What are the different types of water?
Splashing into the Science: Exploring the Marvelous Types of Water
Ah, water! That humble little molecule – just two hydrogens, one oxygen, and yet, it’s the star of countless chemical dramas and vital for all life on Earth. Sure, it’s just a clear liquid to the naked eye, but beneath its seemingly simple surface lies a world of complexity. Let’s wade into the depths and explore the dazzling diversity of water types, each with its unique story to tell!
Types of water
How many types of water are there? Good question, this will depend on what you are looking for when it comes to “types” of water. Potable water vs. Grey Water vs. Black Water? Bottled water vs. Tap water? Seawater vs. freshwater? What makes all these different types of water different is determined by what they contain, truly pure water is nearly impossible to find in nature, and depending on its travel from source to sample can contain a wide variety of impurities from simple minerals to full-on wastewater. We can determine the type of water using the above water quality parameters, as well as where the water sample was sourced.
- Alkaline Water: A Chemistry Balancing Act
Think of alkaline water as nature’s pH rebel, clocking in at 8 or higher on the pH scale (which runs from 1, acidic, to 14, basic). With its elevated pH, this water struts its stuff as a contender for a “healthier hydration.” But what makes it so special? Typically, dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium are the culprits behind its alkalinity.
- Artesian Water: The Prima Donna of Groundwater
Not all groundwater gets to act posh, but artesian water does! Hidden beneath layers of rock, this water is under such pressure that it dramatically gushes to the surface when given an outlet. No pumps needed – Mother Nature takes care of the delivery. Renowned for its purity and mineral content, it’s the crème de la crème of naturally filtered water.
- Blackwater: The Dark Side of H₂O
Here comes blackwater – the bad boy of the water world. Laden with human waste and brimming with contaminants, it’s essentially what flows into sewers. Gross? Absolutely. But from a chemistry and microbiology perspective, it’s fascinating. Blackwater treatment involves intricate processes to neutralize harmful bacteria and viruses, transforming this murky mix into something usable again.
- Brackish Water: The Salty Middle Ground
Ever wondered what happens when freshwater meets seawater? Enter brackish water, that slightly salty blend often found where rivers meet the ocean. It’s too salty for most freshwater life and not salty enough for true marine organisms – a true liminal space in the aquatic world. Estuaries, its usual home, are bursting with biodiversity and ecological intrigue.
- Deionized Water: The Mineral-Free Minimalist
Deionized water, the overachieving sibling of distilled water, goes a step further in purity. It’s water that has had its mineral ions – think calcium, magnesium, and more – completely removed. The result? A liquid so pure it’s ideal for laboratories, electronics, and industrial uses. Just don’t drink it long-term – it’s too pure to be healthy!
- Exclusion Zone (EZ) Water: The Mysterious Fourth Phase
Here’s something to blow your mind: water doesn’t just exist as solid, liquid, and gas. Dr. Pollock of the University of Washington has discovered a fourth phase, known as EZ water, hanging out near hydrophilic (water-loving) surfaces. This viscous, almost gel-like layer is free of total suspended solids (TSS) and total dissolved solids (TDS), making it exceptionally pure. It’s even found inside your cells. Talk about cutting-edge science! You can learn more about it here:
The Fourth Phase of Water: Beyond Solid, Liquid, and Vapor
- Greywater: The Recycling Superstar
Greywater is like the slightly dirty, yet still useful sibling of blackwater. It flows from sinks, washing machines, and showers, carrying soap, grease, and grime – but thankfully, not sewage. With a little treatment, greywater can be repurposed for irrigation or cooling systems, making it a hero in water-scarce regions.
- Mineral Water: Nature’s Flavorful Elixir
This isn’t just regular water – it’s water with a splash of personality! Mineral water comes from underground sources rich in goodies like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals give the water a distinct taste and even a slight fizz, depending on the source. No wonder it’s bottled and celebrated worldwide!
- Sparkling Water: The Fizzy Finale
Finally, let’s not forget sparkling water – the effervescent darling of beverages. Infused with carbon dioxide gas, this bubbly delight adds a touch of sophistication to any table. Whether it’s sourced from natural springs or made in a lab, sparkling water has earned its place as a refreshing alternative to sugary sodas.
Water, in all its forms, is so much more than meets the eye—or the tongue. It’s a chemical marvel, an ecological linchpin, and a vital part of life’s grand equation. Who knew something so simple could be so endlessly fascinating?
Here are a few other types of water you can find out in the wild:
Seawater – Can you get seawater from an ocean? Yes, seawater Is water that originates from an ocean or a sea and typically has a salinity of 3.5%.
Soft Water – Soft water is water that has less than 60 mg/l of dissolved minerals in it according to the USGS. To learn about the different methods of softening water please see our blog: Water Softening Systems and The History of Water Softeners.
Hard Water – Hard water is water that has dissolved ionic compounds in it that are above 60mg/l. For more comprehensive information about hard water please read: What is hard water? Hard Water Facts
Springwater – What is Springwater? Springwater starts off as groundwater but is unique because it has been pushed back to the surface to form a puddle or Spring. Springwater is typically safe to drink because it has been filtered naturally as it is pushed up through the ground, barring any contamination on the surface of course. Spring Water is one of most popular types of drinking water because of its fresh clean taste.
Wastewater – What is wastewater? Wastewater comes from many sources with the majority coming from post-human usage like sewage. Wastewater is considered waste when it has become contaminated with, excrement, chemicals, and other pollutants. Wastewater typically requires treatment to become usable again.
Well Water – What is well water? Well water is water that is sourced from underground via a well. Wells can vary from shallow surface wells to deep wells that source water from aquifers (underground lakes). Large municipal wells supply water that is treated and delivered to customers via the tap, but smaller private wells are common in many areas and can even be untreated. Using untreated well water can be risky as many groundwater sources have become contaminated with various chemicals and bacteria. Private well owners must test their water periodically to ensure it is safe to drink as is or needs additional treatment first. Aside from contamination the natural qualities of well water can vary drastically depending on location due to local geology. As the water slowly filters through the earth to the aquifer it picks up various minerals along the way. For example, in the Pacific Northwest, we have naturally soft water (little mineral content) where areas such as Utah have very hard water (high mineral content) due to filtering through soft limestone rather than hard granite.