5 Types of Water and How They Differ

Have you ever wondered about different types of water and how they compare and contrast with one another? For instance, how is distilled water different from drinking water (or is it?)? Some differences are more evident than others, but they can still be confusing. For this reason, Indy Soft Water – Carmel reviews five types of water and how they compare and contrast.

1. Tap Water

Tap water is water that comes out of your home’s faucets and water spigots. The water source could be city water or a well. Thus, tap water isn’t determined by its origin. Instead, it represents water that flows from the source through your faucets without any additional residential water treatment and filtration.  

2. Distilled Water

The distilling process involves boiling water, collecting the steam it creates and condensing the steam into liquid form. The procedure removes both impurities and natural minerals. However, water needs minerals to maintain its balance, leading to additional considerations. 

If your water supply is contaminated, you can substitute distilled water. However, distilled water naturally absorbs needed minerals from other sources. For example, distilled water sitting in a plastic container can absorb toxins and chemicals from the plastic over time. Moreover, pure, distilled water can absorb small amounts of minerals from your body instead of the other way around. While you probably wouldn’t want this to be your primary drinking water, you can drink it from time to time, and it would be better than any contaminated water supply.

3. Spring Water

Spring water comes from a natural, underground source that rises to the surface. However, manufacturers often collect the water from its source. The spring water generally goes through a filtration process to remove impurities. At the same time, the natural minerals remain. 

4. Filtered Water

Sometimes homeowners choose to filter water that originates from a municipal source. Filtered water generally removes chlorine; however, the filtration process falls along a spectrum. Therefore, the water’s purity after filtration can vary widely.

Purified water can be treated and filtered in different ways. Reverse osmosis, distillation, and deionization are all examples of different types of purification processes. The type of purification and number of processes determine how many minerals and microbes remain.

5. Soft Water

While most of the types of water we’ve covered remove contaminants, impurities, and minerals, they don’t remove limescale. If your issue is limescale, you probably have hard water. If so, a soft water system can help. Hair build-up and water spots are two indicators that you’re dealing with hard water. 

Would Your Home Benefit From Water Treatment?

Many types of water exist, as do filtration and softening methods. In addition, you can treat water at the tap, using a whole house system, or install a separate point-of-use system. If you want to treat your water but you’re not sure where to start, Indy Soft Water can help. Contact us at (317) 228-9822 for service in Carmel, Fishers, and the surrounding area today.