The healthiest water to drink

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The water business is a multimillion-dollar industry with bottled waters becoming the norm in every convenience and grocery store. According to Nestle Waters of North America, bottled water is the fastest-growing segment of America's beverage business and is the fifth-best-selling beverage in the United States. Most people are simply grabbing a bottle of water and drinking it, thinking they are doing a good thing for their body -- but are they?

When choosing water for yourself and your family, you want to ensure that the water you choose is safe (free of bacteria and chemicals), clear and colourless and has no unpleasant odour. Yet with a myriad of options available -- including bottled waters, charcoal filters and in-home systems -- choosing the healthiest water can be a confusing task.

Straight from the tap
There are several types of water to choose from. The worst water to drink is tap water. Tap water, also known as utility water, runs through extensive piping prior to coming out of your faucet. It is often treated with chlorine to kill off unwanted bacteria and may also contain lead or aluminum. In terms of water quality, I do not recommend drinking tap water due to the presence of numerous impurities. In order to determine the state of your tap water (i.e., detection of bacteria or parasites), contact your local health official to have your water tested or bring it in to an independent laboratory for testing. Although the latter will cost you approximately $100, it is well worth the investment.

Charcoal filters
A charcoal filtration system is a step up from tap water and can be found in millions of homes across North America. In a nutshell, charcoal filtration systems catch the "big critters"; however, sometimes the small bacteria and viruses can get through. Also, certain carbon filtration systems do not remove lead. If purchasing for lead removal, purchase a solid block and precoated absorption filter. Charcoal filters must also be changed on a regular basis as the filter will clog up over time and can be a breeding ground for bacteria.

Bottled water
Distilled, reverse osmosis and ionized water are classified as bottled water. Bottled water is extensively regulated on three levels: federal, provincial and industry association. While most tap water is drawn from surface water (lakes, rivers, etc.) that is subject to potential contamination, over 75 per cent of all bottled water originates from protected underground sources.

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