Water, the elixir of life, is a finite resource that sustains all living beings on our planet. As the global population surges and environmental challenges intensify, the need to conserve natural mineral water becomes paramount. 

When speaking of water found in nature, one tends to think of rivers, lakes, oceans, and the like. And that is quite unfortunate since a significant portion of the planet's freshwater is stored within underground aquifers. These are crucial in providing water for our agricultural, industrial, and domestic uses. Understanding aquifers and their importance is essential in order to take steps that move the needle in terms of conserving the environment and managing water sustainably. 

Where Does Mineral Water Come From? 

Mineral water can be both naturally occurring as well as manufactured. Natural mineral water originates from the underground sources, often aquifers, where it goes through a distinct journey absorbing minerals like calcium, potassium and magnesium. Since natural mineral water sources are located in the isolated and well-guarded areas underground, they're protected from pollution — preserving the water's purity. 

On the other hand, manufactured mineral water involves adding minerals to purified water to recreate its mineral-rich composition.  

The Nutritional Facts of Mineral Water:

Similar to the usually found plain water, mineral water is considered calorie-free and while the mineral composition differs across different brands — with labels indicating "low" or "high" mineral content — you can expect a few common ones in these water supplies. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, an eight oz. a glass of mineral water contains the following nutrients: 

What Are Aquifers? 

An aquifer is an untouched underground layer of porous or permeable rocks that store and retain groundwater or store and transmit groundwater to wells and springs. They are made of sand, gravel, limestone, or fractured rock. The water within an aquifer is replenished through a process known as "recharge," where precipitation and surface water penetrate the ground, moving through soil and rock layers to reach the aquifer. 

They can be divided into two main types. They are: unconfined and confined aquifers. 

An aquifer is unconfined if it is open to the surface. Their groundwater is in direct contact with the atmosphere and is more prone to contamination. On the bright side, they are easier to recharge. 

Confined aquifers, on the other hand, are closed off above and below by impermeable layers of rock or clay.  These aquifers are typically under higher pressure and can create artesian wells, where water flows to the surface without pumping. They are also protected from contamination and pollutants. 

Importance of Aquifers:

Aquifers are of critical importance for many reasons: 

Mineral Water vs. Tap Water:

While mineral water and tap water contain the trace minerals and dissolved solids, these two types of waters do not come by these minerals similarly. Mineral water must naturally gain its minerals through contact with the earth and sedimentary layers. Conversely, tap water faces several hurdles before it pours its way into the homes and offices. 

Tap water may also come from surface sources — lakes, ponds, rivers — or underground reservoirs. Public water suppliers move this water from the source to treatment plants, where it must undergo chemical disinfection process to make it safe to drink under the Safe Water Drinking Act guidelines. After chemically disinfecting this water, these treatment facilities infuse minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, to the water to give it a better, and a more rounded taste. 

Tap water makes its way to the homes of people via underground pipes. These pipes may impart the water with a lot more minerals and dissolved solids — but both good and bad. The rusted and leaking pipes may also pollute tap water. They can negatively impact not only tap water's drinkability but its safety too. 

Mineral water, however, originates from a natural spring and is bottled at the source. While mineral water often undergoes a comprehensive filtering and processing to remove the potentially harmful substances, this type of water is naturally mineralized. 

In Conclusion: 

Natural mineral water is as pure and as natural as nature intended. So, every time you choose GTG Living Water, you are making a healthy choice for you and the planet. Check out our wide range of naturally sourced mineral water now!