Some like it with sparkling water, others without it. For others, it must be natural or have therapeutic benefits. Not so easy to keep track of the many types of water.
Drinking water
People should drink at least two liters a day so that the body's electrolyte balance remains in balance. Obviously there shouldn't be any water there, it has to have drinking water quality. This means that it must have a certain degree of purity in order to be suitable for human consumption.
It can come from ground, surface, rain or sea water. It is important that it meets the minimum hygienic and microbiological requirements. The so-called drinking water ordinance specifies limit values for substances such as lead, nitrite or sulfite.
Bottled water
Table water is industrially produced and can be made from tap water or natural mineral water. It must not contain the label "natural" since it is not taken from any source. Substances such as brine, salt and carbonic acid can be added, but it does not have to be officially approved. Of course, the manufacturers cannot avoid the hygiene standards and drinking water regulations.
Spring water
As the name suggests, this water must have its source in a proverbial source. However, it has less stringent legal requirements than natural mineral water. Because although spring water sounds like absolute purity, the source does not have to be protected against contamination, according to the consumer advice center. Drinking water quality should be in any case.
Mineral water
Natural mineral water is of original purity and comes from an underground, protected source. Bottling takes place on site or at least in the immediate vicinity. This type of water is subject to the strictest hygiene and quality standards. Only a few treatment procedures are allowed during processing. The Mineral and Table Water Ordinance (MTVO) defines what constitutes a mineral water, how it is packaged and labeled.
Medicinal water
Medicinal water is classified as a medicinal product and must therefore be approved by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices. In order for this to happen, studies and examinations are carried out in advance that demonstrate preventive or healing properties. When, how and in what amounts the water is consumed should best be discussed with a doctor.