| Finding the best bottled water is largely a matter | | | | naturally or is added during processing. Some is |
| of personal taste. Some types are relatively bland, | | | | heavily carbonated, such as Perrier, while others |
| others are highly carbonated, and still others are | | | | like Sole have little carbonation. There is also a |
| loaded with minerals. You may need to try | | | | great range of sparkling waters between the two. |
| several brands to find your favorite, but to help | | | | Glacier water is typically bottled at the source, |
| you with your search, here are the basic | | | | which is normally a spring that has its origins in a |
| classifications. | | | | glacier. These waters are seldom carbonated, and |
| Purified water has been processed either by | | | | most often have a clean, bland taste. |
| distilling it or cycling it through reverse osmosis. | | | | Artesian water comes from an underground |
| Other methods of purification can also be used. | | | | natural reservoir. It make surface in a spring, or |
| Distilled is usually the least flavorful and therefore | | | | may be obtained from an artesian well. It is |
| the most common type for cooking or brewing | | | | normally left untreated, and while most are clean |
| coffee. Since all minerals are removed from | | | | and crisp, some have more mineral content than |
| distilled water, it is often the preferred type for | | | | others. |
| use in steam irons and coffee makers. | | | | Water delivery services can supply you with |
| Spring water is defined as water that is packaged | | | | products in three or five gallon bottles or cases of |
| at the source, which is supposed to be an | | | | 8, 12, or 16 ounce bottles. They can also provide |
| underground spring that flows freely to the | | | | coolers for rent or sale which will hold the larger |
| surface. However, the term is not legally defined, | | | | bottles and dispense hot or cold water on |
| and some spring water is actually tap water from | | | | demand. |
| the city reservoir. Depending on the source, it can | | | | Once you have an idea of the type of water you |
| have a little more flavor than distilled water. | | | | will most likely prefer, such as sparkling or mineral, |
| Mineral water must also be bottled at its source. | | | | you will need to try several different brands to |
| There are legal definitions of what percentage of | | | | find the best bottled water for you. You might |
| minerals must be contained. Currently, the | | | | want to start with some of the most popular |
| standard is set at a minimum of 250 parts per | | | | brands, such as Evian, which is imported from |
| million of mineral and trace elements which must | | | | France. Domestic brands that sell well include |
| occur naturally. Some is more flavorful than | | | | Aquafina and Dasani, both of which are purified |
| others. | | | | tap water. Perrier remains a perennial best seller |
| Sparkling water has carbon dioxide that occurs | | | | for those who like carbonated mineral waters. |