Water is the single largest component in the human body and so vital to our everyday bodily functions that water, itself, is considered a nutrient. A universal ingredient, water is the foundation of all beverages and is a fundamental component of numerous foods, especially fruits and vegetables.
Bottled Water: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) describes bottled water as water that is intended for human consumption and that is sealed in bottles or other containers with no added ingredients, except that it may contain a safe and suitable antimicrobial agent. Fluoride may also be added within the limits set by the FDA.
Spring Water: Water that comes from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface of the earth. Spring water must be collected only at the spring or through a borehole tapping the underground formation feeding the spring.
Purified Water: Water that has been processed using methods such as distillation, deionization, reverse osmosis or other suitable processes to meet the criteria for purified water.
Mineral Water: Water containing no less than 250 parts per million (ppm) total dissolved solids. Mineral water is distinguished from other types of bottled water by its constant level and relative proportions of mineral and trace elements at the point it emerges directly from the source.
Well Water: Water from a hole bored or drilled into the ground, which taps into an aquifer (an underground layer of rock or sand that naturally contains water).
Artesian Water: Water originating from a well that taps a confined aquifer in which the water level stands at some height above the top of the aquifer.
Tap Water: Water that comes directly from a community water utility to your faucet or tap.
Sparkling Bottled Water: Water that after treatment, and possible replacement with carbon dioxide, contains the same amount of carbon dioxide that it had when initially emerging from the source. Sparkling bottled waters may also be flavored, using natural or artificial flavors.
Tonic Water: Carbonated water flavored with quinine and a sweetener like sugar, high fructose corn syrup or low-calorie sweetener. Quinine, from the bark of the cinchona tree, is used as the base flavor in most bitters.
Flavored Water Beverage: Flavored, non-carbonated beverages that are very lightly flavored and sweetened with low-calorie sweeteners. They may also contain additional ingredients.