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When You Want Water That's Really Just Water

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Chicago Tribune

Published: October 18, 2007

Don't be fooled. Just because it's called "water" and comes in a bottle doesn't mean it's "bottled water." Most fortified drinks are actually "water beverages."

If you really want "bottled water," it must be "intended for human consumption and sealed in bottles or other containers with no added ingredients," except for antimicrobial agents and fluoride, according to the Food and Drug Administration, which regulates bottled water as a food.

We know it's confusing. So here's what to look for if you want old-fashioned bottled water, according to the FDA:

1. Artesian water

Comes from a well that taps a "confined aquifer," or groundwater below a layer of solid rock or clay. The water level stands at some height above the top of the aquifer. Examples: Evamore, Fiji.

2. Mineral water

Contains dissolved minerals or gases and must have at least "250 parts per million total dissolved solids," according to the FDA. It has to originate from a geologically and physically protected underground water source. Ironically, The FDA stipulates that no minerals may be added to mineral water. Example: Evian.

3. Purified water

Produced by distillation, deionization, reverse osmosis or other suitable purification processes. Also look for "demineralized water," "deionized water," "distilled water" and "reverse osmosis water." Example: Perfect.

4. Sparkling bottled water

After treatment and possible replacement of carbon dioxide, contains the same amount of carbon dioxide that it had at emergence from the source. Examples: Perrier, San Pellegrino.

5. Spring water

Groundwater that may rise to the surface through a natural opening in the earth or rock. Note: The water is not necessarily collected in a bucolic setting. Example: Ice Mountain, Poland Spring.

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