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Bottled waters: the differences

All waters sold for drinking in the UK are safe to consume. However, in order to make an informed choice about what it is you are drinking, it is useful to understand the differences between the various categories of water. These differences between waters become ever more complicated. So to make things simple here’s a quick guide to what’s what. There are six types of liquid that may be labelled ‘water’. However two of these are, in fact, soft drinks.

Bottled Waters
There are three types of bottled water: Natural Mineral Water, Spring Water and Table waters (referred to in law as ‘Other’ bottled water). These are all governed by special regulations (see ‘The law governing bottled waters’ section). These waters are stringently regulated by the Food Standards Agency.

- Natural Mineral Water
- Spring Water
- Table Water

Tap Water
Before it reaches our taps, the water companies treat mains water to neutralise it and add disinfecting agents such as chlorine. Domestic filtration removes some of the chlorine and temporary hardness so that taste may improve.

Whether you choose tap water or bottled is just a matter of whether you like your water chemically cleansed or naturally clean.

Soft Drinks
Some soft drinks are liable to be confused with ‘water’ because they use the word in the name. However, as soon as you add minerals, carbohydrate, vitamins, flavourings or sweeteners to water, it becomes a soft drink. The two most common categories are Flavoured waters and Functional waters. Many meet specific health or sports needs or just taste appealing but these drinks may contain sugar and may be higher in calories than their appearance suggests.