How to cook water

Information for water in our free cooking ingredients collection.

Water

Concerns about the safety of tap water have resulted in a burgeoning market for bottled water, making it one of the most widely sold commercial beverages. Within the category of bottled water, there is a vast array of water types from which to choose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates bottled water, classifies them in this way:

Artesian water - This type of water is drawn from a confined aquifer (a rock formation containing water that stands above the natural water table).

Distilled water - This is water that has been evaporated and then condensed, leaving it free of dissolved minerals.

Purified water - Purified water has been demineralized. It is produced by deionization (passing it through resins) or by reverse osmosis (passing it through filters to remove dissolved minerals). Distilled water is also considered purified water.

Mineral water - Water that contains
no less than 250 parts per million (ppm) of totally dissolved, naturally occurring solids or minerals. Mineral water can be labeled “low mineral content” (less than 500 ppm) or “high mineral content” (more than 1,500 ppm).

Spring water - Spring water is obtained from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface. It also can be collected through a bore drilled into the spring.

Sparkling water - Another name for carbonated water, sparkling water contains carbon dioxide gas that is in it naturally or has been added to it.

Seltzer water - A type of sparkling water. The name comes from the town of Nieder Selters in Germany. Seltzer was introduced in the late 1700s and is considered the forerunner of soda pop.

Soda water - A carbonated water that contains sodium bicarbonate.

Club soda - The same as soda water except that mineral salts have been added.

Tonic water - Tonic water has been carbonated and flavored with fruit extracts, sugar, or quinine.

Most water sold commercially comes in handy storage containers, usually cans or tightly sealed bottles. Water in these containers can be kept indefinitely, chilled or in the pantry. Be sure not to let containers freeze, particularly carbonated types of water. Unlike other substances, water’s volume expands when it freezes. The resulting ice will break the container.

Preparation tips

Most tap water in the United States is safe to drink. Try serving tap water with ice and a slice of lemon or lime, which gives the water a pleasing taste. Prices for bottled water range a great deal. Generally, however, less expensive types of bottled water compare favorably with more expensive versions.

Serving suggestions

Water is an excellent beverage for any occasion. Try serving sparkling water for special occasions, putting it in a champagne flute or wine goblet for added visual appeal. For everyday occasions, make water the default beverage you choose. Soda pop and other beverages should be chosen far less frequently. Drink a glass of water when you get up, one with each meal, and another when you go to bed. Keep a bottle with you during the day or take regular water breaks.

Safety of tap water

Many Americans are concerned about the safety of their tap water, which has led to a dramatic increase in sales of water filtration systems and bottled water.

Most tap water, however, is fine. It is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for safety and purity and chlorinated to destroy most organisms that can spread disease. However, small amounts of microbiological and chemical contaminants are allowed within EPA limits of safety or when water treatment equipment breaks down.

The EPA requires public suppliers to notify consumers if water from public supplies does not meet safety standards.

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