The facts on mineral content in water

Not all water is created equal. There is hard water, soft water, tap water and bottled water.  It is also important to note that not all water sources have the same mineral content.  The minerals found in water greatly depend on the source, or type of water, and they can also affect the taste and use of the water. Hard water and soft water Hard water is defined as water that comes up to the ground’s surface from water springs.  Because of its origin, hard water contains many minerals, like calcium and magnesium, that it gets from the ground.  Hard water also has sodium, but in lesser amounts than the sodium contained in soft water.  Many people think that hard water is a better-tasting alternative when it comes to different types of drinking water. Soft water is defined as water derived from the ground’s surface, such as rain water from reservoirs and excess rain water from streams, etc.  Soft water has less mineral content than hard water, and the main mineral in soft water is sodium.  It's know to leave fewer water deposits around water fixtures, such as faucets, sinks, showers and tubs, and using soft water to bathe and clean requires less soap than with hard water.  Some people install water softeners and prefer using soft water for bathing and cleaning, while using hard water for drinking and cooking. Tap water and bottled water The mineral fluoride is sometimes added to tap water, and can also be found in some bottled water and water dispensers, however Eden do not add fluoride to our water. The right amount of fluoride can aid in the prevention of tooth decay, or cavities, however a degree of caution should be exercised as too much fluoride has been known to cause what is called 'dental fluorosis'.  Dental fluorosis is a discolouring or marking of the enamel of the tooth, and is particularly caused by an excessive amount of fluoride consumed during a child’s teeth-forming years.  The good news is that dental fluorosis is mainly a cosmetic worry, and not a health concern. When it comes down to it, minerals are necessary for health but as with anything, too much of a good thing is never healthy. It is always wise to check the mineral content of the water you drink. The calcium, magnesium and sodium found in water are all beneficial to our health, but you don't want too much sodium or fluoride. Some research has raised questions about the risks of added fluoride, but if it is found naturally in the water, it is considered to be within safe limits. Image: cybergibbons/Flickr