Spring water is one of the best-tasting forms of natural mineral water. It is also a healthy alternative to drinking tap water.
The source of spring water comes from natural underground aquifers that are recharged by rainfall or a flow path through rock. The amount of groundwater that flows from a spring depends on a few factors, including the size of the caverns within the rocks, the rate at which rainwater penetrates the rock and the pressure inside the aquifer.
Springs are formed when water dissolves a layer of rock by contacting weak carbonic acid in the bedrock. This process can take tens to hundreds of thousands of years. The water then enters a fracture, cuts sideways and hollows out more rock, eventually admitting airspace.
A spring may be formed in any type of rock, but the karst topography of the Ozark Mountains of Missouri is the most common place to find a spring. In this region, springs are often found in limestone or dolomite, both of which break easily and allow water to flow freely.
In some cases, the aquifer where a spring is located contains pockets of ancient seawater. This can affect the quality of the water that is discharged by a spring.
When a spring does not have access to the surface, it must be protected and managed to ensure that its outflow remains unpolluted. This includes installing a waterbox and constructing a surface drainage diversion ditch or berm at least 50 feet uphill from the spring to divert any flooding away from it.
As with any water supply, the level of contaminants in a spring can vary depending on the location and the geology of its surrounding area. Typically, these include arsenic, copper, lead, iron and uranium.
Some bottled spring water is treated with chemicals to improve its taste and shelf life. However, these processes can contaminate the water and destroy many of the beneficial probiotic bacteria that naturally occur in springs.
To avoid this problem, you should choose a spring that has been tested and verified as safe. You should look for a company that does not use chemicals to treat the water and does not alter its chemical or mineral composition.
Another important factor is the water’s pH. Pure spring water has a balanced pH, which is essential to good health.
The mineral content of spring water can vary widely, but generally speaking, it is high in calcium and magnesium. These minerals are important for many biochemical reactions in the body.
A good source of spring water will have a balanced pH and low levels of ionized chlorine. This is important for avoiding certain cancers and other diseases related to the buildup of free radicals in the body.
Moreover, it will be free of any dangerous microbes or parasites. This makes it a great choice for families that want to avoid contaminated water from municipal systems.
Although bottled spring water is readily available, it can be difficult to find a reliable source. It is better to purchase a local source from a trusted company that will be able to monitor the quality of its water and guarantee that it meets the highest standards of safety.