The Origin of Premium Water

Water is often taken for granted as a simple necessity, but not all water is created equal. The source of your drinking water significantly impacts its taste, mineral content, and overall quality. At WaterWorks UK, we're passionate about providing our customers with premium water that stands apart from ordinary tap water.

In this article, we'll explore the fascinating journey of premium water, from its natural source to your glass, and explain what makes it different from standard tap water.

Natural Springs: Nature's Water Filters

Premium bottled water often comes from natural springs, which are formed when water naturally flows to the surface from an underground aquifer. These springs are typically located in pristine, remote areas far from industrial development and potential contaminants.

The journey of spring water begins as rainfall or snow that slowly filters through layers of soil, sand, and rock over many years—sometimes decades or even centuries. This natural filtration process removes impurities while adding beneficial minerals as the water passes through different geological formations.

The result is water that is:

• Naturally filtered and purified
• Rich in natural minerals
• Free from chemical treatments
• Often characterized by a distinctive, refreshing taste

Mineral Content: Nature's Signature

One of the most significant differences between premium water and ordinary tap water is the mineral content. As water travels through different rock formations, it absorbs various minerals, including:

• Calcium: Important for bone health and cell function
• Magnesium: Essential for hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body
• Potassium: Crucial for heart, nerve, and muscle function
• Bicarbonates: Help maintain proper pH balance in the body
• Silica: May support skin, hair, nails, and bone health

The specific mineral profile of water depends on the geological characteristics of its source region. This creates a natural "terroir" for water, similar to how wine reflects the characteristics of the soil where the grapes were grown.

At WaterWorks UK, we carefully select springs with optimal mineral profiles to ensure a balanced, refreshing taste and potential health benefits.

Types of Premium Water

Spring Water

Spring water comes from underground formations from which water flows naturally to the surface. It must be collected at the spring or through a borehole tapping the underground formation. Spring water typically undergoes minimal processing to preserve its natural characteristics.

Mineral Water

Mineral water contains a consistent level of minerals and trace elements from its source. For water to be labeled as "mineral water," it must come from a protected underground source and contain a certain level of minerals and trace elements. The mineral content cannot be altered (though some non-soluble elements may be removed).

Artesian Water

Artesian water comes from a well that taps a confined aquifer (a water-bearing underground layer of rock or sand) in which the water level stands above the top of the aquifer. The pressure forces the water to rise to the surface naturally, without requiring a pump.

Purified Water

Purified water has been processed to remove impurities. The source may be spring water, tap water, or groundwater. The purification process might include distillation, deionization, reverse osmosis, or other processes. While pure, this water often lacks the mineral content and distinctive taste of natural spring or mineral water.

The Journey from Source to Bottle

At WaterWorks UK, we take great care in bringing premium water from its source to your home or office. Here's a glimpse into that journey:

1. Careful Source Selection

We partner with springs located in protected, pristine environments far from potential sources of contamination. These springs are regularly tested to ensure consistent quality and mineral content.

2. Responsible Collection

Water is collected using sustainable methods that don't deplete the natural source. We monitor flow rates and extraction volumes to ensure we're not taking more than the spring can naturally replenish.

3. Minimal Processing

Unlike tap water, which typically undergoes extensive chemical treatment, our premium water receives minimal processing to preserve its natural qualities. This might include microfiltration to remove any fine particles while maintaining the water's beneficial mineral content.

4. Quality Testing

Before bottling, the water undergoes comprehensive testing for microbiological safety, mineral content, and taste. We adhere to strict quality standards that exceed regulatory requirements.

5. Eco-Friendly Packaging

We use sustainable packaging options whenever possible, including recyclable materials and reduced plastic usage. Our commitment to the environment extends throughout our supply chain.

6. Careful Delivery

Our delivery process is designed to maintain the quality of the water from bottling to your door. We control storage temperatures and handling procedures to ensure you receive water exactly as nature intended.

Tap Water vs. Premium Water: Understanding the Differences

Tap water in the UK is generally safe to drink and heavily regulated. However, there are several key differences between tap water and premium spring or mineral water:

Treatment Process

Tap water is typically treated with chemicals like chlorine to kill bacteria and other microorganisms. While these treatments are essential for public safety, they can affect the taste and smell of the water. Premium spring water, by contrast, is naturally filtered and requires minimal treatment.

Mineral Content

The mineral content of tap water varies depending on your location and may include minerals naturally present in the local water supply, as well as additives like fluoride. Premium waters offer consistent mineral profiles specific to their source.

Taste

Many people choose premium water for its taste. The combination of natural filtration, mineral content, and lack of chemical treatments often results in a crisper, more refreshing flavor compared to tap water.

Environmental Considerations

While tap water has a lower environmental footprint in terms of packaging and transportation, many premium water companies, including WaterWorks UK, are committed to sustainable practices, recyclable packaging, and carbon offset programs.

How to Appreciate Premium Water

Just like fine wine or craft coffee, premium water can be appreciated with attention to its unique characteristics:

Temperature

Different waters reveal their best flavors at different temperatures. Some are best enjoyed chilled, while others might reveal more complexity at room temperature.

Glassware

The shape and material of your drinking vessel can influence how you perceive the taste of water. Wide-mouthed glasses allow more aeration and can enhance the experience.

Pairing

Premium waters can complement different foods based on their mineral content and effervescence (if sparkling). Lighter waters pair well with delicate flavors, while waters with higher mineral content can stand up to bolder foods.

Mindful Tasting

Take a moment to notice the mouthfeel, taste, and aftertaste of your water. Is it soft or crisp? Does it have a sweet note or a mineral finish? Developing this awareness can deepen your appreciation for premium water.

WaterWorks UK Premium Water Selection

Our premium water selection at WaterWorks UK includes varieties from carefully selected sources, each with its own unique mineral profile and taste characteristics:

• Highland Spring: Sourced from protected Scottish highlands with a light, balanced mineral profile.
• Cotswold Clear: From ancient limestone aquifers in the Cotswolds, offering a smooth taste with subtle mineral notes.
• Welsh Mountain: Collected from deep within Snowdonia's mountains, characterized by exceptional purity and crispness.
• Lake District Mineral: Rich in beneficial minerals from the volcanic rock formations of the Lake District.

Each of our premium waters is available through our convenient delivery service, bringing the best of nature's hydration directly to your door.

Conclusion

Premium water offers more than just hydration—it provides a taste experience shaped by nature's own filtration systems and the unique geology of its source. By choosing premium water from WaterWorks UK, you're not just selecting a beverage; you're connecting with natural processes that have been at work for centuries.

We invite you to explore our range of premium waters and discover the remarkable differences that source, mineral content, and careful handling can make to this essential element of daily life.