John Myers
Does mineral water really contain more minerals than tap water? PET or glass bottles – which is better for the environment? We provide answers to frequently asked questions.
The essentials in brief:
- Drinking enough is important. In the foreground is a fluid intake of about 1.5 liters per day, less the intake of minerals. The body absorbs calcium, magnesium and co. primarily through food.
- Few mineral waters are rich in minerals. Tap water is just as good at quenching thirst.
- Those who prefer bottled water should buy local reusable bottles. That’s the environment at its best.
Who informs me about the quality of my drinking water?
The water suppliers are responsible for the quality of your drinking water. The companies check the drinking water regularly so that it reaches you in perfect condition. The Drinking Water Ordinance defines limit values and regulations for numerous substances. In the case of excessive exposure to nitrate or drug residues, for example, the causes must be eliminated. However, the water suppliers are only responsible up to the water meter in the house.
What is the difference between natural mineral water, medicinal, spring and table water?
Natural mineral water must be of original purity. It comes from underground water sources protected from pollution. It is bottled on site. Mineral water is characterized by its typical content of minerals, trace elements and carbonic acid.
Spring and table water are not mineral waters. The limit values of the Drinking Water Ordinance apply to them.
Spring water comes from underground springs. It does not have to be officially recognized and does not have to contain a constant amount of minerals. It is subject to the Mineral and Table Water Ordinance (MTVO) and must therefore meet the requirements for drinking water. Spring water is not subject to the same high purity requirements as mineral water.
Table water is usually treated drinking water and can be mixed with minerals and carbonic acid. Table water can be obtained anywhere, even from different water sources. In contrast to healing, spring and mineral water, it may also be offered via tap systems.
Healing water is classified as a medicine and, like all medicines, is subject to the Medicines Act. It must be proven through studies that it has preventive, soothing or healing properties due to its natural composition of minerals. In all other respects, it must meet the same criteria as mineral water. It should only be drunk after consulting a doctor.
Mineral water is the only foodstuff that is state-approved. For this purpose, numerous tests on the quality of the water have to be carried out. The requirements are regulated in the Mineral and Table Water Ordinance.
How problematic is uranium in natural mineral water?
Uranium occurs naturally in different concentrations in the soil and is considered to be nephrotoxic. Depending on the region and rock strata, drinking water or natural mineral water can also contain the undesirable substance.
A limit of 10 micrograms of uranium per liter has been set for drinking water. There is no limit for mineral water. Only water advertised as “suitable for preparing baby food” may not contain more than two micrograms of uranium per liter.
Your water supplier will inform you about the uranium content of your drinking water. It does not have to be stated on mineral water bottles. Check with the manufacturer.
What does “still” mineral water mean?
The term “still” is not regulated by law. There are mineral waters with this indication that contain little or no carbonic acid. You can read in the small print whether it is naturally present or whether it has been added.
From the point of view of the consumer centers, statements such as “still”, “medium”, “classic” should be defined with the amount of carbon dioxide contained.
Still or sparkling water – which one is right for me?
Opinions differ on the carbon dioxide. Some swear by its refreshing effect, for others the bubble water is rather unpleasant and intolerable.
The fact that it stimulates digestion in a mild way speaks for carbonic acid. If you have problems with too little stomach acid, carbonated mineral water can help.
If you have a sensitive stomach, it is better to avoid carbonic acid and opt for water with a lot of hydrogen carbonate. From a hydrogen carbonate content of 600 milligrams per liter, mineral water can be described as containing hydrogen carbonate according to the MTVO. Hydrogen carbonate, also known as bicarbonate, neutralizes excess acids that are produced during normal metabolism.
Which water you prefer depends on personal preference and tolerance.
How much should I drink per day?
Drinking enough is essential to life. Water is important for metabolism and regulates our body temperature, among other things. Even a small loss of fluids can affect physical and mental performance. We therefore recommend at least 1.5 liters of liquid per day.
Here’s how it works: Drink a large glass of water with every meal and always have something to drink within reach. Unsweetened herbal and fruit teas or juice spritzers in a ratio of 1:3 are also good thirst quenchers.
Healthy people don’t need to worry about drinking too much. To do this, six liters would have to be drunk within a very short time, which is almost impossible.
Does mineral water contribute significantly to the supply of minerals?
Mineral waters are healthy thirst quenchers, but few are rich in minerals. We absorb these substances primarily from other foods. Ideally, three hands full of vegetables and two hands full of fruit should be on the menu every day. Whole grain products, legumes and low-fat milk and milk products complete a balanced diet.
The thirst can then be quenched with any water.
I neither drink milk nor eat dairy products. What alternatives are there for my calcium supply?
A good source is mineral water with a calcium content of over 150 mg per liter, often labeled as rich in calcium. Incidentally, plant foods such as kale, broccoli, almonds or sesame also contain a lot of calcium.
An adequate supply of calcium from an early age is important for bone formation. However, milk and milk products are good suppliers of calcium and should be part of the daily menu.
Some mineral waters advertise a 2:1 ratio of calcium to magnesium. What does that mean?
In this mixing ratio, the body can optimally absorb the two minerals from the water. Incidentally, calcium and magnesium are present in these amounts in a number of mineral waters, even if this is not so prominently advertised. Therefore, compare the offer!
The balance of minerals in the body can become imbalanced. Particular care should be taken when taking mineral supplements. Consultation with the doctor is important.
I have to watch the salt content of my food! Does this also apply to water?
Salt-sensitive people are better off choosing a low-sodium water that contains less than 200 mg per liter.
A recent study by the Robert Koch Institute on salt consumption shows that the majority of Germans take in too much salt (sodium chloride). Too much can, among other things, promote the development of cardiovascular diseases.
Are expensive mineral waters better than cheap ones?
There is no general answer as to which mineral water is better. The quality is determined by various factors. These include the taste, the mineral content, but also the contamination with germs or pollutants.
Samples from Stiftung Warentest and Ökotest show again and again that “expensive does not always mean better”.
Are PET bottles problematic for health?
The plastic polyethylene terephthalate is produced without the help of plasticizers. PET is therefore considered relatively uncritical. Although the health assessment of PET has not yet been definitively completed, experts see no need to do without water from PET bottles. The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment has compiled selected questions and answers about PET bottles. If you want to be on the safe side, grab water in glass bottles or from the tap.
Do not leave PET bottles in the sun. Heat and UV radiation always release more undesirable substances from plastics.
Which bottles are particularly environmentally friendly?
According to the Federal Environment Agency, returnable bottles have the least impact on the environment. The decisive factor is how often they can be refilled. This is possible up to 50 times for glass and up to 25 times for reusable PET. Both are equal in terms of environmental compatibility if they come from the region. For long-distance transport, PET performs better because it is lighter than glass.
Water from the region also protects the environment. Beverage stores offer more choices than supermarkets.
How can I distinguish non-returnable from reusable bottles?
You often have to look closely to tell the two apart. Up until 2003, a deposit was a clear feature for reusable containers, and only reusable bottles were offered in crates. Today, both are also possible for non-returnable bottles. One-way packaging must be clearly marked as subject to a deposit. The sign of Deutsche Pfandsystem GmbH (DPG) is usually found on the banderole.
The trend is towards buying mineral water in single-use plastic bottles. They are not refilled, but shredded. This raw material can be recycled, in some cases new PET bottles or, for example, bags and clothing are made again.
Is it true that mineral water is “cheated” in gastronomy?
Anyone who expressly orders mineral water must be served the drink in the bottle. It may only be opened at the table so that what is written on it is inside. Experience shows that closed bottles are not always served. An already opened bottle or the water in the glass can be returned. Because anyone who asks for mineral water and pays dearly does not want to drink cheaper table water.
By the way: In contrast to mineral and spring water, innkeepers are allowed to serve table water from taps in glasses. This water must also be labeled as table water on the menu or drink menu.
My mineral water doesn’t taste like it used to! What can I do?
You have the right to food without defects. If the mineral water does not taste as usual, you can complain to the retailer. The receipt is an important piece of evidence. The defective goods must be replaced with perfect ones. If this is not possible, you will get your money back.
If your complaints are not taken seriously or if deficiencies cannot be remedied permanently, contact the responsible official food control agency.
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