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What Is Artesian Water?

by Dr. Jonathan Doyle - Updated July 23, 2024
Artesian water is drawn from a naturally pressurized underground aquifer, providing many health benefits for home use. Using artesian water in your home ensures that you are getting clean, mineral-rich water that promotes the health of your family. Understanding these benefits will help you make the right decisions about your home water supply.

What Is an Artesian Well?

Artesian water is a type of water that comes from a pressurized confined aquifer that forces water to rise naturally to the surface without pumping. This aquifer is typically trapped between layers of impermeable rock or clay, which creates the necessary pressure to move the water upward. This process filters the water through the rock layers, which produces cleaner, mineral-rich water. Artesian water is favored for its purity and the health benefits that come with its natural mineral content, making it a popular choice for drinking and household water.

What Are the Benefits of Artesian Well Water?

Artesian well water has several significant advantages that make it attractive for drinking and other uses:

Natural Purity

Artesian water comes from confined aquifers that are typically sealed off by impermeable rock or clay. This natural barrier helps protect the water from contamination by surface pollutants, often leading to cleaner and purer water compared to surface water sources.
an artesian water well

Pressure-Driven Flow

The natural pressure in artesian aquifers means that the water can flow to the surface without the need for mechanical pumping. This can reduce the energy costs associated with water extraction and decrease the carbon footprint of the water supply.

Stable Composition

Since artesian wells tap deep underground sources, the mineral composition and temperature of the water are usually more stable compared to water drawn from shallower sources. This consistency is particularly beneficial for uses in manufacturing and food processing where water quality can affect product consistency.

Health Benefits

The minerals found in artesian well water, such as calcium, magnesium, and fluoride, can be beneficial to health. These minerals are naturally dissolved in the water as it moves through underground rock formations, enhancing the nutritional value of the water.

Taste

Many people find that artesian well water tastes better than water treated with chemicals like chlorine, which is often used in municipal water systems. The natural filtration process through rock layers can also contribute to a fresher taste.
Artesian well water’s combination of purity, natural pressure, mineral content, and taste makes it a distinctive and valuable water source. These characteristics not only contribute to its appeal for everyday drinking but also make it a suitable choice for culinary applications where water quality can influence food and beverage flavor.
water bottle with artesian well water

Is Artesian Water Safe to Drink?

Artesian water is generally safe to drink, and the natural environment in which it is located helps to protect it from surface contaminants and keep it pure.
Like any water source, the safety of artesian water can depend on several factors:

Source Water Protection

The area around the aquifer intake must be protected from contamination. While deep groundwater sources and natural rock barriers provide important protection, surface activities such as agricultural or industrial processes can still pose risks if not properly managed.

Natural Contaminants

Some groundwater sources may contain natural contaminants such as arsenic or radon, depending on the geology of the area. Regular testing is essential to ensure these contaminants are within safe limits.

Regulatory Compliance

In many areas, artesian well water, like other types of bottled water, must meet specific safety standards set by government agencies. These standards help ensure that the water does not contain harmful levels of chemicals and biological contaminants.
For the safest consumption, it’s advisable to ensure that the artesian water is sourced from a reputable supplier that conducts regular quality tests. If you are accessing artesian water directly from a well, it may be prudent to have the water tested periodically to ensure it remains safe to drink.
getting water from the smart faucet of waterdrop X16 RO system

What Are the Alternatives to Artesian Water?

If you’re considering alternatives to artesian water, you can learn about several other types of water, each with its benefits:

Purified Water

Treated to remove chemicals and pathogens, purified water is typically sourced from tap or groundwater and then processed through methods like distillation, deionization, or reverse osmosisreverse osmosis. This makes it one of the cleanest and safest types of water to drink.

Tap Water

In many developed areas, tap water is safe to drink and meets strict safety standards. It’s the most accessible and cost-effective option, although its taste and mineral content can vary depending on local treatment processes.
Click herehere to learn if your tap water is safe to drink.

Alkaline Water

This water has a higher pH level than most other waters, which some believe can help neutralize acid in your body. It is produced through a process called electrolysis or by adding minerals to increase the pH.
Waterdrop Under Sink Reverse Osmosis System X12 uses innovative healthy boost-tech to infuse alkaline minerals such as Ca, Mg, etc. And it adjusts your water’s pH to an optimal 7.5±. The alkaline water not only enhances your health, and strengthens your bones, but also elevates your cooking and drinking flavors.

Distilled Water

By boiling water and then condensing the steam back into liquid, distilled water is stripped of minerals and impurities. This makes it extremely pure, but also devoid of taste and minerals, often used where mineral content could interfere with processes or equipment.
Each water quality has its own unique benefits, so when choosing water, select the right solution for your individual health needs, taste preferences, and access to resources. If you’re considering improving the quality of your drinking water, learn about Waterdrop filtration solutions Waterdrop offers a variety of filters, including reverse osmosis systems, house water filters, and under-sink water filters. Visit Waterdrop for home water filtration solutions.

Spring Water

Like artesian water, spring water is sourced from underground reserves. However, it flows naturally to the surface without the pressure necessary in artesian systems. It’s often valued for its purity and mineral content.

Mineral Water

This water comes from a mineral spring and includes various minerals like salts and sulfur compounds. It is often carbonated and may have higher levels of minerals compared to spring and artesian water.

Conclusion

Artesian water is groundwater that rises to the surface from a confined aquifer under pressure without pumping. It is naturally pure, has a consistent mineral content, and tastes better. There are also artesian water alternatives, each with unique benefits. To improve water quality, consider a filtration system from Waterdrop. Visit Waterdrop for more information.
Related Reading: Is Tap Water Safe to Drink?

FAQs

Is Artesian Water Better than Alkaline Water?

Artesian water is naturally filtered and rich in minerals, offering a pure taste and stable quality due to its deep underground source. Alkaline water has a higher pH, which some believe can help with acid reflux and hydration, although scientific support is limited. The choice depends on personal health goals and taste preferences. Consulting a healthcare provider can help determine the best option for your needs.

Is Artesian Water the Same as Purified Water?

Artesian water and purified water are not the same. Artesian water comes from a naturally pressurized underground aquifer and is filtered through rock layers, retaining natural minerals. Purified water undergoes processes like distillation, deionization, or reverse osmosis to remove contaminants and impurities, often stripping it of minerals.

What Is the Difference between Distilled Water and Artesian Water?

Distilled water is created by boiling water into vapor and then condensing it back into liquid, removing impurities and minerals. Artesian water comes from a naturally pressurized underground aquifer and is filtered through rock layers, retaining natural minerals.

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Contaminants Detected in  Fruitland Water Special Service District
30
Contaminants
EXCEED EWG HEALTH GUIDELINES

30  Total Contaminants in Your Water

Water Provider

Fruitland Water Special Service District

Population Affected

120,000

Water Source

Ground water
Exceeds Guidelines

Others Detected

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