Irrespective of what the natural water sources are, all kinds of water have some amount of mineral in them, varying in concentration. These minerals are essential in maintaining the overall mineral balance in our body. While this is not to say that we solely rely on water for our mineral intake, it does help that we ensure that there are enough minerals in our drinking water. 

Some kinds of water purification systems strip water off these minerals like the reverse osmosis. To negate this many of the modern purification systems however offer a remineralization mechanism within the purifier. Did this get you curious enough to want to find out what all minerals does our water have and what are the recommended levels ? Here is everything you want to know about the minerals in water.

The Importance of Minerals in Drinking Water

Minerals in water are more than just microscopic elements—they are essential to the body's daily functions. Calcium aids in maintaining strong bones, preventing conditions like osteoporosis. Magnesium, often overlooked, is crucial for muscle relaxation and nerve function, helping to reduce stress and fatigue. Meanwhile, potassium and sodium act as electrolytes, balancing body fluids and supporting proper heart function.

Did you know? The human body requires about 1,000 mg of calcium daily, and drinking mineral-rich water can contribute to that intake. Studies indicate that populations consuming naturally hard water (rich in calcium and magnesium) have a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases compared to those drinking soft or demineralized water. On the other hand, excessive sodium in water can lead to high blood pressure, making it essential to strike the right balance.

While purified water removes harmful contaminants, it’s also important to ensure that essential minerals aren’t stripped away in the process. Whether through naturally sourced mineral water or a remineralization process, maintaining the right mineral content in drinking water is essential for optimal hydration and health.

Recommended Mineral Content in Drinking Water

Water quality isn’t just about purity—it’s also about the right balance of essential minerals. Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provide guidelines on the recommended mineral content in drinking water to ensure optimal health.

Here’s a general breakdown of the recommended concentrations for key minerals in drinking water:

Water sources vary across regions, which means the mineral content of tap water, groundwater, and bottled water differs significantly. For example, regions with hard water (high in calcium and magnesium) often have naturally higher mineral concentrations, whereas areas relying on desalinated or purified water may require remineralization to maintain a healthy balance.

Mineral Water vs. Tap Water: Which is Better?

When choosing between mineral water and tap water, the main difference lies in mineral content, taste, and purity. While tap water is widely available and treated for safety, mineral water naturally contains essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which can provide added health benefits.

Mineral Content & Health Benefits

Mineral water is sourced from natural springs and contains a higher concentration of beneficial minerals than most tap water. Calcium supports strong bones, magnesium aids muscle and nerve function, and potassium helps regulate heart health. Many bottled mineral waters also contain bicarbonates and sulfates, which can aid digestion and improve hydration.

On the other hand, tap water undergoes treatment processes that may remove or alter its natural mineral balance. Some municipal water supplies add fluoride and chlorine for safety, which can affect taste and composition.

Purity & Safety

Tap water quality varies by region and is regulated by municipal authorities. While generally safe to drink, it may contain residual treatment chemicals or traces of heavy metals from old pipelines. Mineral water, in contrast, is naturally filtered, free from added chemicals, and preserves its original mineral composition.

Taste & Cost Considerations

Many people find that mineral water tastes smoother due to its naturally occurring minerals, while tap water can have a slight chlorine or metallic aftertaste depending on its source. However, tap water remains the most cost-effective option, as bottled mineral water can be expensive and generate plastic waste.

Are All Mineral Waters the Same?

Not necessarily. Some brands artificially enhance water with added minerals, while others bottle water directly from mineral-rich sources. To ensure you're getting authentic mineral water, check the label for mineral content and total dissolved solids (TDS).

Which One Should You Choose?

Both options have their benefits. Tap water is affordable and accessible, while mineral water offers additional health benefits due to its higher mineral content. If your tap water is low in minerals or has an undesirable taste, mineral water can be a great supplement to your daily hydration routine.

Can You Add Minerals to Your Drinking Water?

If your drinking water is lacking essential minerals, remineralization can help restore its nutritional value. This is especially important for those using reverse osmosis (RO) or distilled water, which removes both contaminants and beneficial minerals. But what are the best ways to add minerals back, and how do you avoid overdoing it?

Methods to Add Minerals to Drinking Water

1. Mineral Drops & Electrolyte Solutions
   
   

• Available in liquid form, these drops contain essential minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium.

• A few drops can enhance hydration and support overall health.

• Popular among those using purified or RO water.

2. Mineral Cartridges in Water Filters
   
   

• Some advanced filtration systems include a remineralization stage.

• These cartridges restore lost minerals while keeping water safe and clean.

• A convenient solution for homes using softened or demineralized water.

3. Natural Mineral Sources (Salt & Alkaline Additives)
   
   

• Himalayan pink salt or sea salt contains trace minerals, but should be used sparingly due to sodium content.

• Alkaline drops or pH-enhancing minerals can improve both mineral content and water alkalinity.

Finding the Right Balance

While adding minerals can be beneficial, excess mineralization can have downsides:

• Too much calcium may lead to kidney stones.

• High sodium levels can contribute to hypertension.

• Excess magnesium can cause digestive issues.

Minerals, as evident from above, shouldn't  be excess in which case investing in an RO-based water purification system helps. On the other hand, water totally lacking in minerals is not offering the essential minerals that your body needs. In such a case, look for water purifiers that come with remineralization options.