The most essential nutrient

Water

16 types of water — where each comes from, what it contains, and its benefits and cautions.

Why water matters. Water makes up roughly 60% of the adult body and is needed for nearly every process — circulation, temperature control, digestion, joint cushioning and flushing waste. Most adults need about 6–8 glasses (1.5–2 litres) a day, more in heat or when active. What you drink also carries minerals (and sometimes contaminants), and the mix depends entirely on the source — from treated tap water to spring, mineral, purified and natural sources below.

16 shown

Alkaline water

Treated

Water with a higher pH, either naturally or via an ioniser.

Artesian water

Natural

Water tapped from a confined aquifer under natural pressure.

Deionised water

Purified

Water with charged mineral ions removed by resins.

Distilled water

Purified

Water boiled to steam and re-condensed, leaving impurities behind.

Filtered water

Treated

Tap water passed through a jug, tap or under-sink filter to improve taste.

Glacier / iceberg water

Natural

Water from melted glacial ice, marketed as pure.

Natural mineral water

Natural

A protected, mineral-rich water from an officially recognised underground source.

Purified / reverse-osmosis water

Purified

Water forced through a fine membrane that removes almost everything.

Rainwater

Surface water

Naturally distilled water that falls as rain, but collects contaminants.

River water

Surface water

Water flowing in rivers and streams — not safe to drink untreated.

Sea water

Saline

Ocean water — far too salty to drink without desalination.

Softened water

Treated

Water passed through a home softener to remove hardness minerals.

Sparkling / carbonated water

Natural or treated

Water with carbon dioxide added (or naturally present) for fizz.

Spring water

Natural

Water that rises naturally from an underground source and is bottled at source.

Tap water

Mains

Treated public drinking water piped to homes — safe, cheap and regulated.

Well / borehole water

Groundwater

Private groundwater drawn from a well or borehole.

VitaWhat is an educational reference only. It is not medical advice and is not authoritative. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, supplements or treatment. See how this content is produced in our editorial policy; report an error via the contact page.