"What's in that water?"​ And why you should care.

Most of us know that staying hydrated is a vital part of our overall health and survival. The amount of water needed to keep our body running at its best can vary by age, gender, environment, and physical activity. But have you asked, why water?

Let's take a closer look at exactly what goes into what we believe is the best and healthiest water in the world.

Drinking Water Like No Other

My family collaborated with scientists and water experts to establish what we call the “8 core parameters” that define the best drinking water. Hallstein Water was born out of determination, passion, and a desire to redefine what true water quality looks like. 

These 8 parameters became our foundation for finding the world’s best drinking water, using unique grading criteria and methodology never before implemented. Lab testing revealed that no other commercially available drinking water met all 8 of these criteria. 

The 8 Facets of Hallstein’s Superior Water Quality - the “Hallstein Octagon”

1. Low Exit Temperature

Temperature plays a significant role in several factors that impact water quality. Hallstein leverages nature’s own tap, drawing water from deep wells 700 feet (214 meters) below the surface. Testing revealed that exit temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius (45°F) yielded the best results in eliminating potential contamination. Hallstein’s water exit temperature naturally comes out at a perfectly cold 5.6°C (41°F) throughout the year.

2. High Natural Alkalinity

Proper alkalinity in water can have positive effects on the body and can be imperative to many bodily functions, making natural alkaline water a valuable health aid for balancing acidity taken into the body.

Natural freshwater pH levels vary widely depending on source location, human activity, and other natural processes. Water with a very high or very low pH can signal contamination and pollutants or naturally occurring heavy metals, which can lead to health concerns.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the pH of water intended for drinking should range between 6.5-8.5. However, evidence suggests that staying closer to 8.5 is optimal to achieve the most health benefits.

For example, one study demonstrated alkaline water’s ability to reduce and improve symptoms of acid reflux. Another study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine in 2001 showed that alkaline water has a positive impact on health for people with high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Still, there is such a thing as “too much alkalinity.”

This research and other studies indicate potential health benefits of alkaline water and influenced Hallstein’s efforts to find the optimal pH for their water source–Hallstein Artesian Water measures in at a pH of 8.3.

3. Low Sodium Levels

Sodium has the unique ability to impact pH levels of water, as do other minerals, making it a commonly used cheap additive for water companies to boost pH. We know this is not only unnecessary but unhealthy. According to the Harvard School of Public Health and the American Heart Association, excess sodium intake can contribute to or increase the risk for:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Puffiness, weight gain and bloating
• Stroke
• Kidney stones
• Stomach cancer
• Osteoporosis and more.

Have you ever thought of how much “hidden” sodium you consume? Did you know that most commercially available waters identifying themselves as “high alkaline” are engineered to be so with the addition of sodium? Despite the myriad of health concerns, most Americans still consume too much sodium in their diets, making “hidden” sodium sources in water a scary proposition.

At Hallstein, we never add sodium to our already optimally balanced pH water that naturally contains just 0.15mg/l of sodium.

4. High in Dissolved Oxygen

Why is this important? High levels (10 mg/l or higher) of dissolved oxygen contribute to a superbly fresh taste. Hallstein Water has a dissolved oxygen concentration greater than 10 mg/l, a reliable indicator of purity and freshness in addition to enhancing the taste. There are also indications that faster recovery time after exercise may be a significant potential benefit from a high DO content. 

5. Low Total Organic Carbon

Organic Carbon levels present in water are a standard measurement of purity. Organic Carbon matter often serves as “food” for bacteria, increasing the risk of water-borne illness and unpleasant off-flavors. At most, organic carbon levels present in water meant for drinking should not exceed 0.15 mg/l. Hallstein’s TOC score comes in naturally at a minuscule 0.09 mg/l.

6. Minimal Nitrate Levels

Nitrate is a naturally occurring compound created when nitrogen combines with oxygen or ozone. At high levels, nitrate can be dangerous to health. The Minnesota State Department of Health cites the following health concerns related to high nitrate levels in drinking water sources:

• Anemia
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Headaches
• Stomach cramps and/or vomiting
• Increased heart rate
• Metabolic problems and more.

Neither the FDA nor the EPA regulates nitrate levels in drinking water - aka your tap water - to the extent that they should. Given the growing body of literature suggesting a number of health hazards, this is concerning.

Hallstein Water, by contrast, is low in nitrate levels. Hallstein is systematically tested to ensure we don't exceed 3 mg/l, and even averages 1.83 mg/l. 

7. Moderate Total Dissolved Solids

Drinking water can be a good source of natural minerals, some of which enhance flavor and freshness. But there is a limit to the amount that is both beneficial and healthy. High levels (over 250 mg/l) can negatively impact flavor as well as contribute negatively to health, essentially depositing minerality. Levels that are very low, below 50 mg/l, can flush the good and bad out of your body. 

Hallstein Water has a moderate TDS level of 84 mg/l. This sits within the range we found to be most optimal: 50-250 mg/l; a perfect balance that contributes to freshness and enhanced taste while staying well within the levels suggested for safety and health.

8. 2:1 Calcium to Magnesium Ratio

For our bodies to best absorb calcium and magnesium, both elements need to be present in a 2:1 ratio. Hallstein Water naturally has the ideal 2:1 ratio of each, meaning optimal absorption and utilization of both minerals when consumed.

UNFILTERED. UNTREATED. UNCOMPROMISED.

While other water companies work to add, remove, or process their water to improve its quality, Hallstein strives to improve the quality of life for our customers by providing a sustainable and healthy product. At the same time, our business endeavors to use the least amount of resources possible to where in the near future we are as sustainable on our operations as with our quality and source. 

Hallstein is 100% pure, passing through natural limestone, filled directly into the bottle from the purest source. We don’t want to hinder what Mother Nature produces!

• Sourced from a deep artesian well
• No pumping
• No artificial treatment or filtration
• No additives

A Difference You Can Feel and Taste

Our clients constantly tell us how they’re actually able to drink water now! This shouldn’t come as a surprise because Hallstein’s unique composition of dissolved oxygen, minerals, pH and more offers a delectable, soft, velvety texture and mouthfeel like no other. From the first sip to the last drop, the difference is unmistakable. 

Exclusivity By Necessity and Quality Over Profit

As a company and as a family, we aren’t interested in “mass production” of sub-par drinking water. We remain steadfastly committed to providing the world’s best drinking water. To do so, we have committed to limited subscriptions of our sustainably sourced water to ensure we never sacrifice quality for production and profits.