How to choose the best kind of bottled water for yourself

The quality of bottled water has been questioned more often because of the regulation that doesn't offer the best interest to consumer. Not every brand is not trustable, but if you need to buy bottled water to use regularly, doing some research will definitely help you to decide which brand is the best that you can get. There are many brands of bottled water in the market. Do a little independent research on these brands. There have been several studies published concerning bottled water quality.

1. Research about the specific safety standards and regulations for your particular bottled water company if you can. A good company will test the water for contamination at least three times a week. Much of this information can be obtained from the NRDC.

2. Find the reason why you need to choose bottled water more than tap water. Are you trying to avoid some contaminants? Find out if your target brands pay attention on the particular issue.

3. Things to consider when choosing the brands.

• Container : Look for water in high grade containers such as glass or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic. Low grade plastic container such as HDPE (high-density polyethylene) can give a 'plastic' taste in water. Even PET can contaminate in water over time. So it is best to store it for a short period of time or use it promptly. Always keep bottled water out of bright light and away from sources of heat.
• Quality : As mentioned above. Choose bottled water that suit your budget and need. Research for a good brand.
• Taste : It depends on what you like. Purified water is the most preferred taste of all types of water. Spring water may taste the same but not always. It depends on the source of the water. Mineral water has a unique taste from the mineral content. Sparkling water also has a fizzy and unique taste from carbon dioxide. Other surface water may taste vary. The taste of water may be affected by the treatment methods that used in water.
• Keeping and shelf life. : Water has no significant nutritional value, thus it cannot be spoiled like milk or other food. In the U.S. bottled water has the expiry date stamped for two years. This is for stock rotation purpose. It is best to store water unopened in a dry, cool place and away from odors or toxic substance. If the bottle is leaked and has been left for a period of time, it may not be safe to drink because anything can be contaminated in it such microbial growth and algae. Clean the outside of the bottle before use for more safety when drinking.

There are many types of drinking water available, some are added vitamin, minerals, carbonated, and additional flavors. In this case, you will know types of water by the original sources. Read the water labels and you can tell the difference.

1. Spring Water : Bottled water that is obtained from an underground formation that allows the water to naturally flow above the earth’s surface. Spring water must be collected from the spring or a through a connection to the spring’s source only.
2. Purified Water: Bottled Water that has been produced using methods such as distillation, deionization, reverse osmosis, or other methods that meets the definition of purified water from the government. The types of methods may be foud on the label of bottled water. Water can be obtained from many sources of surface water and well.
3. Mineral Water: Water that contains no less than 250 parts per million total dissolved solids. Mineral water is distinguished from other types of bottled water by its mineral and trace elements content. After obtained, no other minerals can be added to the product.
4. Sparkling Water: Bottled Water that contains the same amount of carbon dioxide that it contained as it emerged from the source after it has undergone treatment or replacement with carbondioxide. Soda water, seltzer water and tonic water are not considered bottled waters, they are considered as soft drinks.
5. Artesian Well Water: Bottled Water that is collected from a well which taps into a confined aquifer (an aquifer is a water-bearing layer of sand or rock underground), whereby the water-level lies at a level above the top of the aquifer.
6. Well Water: Bottled water that is collected from a connection formed from the surface, through the ground, which taps the source.