There are actually numerous sub-categories of H2O, the No. 1 building-block of life. We examine a few of them here.
Still water (also called flat or tap)
When most people think of water, they’re thinking of still water. It has no bubbles. Turn on the spigot, and there it is.
Your Natura filtered water machine starts with the still water that comes from your tap, runs it through our patented three-step filtration process (which removes pollutants but retains healthy, great-tasting minerals), and serves it either chilled or room temperature. It also has a third option of adding pressurized carbon dioxide, which creates the second kind of water on our list.
Sparkling water (also called carbonated water, soda water, and fizzy water)
A key feature of the Natura commercial sparkling water system is its ability to transform ordinary tap water into sparkling water. Via a carbon dioxide (CO2) tank, the gas is infused into the water, creating those familiar bubbles. The big soft drink companies begin their recipes with carbonated water, loading it up with sugar or artificial sweeteners in the production process. Natura is refreshing, sustainable sparkling water with no added ingredients—other than the CO2 bubbles. It is the ultimate carbonated water machine.
Sparkling water is an amenity more often associated with high-end establishments, and the ability to offer it at pennies a glass is a significant advantage. There are bubbly waters that get their effervescence from naturally-occurring gases, but they are rarer and more expensive.
Mineral water
As the name suggests, mineral water contains naturally occurring minerals. While most all water in nature contains minerals to a degree, what we think of as mineral water has them to such an extent that the taste is noticeably impacted. Mineral water is so full of magnesium, potassium, and calcium that it contains a characteristically salty taste.
Spring water
On occasion, groundwater will leak upward and breach the surface. Because it is coming from an underground aquifer, it is generally considered safe to drink. Commercially, the phrase “spring water” has been somewhat misused, making it hard to always be certain you’re getting actual spring water. Getting it from the source yourself is an ideal way to be sure, but it’s an option not available to everyone.
These are four types of water you may commonly encounter at restaurants, bars, spas, and resorts. All refresh in their own ways, although some are more economical than others.