WATER TYPES
Water is essential for the human body. But not all water is the same. There are significant differences between types of water, their origins and, above all, the quality standards they must meet.
Medicinal water, mineral water, table water, drinking water – do you know exactly what these terms mean and how the different types of water differ?
These terms are not interchangeable: legislation precisely defines the requirements and characteristics that each type of water must meet.
Healing water
Medicinal water is naturally occurring water from protected underground sources. Due to its geological origin, it may contain characteristic concentrations of minerals and trace elements.
In Germany, medicinal water (Heilwasser) is a legally defined category and is distinct from natural mineral water. A water may only be marketed as Heilwasser after its quality, composition and claimed health effects have been scientifically assessed and the required official authorization has been granted.
To obtain authorization, evidence must demonstrate the water’s preventive, alleviating or therapeutic properties for the stated uses. Its composition and purity are subject to strict quality requirements and regular monitoring.
Unlike ordinary drinking water or natural mineral water, German Heilwasser is subject to pharmaceutical law. Its specific properties depend on its source and mineral composition, which may include minerals and naturally occurring constituents such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, bicarbonate, sulfate or other trace elements.
Medicinal waters have a long tradition of use in European spa and drinking-cure culture and continue to be used today according to their individual composition and officially recognized properties.
mineral water
Natural mineral water originates from protected underground water sources and is characterized by its natural purity and distinctive mineral composition.
It must be bottled directly at the source. Its composition depends on the geological characteristics of the source area, which means that the type and concentration of naturally occurring minerals and trace elements can vary significantly from one mineral water to another.
Natural mineral water may only undergo a limited number of specifically permitted treatments. Certain unstable constituents, such as iron or sulfur compounds, may be removed under defined conditions. Carbon dioxide may also be removed or added using permitted processes. Treatments that would fundamentally alter the water’s characteristic mineral composition are not allowed.
In Germany, natural mineral water is regulated by the Mineral- und Tafelwasser-Verordnung (MTVO) and must receive official recognition before it can be marketed as natural mineral water.
Unlike medicinal water (Heilwasser), natural mineral water is legally classified as a food. Its special status is based primarily on its underground origin, natural purity and characteristic composition.
spring water
Spring water (Quellwasser) originates from underground water resources and must be bottled directly at the source.
Like natural mineral water, it comes from an underground source. However, spring water does not require the official recognition that is mandatory for natural mineral water.
Spring water must meet the applicable quality requirements for drinking water. Only treatments permitted under the relevant regulations may be used, ensuring that the water remains suitable for human consumption.
In Germany, the extraction, bottling and marketing of spring water are regulated by the Mineral- und Tafelwasser-Verordnung (MTVO).
The main difference between spring water and natural mineral water lies in their legal requirements: natural mineral water must be officially recognized and meet specific requirements concerning its origin and natural characteristics, while spring water can be marketed without such official recognition, provided that all applicable quality and hygiene requirements are met.
Table water
Table water is a manufactured drinking water and, unlike natural mineral water, does not have to originate from a specific underground source.
It may be produced by combining different types of water and permitted ingredients, such as drinking water, natural mineral water, seawater or mineral salts, in accordance with applicable regulations. Its mineral composition can therefore be adjusted during production.
Table water may be bottled at different locations and does not require the official recognition that is required for natural mineral water.
In Germany, table water (Tafelwasser) is regulated by the Mineral- und Tafelwasser-Verordnung (MTVO) and must comply with the applicable quality, hygiene and composition requirements.
Unlike natural mineral water, table water is therefore not defined by a particular natural source or its original mineral composition, but by the requirements governing its production and quality.
drinking water
Drinking water (Trinkwasser) is water intended for human consumption. It is used not only for drinking, but also for preparing food and beverages and for other household purposes where water quality is particularly important.
Unlike natural mineral or spring water, drinking water may originate from different sources, including groundwater, surface water or a combination of water resources. Where necessary, it may undergo treatment to ensure that it meets the required microbiological, chemical and physical quality standards.
In Germany, the quality of drinking water, including tap water, is subject to strict legal requirements under the Trinkwasserverordnung (TrinkwV). Regular monitoring ensures that the applicable limits and quality requirements are met.
Responsibility for drinking water quality is divided between the water supplier and the operator or owner of the building's drinking-water installation. The precise responsibilities depend on where the water is within the supply and building installation system.
Unlike bottled natural mineral water, drinking water does not need to originate from a specific natural source or have a characteristic mineral composition. Its defining requirement is that it is safe and suitable for human consumption.