Water School

Artesian, spring, well and ground water comes from an underground aquifer and may or may not be treated. Well and artesian water are tapped through a well.

• Spring water is collected as it flows to the surface, and ground water can be either.
• Distilled water comes from steam from boiling water that is condensed. Distilling kills microbes and removes minerals, giving water a “flat” taste.
• Drinking water is simply intended for human consumption and can come from a variety of sources, including public water supplies.
• Mineral water is ground water that naturally contains 250 or more parts per million of total dissolved solids.
• Purified water comes from any source but has been treated to meet the U.S. Pharmacopeia definition of purification. It is essentially free of chemicals, dissolved solids, and microbes.
• Sterile water comes from any source but is treated to meet U.S. medical standards for sterilization so it contains no microbes.
• Carbonated, seltzer, tonic, sparkling, and soda water are considered soft drinks and are not regulated like bottled water.