Water types
Water is one of the most valuable resources for the human body. But not all water is the same! There are considerable differences between the types of water, in their origin and, above all, in their quality criteria.
Medicinal water, mineral water, table water, drinking water – do you know exactly what lies behind these terms and how the types of water actually differ?
The properties that each type of water must meet are precisely regulated by law.
Medicinal water
Medicinal water is natural mineral-containing water and one of the oldest natural remedies.
As a rule, medicinal water is rich in natural minerals and trace elements that are easy for the body to utilise.
Bottled natural water only receives official approval as medicinal water once it has been scientifically proven to have a preventive, alleviating or healing effect.
Medicinal water is therefore legally regulated as a medicinal product.
Mineral water
Mineral water (groundwater with special properties) must come from underground water sources and be bottled directly at the spring.
The mineral composition can differ greatly from one spring area to another.
Natural mineral water may only be treated to a limited extent.
Iron or sulphur compounds may be removed. Carbon dioxide may be removed or added using physical processes.
Mineral water is regulated by the German Mineral and Table Water Ordinance.
Spring water
Spring water, also called well water, comes – like mineral water – from naturally or artificially tapped underground deep-water sources.
Spring water may not be treated chemically or by filtration. In return, it must meet all requirements for drinking water.
The legal requirements for extracting, bottling and placing spring water on the market are governed by the German Mineral and Table Water Ordinance. Unlike mineral water, spring water does not require official recognition.
Table water
Table water is not a natural product and may be mixed and bottled industrially from different types of water and ingredients (e.g. minerals).
Table water usually serves as the basis for many soft drinks.
It does not require official recognition, but the hygiene and quality requirements must be met. It is subject to the German Mineral and Table Water Ordinance.
Drinking water
Drinking water is probably the most frequently consumed foodstuff, because it is used for drinking and for preparing food and beverages.
For hygienic reasons, drinking water/tap water may be treated within the legal limits. Responsibility for quality up to the building connection lies with the water supplier; for the rest of the way to the tap, it lies with the property owner.
The requirements for drinking water/tap water are governed by the German Drinking Water Ordinance.