Still Versus Sparkling

The most basic option between water starts with still, or flat, versus sparkling.  Still water is what you naturally get from the tap.  Most of the water that is labeled “sparkling” is made by adding carbon dioxide to ordinary still water to make it carbonated and bubbly.  Sparkling water is a healthy, calorie-free alternative to soda.  People with digestive issues may want to avoid sparkling water because the carbonation can cause gas and bloating.

Water Sources

The next consideration is the source, which is where the water comes from.  Drinking water comes from sources either above ground or below ground.  Surface water sources include streams, lakes, rivers, oceans, and reservoirs.  Although these are continually replenished by precipitation, low water levels are exasperated by evaporation and seepage into the ground. The EPA estimates that 68% of community water comes from a surface water source.  Groundwater comes from natural aquifers that store water underground.  There is almost 30% more water stored underground than in all streams, lakes, and rivers combined.  This plentiful source of water can be accessed by drilling deep into the ground through the bedrock layer.

Filtration Methods

Whether you’re buying bottled water or drinking tap water, water filtration can help remove some of the impurities and improve the taste.  Water manufacturers usually filter their water before bottling it.  If you are drinking tap water, there are a number of different filter systems you can use depending on what type of contaminants you are trying to remove.  There are filters that attach to your faucet, and there are also pitchers that contain filtration systems.  The goal of the filters is to remove chlorine, zinc, copper, mercury, and cadmium, which are common contaminants often found in tap water.  Not only can this help make the water safer to drink, but it also makes it taste better.

Distillation

Distillation is another method of removing contaminants from water.  The process of distillation works by heating water into steam, leaving behind the impurities.  There are some pollutants that have a lower boiling point than water, which means that if all of the vapor produced is captured in the same chamber, there could still be some contamination in the final product.  While distillation does eliminate a significant amount of pollutants, a secondary purification method is recommended.  You can either purchase water that is already distilled or you can use a home distillation system to treat your water.

Alkaline Water

Some manufacturers sell alkaline water which has a modified pH level that is higher than regular drinking water. Water from your tap typically has a neutral pH of 7, while alkaline water has a pH closer to 8 or 9.  Advocates of alkaline water claim that it offers health benefits because it neutralizes the acid in your body. They say that it can slow the aging process and prevent chronic diseases.  However, there is no scientific evidence that fully verifies these claims.

Water Additives

One of the most popular reasons that people give for not drinking enough water is that they don’t like the taste.  With the advances in flavor science, today you can find water in flavors from strawberry to bacon and even chocolate mint. You’ll also find water with added vitamins, electrolytes, and chia seeds.

Know That Your Water is Safe

No matter which water you choose, you want to know that the water you’re drinking is safe. The best way to do this is to test it.  This is easily done with an at-home testing kit.  TestAssured makes a number of products that you can use to test your water for different contaminants.  Their most comprehensive testing kit includes tests for lead, bacteria, pesticides, iron, copper, nitrates, nitrites, chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and hardness.  These tests work for all water sources, filtered water, treated water, and bottled water.

Which Is the Best Water?

So, which water is the best water for drinking?  They all vary a little, but it comes down to personal preference.  While the composition of the water may change its taste, it doesn’t necessarily add benefits. The minerals and flavorings that change the taste of water generally do not affect its nutritional value.  The bottom line is that best water to drink the water is the one you like the best. Water is an important a healthy diet, so whichever water makes you want to drink more, is the best water.

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Tap Water

Tap water is the most readily available plant water, but how does it affect growth?  That depends on what your water contains.  Whether you are watering outside with a hose, or indoors from a watering can, if your water comes from a municipal source, it may not be your best option.  Some of the chemical and mineral impurities such as fluoride, salts, and chlorine which are added for human benefit are not healthy for plants.  Even if your water is from a well, it may contain excess minerals and heavy metals that could impact plant life.  While some plants can thrive despite these additives and impurities, they are not conducive to strong growth.

Regardless of the potential impurities of tap water, it is often the most economical option for watering plants.  There are certain steps you can take to reduce the harm tap water can cause.  Let the water sit in an open container for at least 24 hours prior to using it so harmful chemicals such as chlorine can evaporate. This will also allow the water to reach room temperature which will prevent shocking the plants with water that is too hot or too cold.

Rain Water

If you have an outdoor garden, rainwater is an acceptable choice for watering plants. There are a variety of options for collecting rainwater, from barrels to buckets.  Some of the specialized rain barrels allow you to connect a hose to make outdoor watering even easier.  Using buckets is an effective way to collect rainwater to refresh your indoor plants.

Rainwater is beneficial for plants because it is slightly acidic. This helps to keep soil pH at an optimal level for healthy plants between 5.5 and 6.5. It typically contains fewer minerals, making it softer than tap water.  As raindrops travel, they absorb particles from the atmosphere.  These particles offer extra nutrients for the soil that would not be found in tap water.

Distilled Water

Distilled water for plants is sometimes recommended due to its purity.  The process of distillation removes many of the harmful chemicals and other impurities that can stunt plant growth. If you have hard water or a water softener, you may want to consider investing in a home distiller.  Hard water contains harmful minerals that build up in the soil over time and do not get washed away even if the water source is changed.  Soft water contains salts that damage plants.  A home distiller is a cost-effective way to filter out these impurities, creating better water for plants.

Filtered Water

Some gardeners prefer filtered plant water.  A water filtration system works to remove impurities that could be harmful both to humans and plants.  This purified water is much easier for plants to absorb than water filled with impurities and contaminants.  While any type of filtration system is better than water straight from the tap, the Water Quality Association recommends that reverse osmosis is the best type of filtration for watering house plants.

Softened Water

People who have hard water often turn to water softeners to prevent mineral buildup.  Water softeners work by adding sodium carbonate or potassium to the water.  Unfortunately, this excess sodium concentration is not good for plants. Plants do not tolerate sodium, especially at the levels present in softened water.  The high levels of salt can affect the balance of plants, causing them to take in less water than they need to survive.  Eventually, plants that have been watered with soft water will die of thirst.  Additionally, the excess salt will remain in the soil creating an inhospitable environment for future plants.

Additives

While some of the plant water choices are better than others, it seems that all of them have nutritional gaps.  There are a number of additives available to improve the nutrient content of your water.  While many people suggest simply adding sugar or salt to water for faster growth, these will actually hinder growth and could cause root rot.  The best additives to use are those that are specially formulated to stimulate growth in plants.

Testing

If you still aren’t sure which is the best water for plants, testing your water might help you decide. TestAssured offers testing kits that help you evaluate the contents of your water.

They also have a three-in-one soil meter that will show you how your water choice is affecting the soil, which is another critical element in healthy plant growth.  Testing different kinds of water and soil conditions will help you understand what it takes to grow a lush, productive garden.

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What Is Distillation?

Historical accounts of water distillation go back to about AD 200 when people distilled drinking water from seawater.  Distillation is a simple process where water is boiled to produce steam.  The steam is then cooled and condensed into water.  Because the contaminants and minerals are not affected by the temperature it takes to boil water, they are left behind.

You can purchase distilled water, but it is also possible to distill water in your home.  A single-unit distiller is a popular choice for home distillation. It works by heating water in a chamber to produce steam.  The steam then moves from the chamber where it cools and condenses back into water.  Any contaminants remain in the chamber.

Mass produced distilled water is typically made in a multiple-effect vapor compression distiller.  These industrial distillers can convert millions of gallons of water in a single day. They use large-scale boiling chambers, connected by tubes, to turn the water into steam. The next phase is a compressor that condenses the steam back to water and releases it into storage chambers.

Uses for Distilled Water

While distillation can purify water for drinking, it also has a number of other specific uses.

• Scientists prefer working with distilled water for its exceptional purity.
• Distilled water lacks ions making it a good choice to fill cooling systems and the lead-acid batteries used in cars.
• Without trace minerals, distilled water works best in model steam engine boilers and other model engines. The lack of minerals improves efficiency and prevents what is known as boiler scale.
• Distilled water is used in aquariums because the chemical disinfectants common in tap water have been removed.
• Cigar aficionados use distilled water in their humidors to prevent mineral buildup and improve effectiveness.
• Homebrewers choose distilled water for its purity. This ensures that brews do not take on unusual flavor characteristics imparted by water impurities.
• CPAP users should use distilled water because it does not leave residue when the device’s humidifier evaporates water.

How Pure is Distilled Water?

The process of distillation heats water into steam, leaving behind much of the particulate matter that is considered contamination.  There are some pollutants that have a lower boiling point than water. During distillation, the process pushes these vapors into the same chamber as the water vapor. The final product that is in the chamber could still contain some contamination.  While distillation does remove impurities, experts recommend a secondary purification method to compliment the distillation.

One way to measure water purity is by determining how much electricity it can conduct.  Electrical conductivity, or resistance, is measured as it passes through two points in the water. Here are some resistance comparisons measured in ohms:

Benefits of Distilled Water

The biggest benefit you can gain from drinking distilled water is that it is cleaner and purer than tap water. Keep in mind that depending on the type of distillation, it may not remove all contaminants.  If testing showed that the original water source was safe for drinking, then distilling will improve the quality, and it will still be safe for drinking.  However, distillation of non-potable water may not produce water that is safe to drink.  The distillation process may not remove certain chemical compounds such as those found in pesticides.

Should You Distill Your Water?

If your tap water comes from a municipal source, workers regularly test it to ensure that it is safe to drink.  Municipalities do not test water from private water sources.  People with private water, such as wells, are responsible for testing their water source.  No matter where your water comes from, the surest way to know what is in it is to test it.  TestAssured offers a variety of testing kits that will show you exactly what is in your water.  If your water is high in minerals or heavy metals, home distillation may be an option to purify your water.

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