Understanding Water Types: Mineral vs. Purified
Before diving into specific brands, it's essential to understand the difference between the two main types of bottled water available in India: natural mineral water and purified packaged drinking water.
- Natural Mineral Water: This water is sourced from protected underground aquifers and is bottled at the source. It undergoes minimal processing, retaining its naturally occurring minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are beneficial for health. Brands often list the specific mineral composition on their labels.
- Purified Packaged Drinking Water: This water is sourced from various water bodies and undergoes extensive purification processes like reverse osmosis (RO), UV sterilization, and ozonization to remove impurities. While this ensures safety, it can also strip the water of essential minerals, which are sometimes added back later through re-mineralization.
The Importance of TDS and pH for Healthy Water
For healthy water consumption, two key metrics to consider are Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and pH level.
- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): This indicates the concentration of dissolved organic and inorganic substances, such as minerals and salts. The BIS and WHO guidelines suggest an ideal range of 150-300 ppm for taste and health. A very low TDS (<50 ppm) might indicate a lack of beneficial minerals, while a high TDS (>500 ppm) can taste unpleasant and potentially indicate harmful contaminants.
- pH Level: The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline water is, with 7 being neutral. The BIS recommends a pH between 6.5 and 8.5 for drinking water. Naturally alkaline water, often from mineral sources, contains more minerals, while water purified by RO can sometimes become slightly acidic.
Comparison of Popular Water Brands in India
Let's compare some of the most widely available water brands in India to help you decide which one is healthiest for you. Always check the label for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
| Feature | Bisleri Vedica | Himalayan | Qua Natural Mineral Water | Aquafina | Kinley |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Natural Mountain Water | Natural Mineral Water | Natural Mineral Water | Purified Water | Purified Water |
| Source | Himalayan mountains | Himalayan mountains | Himalayan foothills | Municipal sources/groundwater | Various sources, heavily purified |
| Purification | Minimal filtration, maintains natural minerals | Minimal processing, maintains natural balance | Minimal processing, natural mineral retention | Multi-stage purification, including RO | Multi-stage purification, including RO |
| TDS (Approx.) | ~178 ppm | ~150-200 ppm | ~220 ppm | ~20-30 ppm | ~27 ppm |
| pH (Approx.) | 7.5 | 7.8 | 7.8 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Mineral Content | Naturally rich in calcium, magnesium | Contains natural minerals | Mineral-rich, naturally alkaline | Minerals stripped, may be added back | Minerals stripped, may be added back |
| Healthier Choice? | Excellent natural mineral content | Excellent natural mineral content | Excellent natural mineral content | Safe but very low mineral content | Safe but very low mineral content |
Other Reliable Options
Beyond the major players, several other brands offer good quality water, although their availability might vary by region.
- Tata Copper+: This brand infuses copper into its purified water, leveraging the traditional Indian practice of drinking water from copper vessels. Copper is an essential trace mineral with potential health benefits. While it's a good option for those seeking copper supplementation, its overall mineral profile might be lower than natural mineral water brands.
- N Rich Water: Marketed as a top packaged drinking water brand, N Rich uses advanced purification processes, including RO, UV sterilization, and ozonation. They emphasize hygienic packaging and consistent quality, building consumer trust. While a reliable option, its purification method is similar to other purified water brands.
How to Choose the Right Brand for You
Choosing a 'healthy' water brand depends on your individual needs. Here are some pointers:
- For natural mineral benefits: If you prefer water with naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium, opt for brands like Himalayan, Qua, or Bisleri Vedica. Their sourcing from specific locations ensures a consistent and mineral-rich profile.
- For maximum purity: If your priority is ensuring the complete removal of contaminants, even at the cost of mineral content, brands like Aquafina or Kinley are reliable. Their rigorous purification processes make them a safe choice, especially when the source is unknown or unreliable.
- For balanced health: Consider purified brands that add back essential minerals, or a home water purifier that includes a TDS controller and mineralizer. A TDS range of 150-300 ppm is considered optimal for daily consumption.
The Rise of Counterfeits
It is crucial to be vigilant against counterfeit water bottles, which are rampant in the Indian market. Counterfeits often use unsanitized bottles and unpurified water, posing serious health risks. Always check the bottle's seal, the clarity of the label printing, and the overall quality of the packaging. Purchasing from reputable stores and supermarkets reduces the risk of buying fakes.
Conclusion: Which are the healthy water brands in India?
Ultimately, determining which bottled water brand is healthiest involves weighing natural mineral content against the assurance of purification. Natural mineral waters like Himalayan, Bisleri Vedica, and Qua offer a balanced and natural mineral profile, making them excellent choices. However, thoroughly purified waters like Aquafina and Kinley are also safe, especially when sourced from trusted vendors and with mineral-enriched options available. Always inspect the bottle for signs of tampering, and consider your personal mineral intake and preferences. For long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness, a high-quality home water purifier remains the most reliable and environmentally friendly option.
