What is the best drinking water in Australia?

Best Types of Drinking Water in Australia

Water – it is the life-preserving compound that every living thing on planet Earth needs to survive. Consistently consuming the best quality and quantity of drinking water will lubricate our joints, regulate our body temperature, support our metabolism, remove waste from our tissues, help improve mood, reduce fatigue and offer many more benefits to keep our bodies functioning at peak efficiency every day.

In Australia, we are fortunate enough to enjoy treated drinking water in our homes. With structured government guidelines in place and the availability of effective water filters, testing, and technology, we can enjoy a higher quality of water than many other countries around the world.

As research progresses and public awareness grows around the benefits of drinking ‘clean’ water, the popularity of different types of water is increasing. This, of course, then raises the question: what is clean water and what is the best drinking water available in Australia?

Finding the best types of water to drink can have such a life-changing impact. To help you find an answer to this all-important question, we have provided a simple breakdown of the different types of drinking water that you can enjoy in Australia.

Tap Water

Likely the most readily available, tap water is becoming increasingly questioned as our primary water source. In Australia, the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines ensure that our public water is treated in a way that is considered safe to drink across the country. It is also cheaper and much more convenient than other types of water on this list, and for that reason, this option may be considered the best value for money drinking water available for many.

However, regardless of guidelines and testing, there is a potential risk associated with the chemicals and compounds used in water treatment, as well as the growing pollution problem impacting water sources like lakes and reservoirs, and increasing concerns around microplastics. A way to potentially counteract these risks and put your mind at ease is to invest in a high quality water filter designed to purify and remineralise the water in your home. 

Mineral Water

Often considered one of the best types of drinking water, as the name suggests, mineral water contains some of the essential minerals your body needs every day, including magnesium and calcium. These minerals within this type of water can help with digestion, inflammation and offers a unique taste to enjoy.

Unfortunately, most commerical mineral waters available do not contain adequate levels or range of minerals our bodies require, the cost of such products can be prohibitive particularly when compared to tap water. Also, for those enjoying a healthy, balanced diet, mineral water may not contribute many benefits in relation to added minerals.

Sparkling Water

For those who enjoy something different, sparkling water may be a positive alternative to sugary carbonated drinks. Infused with carbon dioxide gas while under pressure, sparkling water provides a fizzy sensation without the usual sugar content found in carbonated beverages. Carbonated water is actually acidic water 3-4 pH! For those looking for cost-effective drinking water that will also improve their wellbeing, this is unlikely to be the choice for you.

This type of water carries an even higher cost, without providing any additional health benefits.

Boiled Water

The most traditional means of purifying water, boiling water is a relatively simple and cost-effective way of removing bacteria from regular tap water that may make a person unwell.

The process can be time-consuming, though, and the boiling process can result in a duller taste. It also will not remove substances like chlorine from tap water and other nasty heavy metals and pollutants, meaning that there are still longer term potential health risks connected to its consumption. 

Distilled Water

This is essentially water that has been boiled to produce steam, which is then collected and converted back into a liquid. Distilled water is useful for those living somewhere where the main water supply is undrinkable due to contamination.

Lacking any vitamins or minerals, distilled water offers no health benefits and can even potentially pull minerals away from parts of the body. Depending on how long it has been exposed to air, the pH reading of distilled water can range anywhere between 5.5 and 6.9 (acidic rather than alkaline). 

Spring Water

As this type of water is claimed to be bottled directly from a water source like a natural spring, it should be largely clean and free of contaminants. A popular water choice, spring water is easily accessible with most stores carrying several well-known brands.

As with any bottled water option, spring water carries a cost that tap water does not. Also, the raw, unfiltered varieties could pose a potential health risk to consumers, depending on what may be found within the water. There are also longer-term sustainability concerns with bottled water and its impact on our environment.

Purified Water

Purified water refers to the types of groundwater which have been treated to remove any contaminants to make it safe for consumption. It does not, however, contain any of the potentially beneficial components found in regular tap water.

Flavoured Water

This  alternative to regular tap water can be achieved in many ways, from adding syrups, infusing with fruits and vegetables, or artificial flavourings. This can add a bit of variety to an otherwise routine water intake, even encouraging some people to drink more throughout the day.

The downside is that many flavoured waters contain sugars and sweeteners that can have negative health impacts. They also carry a cost, varying with different brands and qualities. 

Alkaline Water

With a higher pH level depending on the alkaline water brand or type it can contain a range of essential minerals (also called electrolytes) that provide health benefits for the body. Alkaline Water ideal for hydration is better defined as Alkaline Mineral Water (water with a balanced range of alkaline minerals/electrolytes supporting cellular hydration).

A lot of research has been done and continues to be done in this area, it is believed that alkaline (mineral) water can affect the aging process and even contribute to preventing cancer. Our zazen Alkaline Water System with an average pH of 7.4 – 8.5pH (depending on your source water) helps to provide your home with access to hydrating alkaline mineral water every day.

Consistently drinking a high alkaline (>10pH) (as produced by Ionizer technology)  could potentially reduce stomach acidity, affecting its ability to protect against harmful bacteria.

Find Your Way to the Best Drinking Water in Australia with zazen 

Each of these different types of drinking water will appeal to different individuals across Australia. With their own variety of pros and cons, there is no one ‘right’ type of drinking water to recommend as the best drinking water in Australia. Instead, it is important to understand the methods and processes that take place to provide safe drinking water, weighing up the potential benefits and risks to your own health. Armed with this understanding, you will be able to make informed decisions about finding the best water to drink for you and your family, as well as exploring the different options available to ensure you have enough safe, quality drinking water in your life. 

At zazen Water, our philosophy has created our design providing water that is clean and free of contaminants and chemicals; containing a balanced range of alkaline minerals for absorption by the body, and structured for optimal hydration at the cellular level. It is this  blending of eastern and western perspectives  emulating the water cycle of mother nature, made more readily available to homes across Australia. Learn more about the zazen Alkaline Water System and how it can benefit your family. Contact us today for more information about how you can enjoy some of the best drinking water in Australia.