Mineral water is something entirely different. Here the word “mineral” is used in reference to dissolved solids that occur in the water as it is taken from a natural source such as a spring.

These dissolved substances occur in the water because while the water was in the ground it came into contact with mineral and non-mineral materials. Some of those materials were soluble and were dissolved by the water.

To be sold as a “mineral water” a liquid must be water, taken from a natural source, and contain at least 250 parts per million total dissolved solids – that occur naturally in the water.

Natural mineral waters are found at many locations worldwide and vary widely in composition. Under some circumstances the dissolved materials in the water would be considered to be “impurities.” Under other circumstances these waters are bottled and sold to people who believe that the dissolved “minerals” might provide a health benefit.

These health benefits are often unproven, and many natural waters contain dissolved materials that produce undesirable or even poisonous effects if consumed by people or animals.