise for fortifying the body against damage and disease in the first place through long-term, preventative cellular protection. Combining the attributes of both through drinking hydrogen-rich alkaline water produced by a quality home water ionizer can serve to maximize overall advantages, providing antioxidant support together with pH and mineral delivery. 

Consulting a healthcare expert is always advised before relying solely on any enhanced water product or significantly changing hydration habits, especially regarding specific health conditions. Both hydrogen water and alkaline water warrant consideration depending on individualized needs assessments for optimally supporting wellness from customized hydration regimens.

The Bottom Line on Hydrogen vs. Alkaline Water:

In conclusion, both hydrogen water and alkaline ionized water have value within an overall healthy lifestyle when produced using reliable at-home appliances. However, as mentioned above, they both have potential side-effects. Understanding key distinctions between the two enhanced hydration options empowers discerning their most applicable scenarios. Ultimately, focusing on pure, energy-rich water supports optimal function and allows our extraordinary bodies to naturally heal and thrive.

For more information on beneficial water therapies and all things around benefits of water, stay tuned to my blog. I’m always available to give recommendations, reviews, and health information around water. If you found this particular post helpful, you might want to check out my posts on best hydrogen water machines, kangen alkaline water review, and pros and cons of drinking alkaline water.

Stay hydrated,

Shashank Varma (Mr. Water Geek).

The post Hydrogen vs Alkaline Water: The Difference & Which is Better? appeared first on Mr Water Geek.

Yes and no.

No it is NOT a SCAM

It is not a scam in the sense that the product actually contains everything it says it does.

There are lots of online videos of people performing a water test and verifying CORE Hydration Water has a pH of 7.4, the TDS (total dissolved solids) is around where they say it is, and it does appear to have the electrolytes and minerals added, as claimed by CORE.

YES IT IS A SCAM

CORE Hydration Water is a scam only in the sense that some of the claims are too far reaching and slightly exaggerated.

For instance, the human body does NOT need alkaline water to maintain its neutral pH state. The body will always strive to reach 7.4 pH on its own.  Drinking CORE Hydration Water will have very little impact on this (if any at all).

Similarly, drinking water enhanced with electrolytes has negligible benefits for the vast majority of people.

Simply drinking clean filtered water will provide you with pretty much all of the minerals and hydration you need.

This Review is From a REAL Personal Experience of Drinking CORE

I have personally purchased and drank CORE Hydration Water several times over the years, beginning in 2019. My personal experience factors into my overall perspective of whether or not this product is worth it, in addition to the information gathered from an objective perspective, as covered in this post.

What is the Biggest Selling Point of CORE Hydration?

CORE water is marketed with claims such as “Purified and minerals added for taste, CORE Hydration has a balanced pH uniquely designed for an active lifestyle.”

Per these claims, a 16.9 oz bottle of CORE water offers a “pure crisp taste,” a pH of 7.4, and just the right amount of minerals and electrolytes to keep you properly hydrated.

They chose to make the pH 7.4 because this is the neutral pH alkaline level for your body. It is your body’s ideal pH and the pH the human body tries to achieve when it becomes unbalanced.

The body being too acidic or too alkaline can cause a multitude of symptoms, which is why it’s best for your body to remain pH neutral. CORE water claims that it will help you achieve pH neutrality while also providing your body with the hydration it needs.

What is CORE Hydration Water?

CORE hydration is “ultra-purified and enhanced” water that is full of minerals, electrolytes and has a pH of 7.4. This pH level tries to mimic the optimum pH level of the human body. The idea is that being 7.4 means it will better work in harmony with your body.

CORE Hydration Water Ingredients

• Reverse osmosis water
• Calcium chloride
• Potassium bicarbonate (from mineral and electrolyte sources)
• Magnesium chloride

It is important to note that magnesium, potassium and calcium are minerals typically present in alkaline water. In fact, they are essential minerals that will typically appear in most water sources. These minerals also happen to be alkaline.

Although some other alkaline water brands do not include “chloride” minerals, chloride is not harmful to health.

Electrolyte based minerals are particularly a good feature of CORE. Especially for people who are very physically active and sweat a lot.

Core Water Benefits

It is free from fluoride.

By far one of the best things about CORE hydration is its purity. Its 7-stage filtration is incredibly thorough and goes further than almost all other alkaline water brands.

The 7 stages of filtration include UV (ultraviolet), reverse osmosis and ozonation.

Comes with bottles that are BPA-free. This is just as well because you can use the cap as a cup to drink the water from.

The bottles are well-designed and look like a premium product.

Comes with a good blend of electrolytes and minerals that include calcium, potassium and magnesium.

CORE’s water quality report shows that the TDS (total dissolved solids) is 82. This is within the acceptable range as regular tap water is well over 400.

There are lots of different variations of bottle sizes and designs, including one featuring a wide-mouth sports cap. You can easily buy your favorite size at a store near you.

CORE Water vs Fiji

CORE Water	Fiji Water
Filter methods: 7 stage proprietary purification process that includes reverse osmosis, micron and carbon filtration, ozonation, and ultra-violet.	UV treated drinking water.
Source Water: Not specified.	Source Water: Tropical rain slowly filters through volcanic rock.
Nutrient-enhanced water with electrolytes.	Nothing added, only contains natural minerals.
7.4pH	7.7pH
BPA free bottle.	BPA free bottle.

Is CORE Better The Regular Water?

The short answer is no.

Drinking regular water will provide you with all the hydration and most of the nutrients that you need. If you want water that is particularly mineral-rich then you can choose natural spring water like Fiji (which is also much cheaper).

Natural spring water is full of minerals like potassium and magnesium, which can also function as electrolytes. CORE does not have these nutrients naturally and therefore needs to synthetically add it back in to the treated water.

However, be prepared to see more and more “better than water” products on the market. US drinks manufacturers are bending over backwards to present differentiated products to keep revenues up.

CORE is just another product that comes in the vein of similar products like the ever successful “Smartwater”.  Smartwater is the so called “better than nature” water that is full of added electrolytes. Meanwhile other brands like Essentia has some of the highest alkaline ph levels and claim to have “perfected hydration”.

CORE Water Review: Is It WORTH It?

Yes but only in the sense that it’s a good quality product that will hydrate you.

However, as far as I can tell, all the added minerals and electrolytes are pretty much there for taste and not so much for health.

Another thing to note is that although CORE claims to have a perfect pH of 7.4, this is with an asterisk.

When you read the small print, the label confirms that this number is actually an approximation.

It is true that a diet high in acid is not great for the body.

High acid foods include things like sugar, grains, sodas, processed foods, certain dairy products etc.

And yes a diet high in alkaline food products (e.g. tofu, fruits, soybeans, vegetables, some seeds, nuts, legumes etc) are much better for you.

But drinking alkaline water does *NOT* have as big an impact on your health as focusing on a alkaline rich healthy diet.

The bottom line is that drinking CORE hydration or any other type of alkaline water will NEVER repair a bad diet or lifestyle.

The post Do NOT Buy! Here Is Why Core Water Might Not Be Worth It appeared first on Mr Water Geek.

Demineralised water is water completely (or at least to a ridiculously high degree) free of dissolved solids and minerals as a result of one or more of the following processes:

• Deionization.
• Distillation.
• Electrodialysis.
• Membrane filtration (e.g. nanofiltration or reverse osmosis).

How To Make Demineralised Water And PROBLEMS To Know

Problems with Demineralised Water

Demineralized water lacks ions, which can lead to increased corrosivity and there are many people that have experienced metal components becoming corroded after being in contact with demineralized water.

Also, the absence of ions can result in unpredictable pH levels, impacting the stability of the water.

However, neither of these issues make it unhealthy to drink.

In fact, one could argue that demineralized water is the healthiest type of water to drink because of its purity.

What is Demineralization?

Demineralization is a water purification process that works by removing mineral salts from water through ion exchange.

What is Demineralised Water How Is It Obtained?

Demineralised water is free from all soluble mineral salts. It does not contain any anions or cations.

Demineralised water is what you get when you pass water successively through an anion exchange (in the OH– form) resin and a cation exchange (in the H+ form).

The Meaning of Demineralised Water

Demineralized water is a water purification process that leaves you with very pure water.

Demineralized water and deionized water are generally considered to be different from distilled water. Distilled water is purified water created by boiling and recondensing, a process that also eliminates salt ions. However, the main differences are that demineralized water is usually more free of mineral ions.

This depends on the amount of processes used for it.

And distilled water may contain less organic pollutants, because the deionization of uncharged molecules like viruses or the bacteria.

Also, deionization leaves less “scale” than distillation and is also a cleaner production.

Demineralised Water Plant?

Demineralised water plants are power plants (large heavy plumbing machinery) that filter water leaving you with pure water.

They are typically used for large spaces in both commercial and industrial settings, likes factories, industrial buildings, power plants, etc., that require a substantial amount of water filtration.

A demineralised water plant consists of two pressure vessels containing cationic and anionic exchange resins.

Various types of ion exchange resins can be used for the cation and anion process. This depends on the nature of the impurities in the water and what the final water is used for.

VERY Technical description of the demineralised water plant process:

Typically, the cationic resin works in the hydrogen cycle. The cations in the water (i.e. calcium, magnesium and sodium) pass through the cation exchange resin.

This is where they chemically exchange by hydrogen ions.

The water passes through the anion exchange resin where the anions (i.e. sulfate, chloride, nitrate and bicarbonate) chemically exchange by hydroxide ions.

The water that emerges from this process consists essentially of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions. Which is the chemical composition of pure water.

A simplified demineralization plant process can consist of a:

• Composite resin container with strong cationic charge and anionic resin.
• Control panel, which measures conductivity and alarms, etc.
• Installation of acidic and caustic injections of containers in bulk or bottles.

What Are Demineralised Water Plants For?

The ultra pure water of a demineralized plant is typically used for:

Feed water for high-pressure boilers.

Wash water for the manufacture of computer chips.

Medical facilities or technical laboratories that need very pure water.

Pharmaceutical process water.

Microelectronics and any other process that requires high-purity water.

The type of resins used and selected for demineralization plants depend on many factors, including:

• Water temperatures.
• The level of treated water quality required.
• Input water quality or issues with the input water quality.
• Presence of organic foulants.
• Flow through plant required.
• Regeneration method – either counter-current or co-current regeneration.

Demineralised Water pH

Demineralised water pH is 7.0.

But note that if you leave demineralised water in the open air for a few hours it will dissolve carbon dioxide in the air, causing the water to become slightly acidic with a pH of 6 or so.

Fresh deionised water is truly neutral with a pH of 7.0.

How to Make Demineralised Water

To get real demineralised water you need a treatment plant or machine. However it is possible to make distilled water at home and distilled water is very close to demineralised water in composition.

Before you buy distilled water, consider making it yourself at home. Distilling water is a lot easier than you might think. There are many different methods that you can use.

Remember, distilled water is created when you remove chemicals and minerals from water.

People make distilled water at home for a variety of uses, including drinking, filling humidifiers, watering plants, steam irons, and even aquariums and so on.

1. You will need 2 glass bottles. This process works best when at least one of the bottle arches outward from the neck and prevents the distilled water from slipping back into the other bottle.
2. Fill 1 bottle with tap water. Finish the filling about 12 cm (5 in) from the top.
3. Connect the 2 bottles at the neck and secure them firmly with tape.
4. Use a 5 gallon stainless steel pot with boiling water to distill the water. Fill the pot with just enough water to cover the bottle filled with tap water.
5. Tilt the bottles at an angle of about 30 degrees and lean the top of the empty bottle against the inside edge of the pot. The angle facilitates the collection of evaporated distilled water.
6. Place an ice pack on top of the empty bottle. This creates a cold / heat barrier, which leads to the evaporation of water in the cooler bottle.
7. Continue with the distillation process until you have collected enough distilled water in the bottle for your needs.

AquaTru Water Filter	Berkey Water Filter
– Arsenic: Approx 90% (unspecified). – Fluoride by 91.8% (WITHOUT extra filters). – Lead 97.5% – Benzene 99.9% – Chlorine 96.6% – Cysts 99.99%	– Arsenic by 99.9% (special filters required). – Fluoride by 99.9% (special filters required). – Lead 97.5% – Benzene 99.8%
Available in 1-size only.	Available in various sizes.
Plastic materials.	Metal & plastic materials.
Number of filters: 3	Number of filters: 2 – 4
Filter methods: Mechanical, Reverse Osmosis & Activated Carbon filters.	Filter methods: Black microporous-filters & white fluoride Filters
4-stage filter process.	2-stage filter process.
Holds a maximum water capacity of 3-quarts.	2.25 Gallons
45.7 x 45.7 x 38.1 cm	19″ High x 8.5″ Diameter
System: 1 year limited warranty.	Filters: 2 years; System: 1 year.
Full Performance Data Sheet (AquaTru).	Berkey Contaminants List NSF/ANSI test results
SPECIAL OFFER? Yes, use code MRWATERGEEK	SPECIAL OFFER? Yes, Big Berkey bundle sale

Where To Buy Demineralised Water

It is easy to find and buy demineralised water online at places like Amazon.

You may also be able to find it at certain health food stores but best to buy online.

This is because most places are unlikely to have this type of water in stock.

Another option is to buy a machine that can create demineralised or distilled water for you.

This will save you money in the long run and stop lots of waste from plastic bottles going to the landfill site.

The post How To Make Demineralised Water And PROBLEMS To Know appeared first on Mr Water Geek.

The Biggest Problem with Distilled Water

The biggest problem with distilled water is its potential lack of minerals, which may affect taste and reduce health benefits when compared to mineral-rich water like spring water or mineral water.

The Biggest Benefit of Drinking Distilled Water

The biggest benefit of drinking distilled water is that it is one of the purest forms of water you can drink.

This is why it is the water filtration of choice in places like factories, hospitals, and big industrial plants.

The only issue that you might have is the taste. Many people describe distilled water as having a “flat” taste, which is likely the result of everything (including healthy minerals and nutrients) being removed from the water.

However, distilled water is perfectly safe to drink. In fact, there are some sources that claim drinking distilled water will help your body detox, but research on this is limited.

The chart below gives you an idea of how powerful water distillation can be when filtering contaminants from your water.

Best Distilled Water Brands

1. Waterwise
2. Mini Classic
3. AquaNui
4. Steam Pure
5. H2oLabs

1. Waterwise

Waterwise is a US water company run by a single family. It has existed for more than 35 years, but still has a personal touch with all its customers. Their guarantee is just one of the many reasons why WaterWise is a good brand of distilled water.

Here’s another one: WaterWise one of the few companies to offer an exchange or refund within 100 days of purchasing their products. Having a guarantee like this means that the company is convinced of their products’ quality. It also means that you can buy safely with them.

Waterwise 3200 Water Distiller Purifier

Years ago, I came across WaterWise’ 8800 Water Distiller Purifier, which I quickly recognized as the best countertop distiller from the company. They’ve since updated the 8800 and reintroduced it as the 3200. My opinion of the product still holds true. It is the best distiller from WaterWise, mostly because it is very easy to use. In fact, it is as simple as boiling water in a kettle. All you have to do is pour tap water into the stainless steel boiler, then press the reset button. It’s that simple.

Specifications:

• With the easy-to-use electronic monitor, you can program it before bed for the first cup of coffee or tea in the morning.
• Take the 3200 with you on your next trip because the portable and programmable 3200 is ready when you need it!
• As with all WaterWise distillers, the 3200 combines steam distillation with carbon sequestration. This results in optimum water purity.
• Capacity: 6 gallons in 24 hours.

The box includes:

• Capacity: 6 Gallons (22.7 liters) in 24 hours
• Distiller, Collector/Carafe and 1 Carbon Filter

Dimensions:

• Width 15.4″ (39 cm)
• Height 15″ (38 cm), Depth 10.5″ (26.7 cm)
• Rating: 120VAC/60Hz 800W
• Net Weight: 14.3 Ibs (6.4 kgs)

2. AquaNui

AquaNui provide some of the most durable distillers on the market. They have great features and come with very good customer reviews.

The cheapest offering is the AquaNui CT, which provides you with approximately 0.8 gallons per batch.

This means that it’s good for small households of up to 2 people, Good for: 1 or 2 people, apartments, small homes and RVs. If you have more people in the home go for AquaNui 8G or AquaNui 10G.

• Fits on Countertop.
• Easy to fill distiller manually.
• Steam sterilization option.A portable water distiller that is easy to move.
• Comes with 1 glass jar.
• No installation required.
• Easy to clean and maintain.
• 15 year warranty on stainless steel components – 2 year warranty on components.

3. H2o Labs

Automatic Water Distillation System

H2o Labs is a respected water production company and one of the best distilled water brands. Its best product is the automatic water distillation system because it provides up to 8 gallons and an extra 6 gallons in reserve. It is capable of delivering almost anything you throw at it.

How The Automatic Maintenance Of The H2o Labs Water Works:

• The 1000 distillation system model is very easy to maintain.
• Drain the boiling chamber once a week by opening the drain valve located on the side of the unit. This will only take 2 minutes, but will prevent the boiler from taking too much water so you do not have to clean it too often.

Here are some special features of this product:

• Hight capacity: Makes 8 gallons per day. It has 6 gallons in reserve.
• Advanced technology: high distillation performance, low energy consumption. Standard
• Stainless steel: 18-8 stainless steel, strong, durable and attractive.
• This device also has a self-sterilization function.
• It fills and turns on and off automatically as needed.
• Easy to install.
• It comes with a pre-filter cartridge and an activated carbon filter after the filter between the distiller and the tank.
• Perfect for commercial use or large families.
• Automatic: Automatic ignition when the tank is empty. It automatically fills the boiler, heats it up and distills it for continuous operation. It turns off automatically when the memory is full.

Specifications:

• Output: 8 Gallons per Day (30 Liters);
• Storage Capacity: 6 Gallons (24 Liters);
• Depth (front to back) X 18.5″ (47 cm) Height;
• Size: 18″ (46 cm) Wide (front) x 12″ (30 cm)
• Weight: 33 lbs. (15 KG) N.W;
• Shipping Weight 35 lbs. (16 KG);
• Packaging: 22″ (56 cm) X 15″ (38 cm) X 21″ (54 cm);
• Power Source: Standard 120V, 60Hz, 850 W;
• Stainless Steel: Grade 304, 18/8 Stainless Steel.

4. SteamPure (From Pure Water)

The SteamPure Countertop Water Distiller is a portable, compact device. It is small enough to fit on your counter or wherever you place it. It can be stored comfortably under most sinks or counters. You can keep it at home as a back up device. Or in a caravan or RV and enjoy the benefits of drinking fresh distilled water. Made of high quality stainless steel, designed and manufactured in the United States.

SteamPure 110V Countertop Water Distiller

SteamPure Counter Top Distiller 110V.

• All made of stainless steel.
• Works as a counter top distiller.
• Has a steam sterilization option.
• If there is a power cut, the distiller will continue to operate after the power is restored.
• It comes with a glass filter and can filter out VOC’s (volatile organic compounds).
• Made in the USA.

Specifications:

• Height: 13 inches. (33 cm)
• Shipping Weight: 21 lbs. (9.5 kg)
• Depth: 11 inches. (28 cm)
• Width: 9.5 inches. (24 cm)
• Machine Weight: 18 lbs. (8.2 kg)
• Distilling Capacity: 3 liters every 4.5 hours
• Watts: 700
• Amps: 5.8

5. Mini Classic (From Pure Water)

Pure Water Mini-Classic CT is from one of the most popular distilled water brands.

It’s a compact water vapor worktop that produces high purity distilled water from virtually any fresh water source.

This unit does not require installation and is perfect for small families, apartment buildings and even mobile homes.

The mini-classic CT is an additional development of its cousin, the mini-classic II.

But this comes with a better design and big improvements from the previous models.

Pure Water Mini-Classic CT Counter Top Distiller

Produces consistently high-purity vapor distilled water for drinking and cooking.

Easily sits on kitchen countertop.

No installation required.

Distilled water does not come in contact with plastic so no concerns over BPA poisoning.

Easy To Use.

Proudly made in USA.

Distilled Water Brands, Which Is The Best?

Pure Water Mini-Classic CT has the best customer reviews and very easy to use.

However, the good news you can count on ALL of these brands to provide you with water that is cleaner and purer than tap water and much better for the environment than buying water bottles.

If you are in a foreign country, these are brands that you can buy and know that you can drink safely.

As different and as complicated as these companies sound, water is still water at the end of the day.

Any product that makes sure that you’re drinking the cleanest purest version of water can only be a good thing.

My personal favorite device for personal filtration is the AquaTru. Yes yes I know it’s not technically distilled water because it uses multiple filtration methods.

By that I mean it is based on reverse osmosis but with smaller more precise filters. The machine is NSF 58 & 372 certified and has its own smart TDS monitoring panel.

TDS stands for total dissolved solids and tap water is usually full of this nasty stuff.

It comes with a smart faucet, tankless design and has a “Worry-Free Guarantee”.

Instantly Turns Coke Into Fresh Drinking Water

AquaTru Water Filter	Berkey Water Filter
– Arsenic: Approx 90% (unspecified). – Fluoride by 91.8% (WITHOUT extra filters). – Lead 97.5% – Benzene 99.9% – Chlorine 96.6% – Cysts 99.99%	– Arsenic by 99.9% (special filters required). – Fluoride by 99.9% (special filters required). – Lead 97.5% – Benzene 99.8%
Available in 1-size only.	Available in various sizes.
Plastic materials.	Metal & plastic materials.
Number of filters: 3	Number of filters: 2 – 4
Filter methods: Mechanical, Reverse Osmosis & Activated Carbon filters.	Filter methods: Black microporous-filters & white fluoride Filters
4-stage filter process.	2-stage filter process.
Holds a maximum water capacity of 3-quarts.	2.25 Gallons
45.7 x 45.7 x 38.1 cm	19″ High x 8.5″ Diameter
System: 1 year limited warranty.	Filters: 2 years; System: 1 year.
Full Performance Data Sheet (AquaTru).	Berkey Contaminants List NSF/ANSI test results
SPECIAL OFFER? Yes, use code MRWATERGEEK	SPECIAL OFFER? Yes, Big Berkey bundle sale

The post Distilled Water Brands vs The Biggest PROBLEM With Distilled Water appeared first on Mr Water Geek.

You could be forgiven to think that paying a small premium for bottled water ensures that you’re getting better quality water. At least better than the free stuff that comes out of the tap then think again.

A spokesperson for PepsiCo (the company that produce the bottled water “Aquafina”) recently made a statement.

They confirmed that the water in their branded bottled water comes directly from the tap.

However, they insist the tap water goes through an elaborate “filtration process”. A process that ensures a superior quality to tap water.

“Do you want to know a clever way to spot if the bottled water source is from the tap before you buy? Always look for the acronym P.W.S. on the bottle because this stands for Public Water System.”

Aquafina Water Ingredients

However, PepsiCo are doing urgent rounds of damage control. It started with an article by Inverse magazine. After this, PepsiCo put out a very indignant statement which sought to set the record straight.

The statement describes the many fancy filtration methods they use to transform tap water into Aquafina.

One such example of their PR efforts is their online page showing the full 7-step filtration process used to create Aquafina.

Now before you go thinking this is a one-off incident. It turns out that Coca-Cola’s own brand of bottled water called Dasani is also sourced from tap water or P.W.S.

Yes, they also claim to have a ‘rigorous’ and separate filtration protocol. The claim is that although the water originates from tap water. It is purified through a 7-step filtration process trademarked Hydro-7.

Hydro-7 is a water treatment process that involves everything from reverse osmosis as well as other filtering methods. This ensures that things like salts, chlorides, and other substances are removed to ensure the water has a good taste.

Aquafina Water Nutrition Facts

Bottled Water Cleanliness Standards Are Lower Than Tap Water?

Regardless of your thoughts about the quality of tap water, there are so many reasons to avoid drinking bottled water.

For instance, the cost to the environment, risk of BPA contamination from the bottles etc and these are extensively covered in my article called, 8 Of The Best Bottled Water And Why They’re ALL Bad For You.

Also, did you know there are lower standards concerning the cleanliness of bottled water than for tap water in the US and UK? This is according to a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) International study commissioned in 2013.

The especially worrying part was that the last study looking into the cleanliness of bottled water was conducted about 15 years ago…

…what if things have worsened since then?

In case this point needs to be driven home even further, consider that in 1998, the Natural Resources Defense Council found that although most bottled water was safe to drink, there were a few samples that contained traces of chemicals or bacteria that exceeded industry and state standards!

So, Aquafina Water Ingredients = Tap Water? Oh Dear.

Aquafina water ingredients are filtered tap water.

Don’t get me wrong I don’t think Aquafina is bad for you. But I don’t consider tap water to be 100% perfect either, as highlighted in my two thousand word write-up looking at all the evidence on whether tap water was safe to drink or not.

My advice?

If you want a long term solution and are willing to make the investment, consider a whole house water filtration system.

They can easily be installed by your local plumber. If this is not possible then get a water filter jug. Or invest in a water dispenser that also filters your water too.

One example of this is the AquaTru. This saves you from buying bottled water in the first place.

It’s far more convenient and cheaper in the long run.

This is because the upfront price is very affordable, it sets up in 2 minutes and can filter multiple water contaminants in a few seconds.

The post They Finally ADMIT Aquafina Water Ingredients = Tap Water appeared first on Mr Water Geek.