Comes from a specified underground source which is protected from any kind of pollution and is stable in its chemical and physical composition. It needs to satisfy microbiological criteria that certify it to be free of any harmful bacteria. It cannot have undergone any other treatment than filtration (to remove items such as sand particles) or carbonation through addition of carbon dioxide (although some waters are naturally carbonated).
It is bottled at the source and fitted with a tamper evident seal and needs to undergo regular analyses after recognition by an approved laboratory to ensure that these exacting standards are maintained.
Sparkling water has carbon dioxide in it. That carbon dioxide may be naturally occurring or it might be added during the bottling process. Adding carbon dioxide to the water does not make it harmful to bones or to teeth, contrary to some urban myths.
Every brand of mineral water varies comparatively in price per litre. There are varieties of mineral water that are labeled luxury waters that are sold on the market for £80 and undergo a special processing treatment during the bottling process. However, the positive impact of these bottled waters still have to be proven. The reason a litre may go for £0.30 or £2 is mainly depending on the source and the packaging. Some sources are to be providing special healing powers, although one needs to be careful since some brands simply sell repackaged tap water.
This happened in Britain during the 2004s when customers realized that the popular Dasani brand is simply made from purified tap water.
| Bottled water | Tap water |
| Huge selection depending on taste preference. All contents and substances are declared on the packaging so that the targeted selection is possible. Mineral water is extracted from deep, old and protected sources and free from environmental factors. |
In Germany, tap water is under the strictest and most quality controlled of all food provisions. It simply costs 0.25 cent/liter. Tap water is very efficient for the environment. No packaging or transportation is needed. Depending on the region it may contain mineral nutrients which are just as healthy as found in mineral water. |
Drinking can help to concentrate during hard mental work! The human body needs about 1.4 litres of liquid per day to simply flow through the brain and supply nutrients to the cells. 1.5 to 2 liters of water is a sufficient amount per day! Daily meals provide us with 0.5 liters of fluid.
Drink before you are thirsty! Thirst is a warning signal from the body. It is the body's way of telling us that we are loosing fluid in relation to our body weight.
Warning signals to recognize! Headaches, fatigue and lack of focus are all signs of a lack of sufficient fluids.
When on the go, drink more! Especially for those who are play sports. The body loses up to one liter of fluids within the hour. To replace lost liquids, it is recommended that one drinks up to a liter during or immediately after any Sport activity.
Drinks containing caffeine are not dehydrating. If drunk in moderation and rounded out by a balanced diet, they too, can add to the fluids our bodies need.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bottled_water (Update 01.12.2010)
Image Source http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1268254 (Update 01.12.2010)



