glossary
Age Age is determined by when rain and snow first fell, then went through its natural process before being harvested for bottling.
Artesian Water Water that is harvested from an underground aquifer via a drilled borehole or well. Once the aquifer is tapped, pressure from the surrounding containment rock forces the water up naturally without aid.
Aquifer A large pool of underground water trapped by permeable rock or unconsolidated layers of gravel, sand or silt.
Calcium Stabilizes bone structure, strengthens teeth and cell membranes which ensures nerve and muscle impulses properly transmit.
Deep Sea Water Natural glacier water from Greenland that sank into the ocean over 1,000 years ago, settling into an undersea current known as the Global Conveyor Belt.
Distilled Vaporizing water to remove most of the minerals and impurities. This is considered the oldest technique for purifying water.
Drinking Water Water that does not have any added sweeteners or additives. Drinking water contains no calories and must be sugar free. Anything added to this water such as essence, flavors or extracts must be less than 1% of the product, according the the FDA.
Effervescent This is usually a sophisticated water, with the smallest bubbles possible. These waters tend to lose their sparkle quickly, and are basically just a notch above a still water.
Glacier Water Originating from large persistent bodies of ice that form from the accumulation of snow and remains frozen for many years, often centuries. Glaciers are like frozen rivers moving slowly over the years. Monitoring changes in glaciers is a good way to measure climate change.
Grade Rating caféHydrate grades all products in the guide based on strict criteria. Quality and purity, availability of information, marketing and packaging.
Hardness Determined by combining (calcium x 2.5) + (magnesium x4) the total is the hardness. Hardness is a large factor in the taste of a water. Lower levels are softer, higher levels are harder.
Hard Water Harder waters contain higher levels of calcium and magnesium. See Hardness.
Iceberg Water Water harvested from ancient glaciers that have broken off and are floating in the ocean. Icebergs tend to shift and roll frequently making harvesting a dangerous process.
Magnesium This mineral plays important role in the structure and the function of the human body. It regulates muscle contractions and the transmission of nerve impulses as well as activates energy-producing enzymes. Magnesium is also required for bone structure and expands blood vessels.
mg/l Milligrams per liter.
Mineral Water In order for water to be called mineral water it must naturally contain (none added) at least 250 ppm (parts per million) of TDS (total dissolved solids) and originate form a geologically and physically protected source.
ND Not detected.
Nitrates Nitrates come from fertilizer, animal waste, decaying plant matter, septic tanks, or sewage treatment systems. Higher levels mean the water has been compromised and can cause health problems. We haven’t run across any products that would cause a reason to be alarmed.
NR Not reported.
ppm Parts per million is the equivalent to one milligram per liter of water (mg/l).
Potassium Aids the growth of cells, monitoring the pressure of water between cells and makes sure each cell gets enough food. Also plays a part in muscle contraction and building and maintaining impulses to the heart.
Pure Water Marketing leads us to believe the purer the water the better. However, most waters contain minerals which we all need. Drinking a water that is considered “pure” with very low or no minerals is not necessarily better for you.
Rain Water Rain drops falling from the sky are harvested before they hit the ground. This water has a very low mineral content and is considered very young often bottled the same week it’s harvested.
Reverse Osmosis Water is forced through a rubber membrane in the filtration process.
Silica An energizing nutrient, silica also helps reduces the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.
Sodium Affects the hearts metabolism and most people don’t need to worry about getting enough sodium as it is prevalent in many foods especially processed ones.
Soft/Softness Softer waters contain lower levels of calcium and magnesium. See Hardness.
Spring Water Requires little or no processing. This water naturally flows from its underground source. If spring is taped via borehole the water must contain the same physical properties as from the original natural flowing source to be called Spring.
Sparkling Water Any type of water that contains natural from the source or added C02 (carbonation) of some amount.
Sulfates Salts made of sulfur which aid the liver in detox functions and stimulate the gall bladder.
TDS Total dissolved solids, the cumulative amount of minerals in a water. Under 50 mg/l is considered extremely low. 200-800mg/l is considered a medium amount.
Verginess How protected the water is from its surroundings and the level of nitrates found in the water. The more protected, the better and lower levels of nitrates are superior.
Vintage Is determined by when rain and snow first fell, then went through its natural process before being harvested for bottling. It’s the age of the water.
Well Water A mechanical pump taps underground aquifers for harvesting.