10 Types of Bottled Water

• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates bottled drinking water to assure the safety of the water, sanitary conditions when treating and packaging water, and to protect water sources and check for contaminants. There are several different types of bottled water depending on the source of the water, the way the water is treated and any additives to the water.

Artesian Water

• Artesian water is acquired from a confined aquifer where the water level is at a height above the aquifer. Water from a confined aquifer is located between two underground rock beds, creating a high pressure. While these rock beds do help keep contaminants out of the water, they also make removing contaminants that have been introduced through wells or natural seepage very difficult.

Flavored and Nutrient-Added Water

• Water containing flavorings and/or added nutrients like vitamins are a newer type of bottled water. The FDA states that these waters must still meet its requirements for bottled water if the name of the product contains the word "water." Therefore, the type of water (i.e. spring) must still be specified and any added ingredients to the water must meet FDA requirements and be listed on the ingredient label.

Fluoridated Water

• Water sold as "nursery" or "infant" water often has fluoride added. The amount of fluoride added must comply with the FDA Code of Federal Regulations. Fluoride actually occurs naturally in some water sources in and around California and is thought to prevent tooth decay at optimal levels. However, there are concerns about cancer risk that make fluoridated water a controversial topic.

Ground Water

• Bottled water which comes from ground water comes from a source that is both underground and under a pressure that is "equal to or greater than atmospheric pressure," according to NSF International.

Mineral Water

• Bottled water made from mineral water contains only naturally occurring minerals originating from a protected underground source of water. The water is acquired at a bore hole or spring.

Purified Water

• Purified bottled water can be created in four ways: by distillation, demineralization, deionization or through reverse osmosis. These processes are meant to remove any toxins or naturally occurring additives, such as minerals and must meet standards of the United States Pharmocopoeia.

Sparkling Water

• Bottled sparkling water should contain an amount of carbon dioxide equal to what it had originally, although this gas may be removed and then re-added after the water is treated. The FDA considers waters with added carbonation, club soda, tonics, and seltzers to be soft drinks and are regulated under the FDA soft drink guidelines.

Spring Water

• Natural springs, where water comes to the surface by itself from underground, provide the water for bottled spring water.

Sterile Water

• Sterile bottled water must meet requirements for sterility test by the United States Pharmocopoeia. Sterile water is most often used for medical procedures, not for drinking water.

Well Water

• Wells are created by drilling a hole into the ground to access underground water.