The Terminology of Water

As CEO of Hallstein Water, I understand firsthand how challenging it can be for consumers to navigate the intricate world of bottled water. With terms like "spring water", "artesian", "mineral", and "purified" floating around, it’s no wonder people feel overwhelmed when choosing what’s best for their health and lifestyle. The language used across the industry can often be vague or inconsistent, creating confusion about what exactly you're buying. That’s why we have created a comprehensive glossary of bottled water terminology. Our goal is to empower you with clear, straightforward definitions so you can make informed decisions with confidence. Whether you're a casual sipper or a wellness enthusiast, understanding what goes into each bottle ensures you get the quality and benefits you deserve.

1. Sources of Drinking Water

• Artesian Aquifer: Water that is bounded above and below by impermeable layers, trapping water under pressure which - when a well is drilled - will rise without pumping.
• Groundwater: Water found underground in aquifers, typically tapped for wells.
• Surface Water: Water from lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.
• Watershed: An area of land where all the water drains into a particular body of water.
• Wellhead Protection: Safeguarding the area around a well to prevent contamination.
• Artesian Well: A well drilled into an artesian aquifer, allowing water to flow naturally without pumping.
• Artesian Spring: A natural spring that flows to the surface due to pressure within an artesian aquifer. Is exposed to the environment.
• Spring Water: Water from an underground source that flows naturally to the earth’s surface, often containing various minerals.
  

2. Water Quality Terms

• Contaminant: Any physical, chemical, biological, or radiological substance in water.
• Turbidity: The cloudiness or haziness of water caused by particles, measured in NTUs (Nephelometric Turbidity Units).
• Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): The amount of organic and inorganic material dissolved in water.
• pH: A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of water.
• Hardness: The concentration of calcium and magnesium in water.
• Total Coliform: Bacteria presence in water; an indicator of possible pathogens.
• E. coli: A specific type of coliform bacteria often used to indicate fecal contamination.
• Nitrate/Nitrite: Common water contaminants, particularly in agricultural areas.
• Heavy Metals: Toxic elements like lead, mercury, and arsenic found in water.
• Chlorine Residual: Amount of chlorine remaining in water after disinfection.
• Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): The highest level of a contaminant allowed in drinking water by law.
• Carcinogens: Substances known to cause cancer; some water contaminants may be carcinogenic.
• PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances): A group of persistent synthetic chemicals found as contaminants in water.
• Organic Matter: Natural substances in water from plants, animals, or microbes, affecting quality and taste.
• Total Organic Carbon (TOC): The total amount of carbon in organic compounds present in water.
  

3. Water Treatment Processes

• Coagulation and Flocculation: Processes to remove particles by adding chemicals that cause them to clump together.
• Sedimentation: Letting particles settle to the bottom of the water.
• Filtration: Removing particles by passing water through a filter.
• Disinfection: Killing bacteria and viruses using chemicals like chlorine or UV light.
• Reverse Osmosis (RO): A filtration process that removes contaminants by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane.
• Ultraviolet (UV) Treatment: Disinfects water using UV light to kill microorganisms.
• Activated Carbon: Used in filters to remove organic contaminants and improve taste and odor.
• Desalination: Removing salt and other minerals from seawater or brackish water.
• Ionization: A process that uses electric charges to alter the pH and dissolve minerals in water.
  

4. Standards and Regulations

• Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA): U.S. law governing drinking water quality.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The agency that regulates drinking water in the U.S.
• World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines: International non-enforceable guidelines for drinking water quality.
• Public Health Goal (PHG): Health-based contaminant concentration level set by the EPA.
• Primary Drinking Water Standards: Regulations on contaminants that directly affect health.
• Secondary Drinking Water Standards: Guidelines for contaminants that affect water aesthetics like taste, odor, or color.
  

5. Water Testing and Analysis Terms

• Analytical Detection Limit: The smallest concentration of a substance that can be reliably measured.
• Sampling Point: The location where water samples are collected for testing.
• Bioindicator: Organisms used to assess the health of water ecosystems.
• Acid/Base Neutralizing Capacity (ANC): The water's ability to neutralize acids or bases.
• Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD): A measure of the amount of oxygen required to oxidize organic and inorganic materials in water.
• Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD): The amount of dissolved oxygen needed by aerobic organisms to break down organic material.
• Natural Dissolved Oxygen: Oxygen naturally present in water, essential for aquatic life.
  

6. Distribution and Storage

• Distribution System: The network of pipes delivering water to consumers.
• Water Tower/Reservoir: A storage tank used to hold drinking water and maintain pressure.
• Backflow Prevention: Prevents contamination from reversing into the main water supply.
• Cross-Connection: A connection between drinking water and a potential contaminant source, which can lead to contamination.
  

7. Other Key Terms

• Boil Water Advisory: A public announcement advising consumers to boil tap water before drinking due to potential contamination.
• Point-of-Use (POU): Water treatment devices installed at the end-use point, like a kitchen faucet.
• Point-of-Entry (POE): Treatment devices that treat all water entering a building.
• Non-potable Water: Water that is not safe for drinking, as defined by a regulator.
• Water Reuse: The process of treating wastewater for reuse, often in non-drinking applications.
• BPA-Free Plastic: Plastic that does not contain bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical known to disrupt health.
• Distilled Water: Water purified by boiling and condensation to remove impurities.
• Electrolytes: Minerals in water that conduct electricity, including sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
• Vapor Distilled: Water purified by vaporization and condensation for a pure final product.
• Microplastics: Tiny plastic particles in water, often due to pollution, with potential health risks.
• Free Radicals: Unstable atoms or molecules that can damage cells, associated with oxidative stress.
• Exit Temperature: The temperature of water as it emerges from a natural source, often indicating mineral content.
• Glacial Moraine: Accumulations of debris from glaciers, influencing the mineral content of water.
• Raw Water: Untreated water sourced directly from the environment, containing natural minerals and microbes.
• Saline Water: Water with a high concentration of dissolved salts, such as seawater.
• Oxygenated Water: Water infused with additional oxygen molecules, often marketed for health benefits.
• Terroir: The influence of environmental factors on the taste and mineral composition of water.