hydrology

Formation of mineral water

Mineral water is produced from rainwater. The water penetrates into the ground and seeps away. On its long journey deep underground, it passes through layers of rock that purify and filter the water. They also enrich it with valuable ingredients such as minerals and trace elements. Depending on the layer of rock, this happens in different concentrations and compositions. Besides magnesium from dolomite, salt deposits release sodium, rocks rich in gypsum provide sulphate and rocks rich in lime provide calcium and hydrogen carbonate. Especially in volcanic regions, the water (H₂O) is enriched with natural carbon dioxide (CO₂), which produces carbonic acid (H₂CO₃). The mineral water is stored in protected water deposits that prevent contamination. From region to region, the layers of rock through which the water passes differ, as do the ingredients it absorbs.

Water is not the same as water

There is a wide range of water in Germany: the spectrum ranges from table and spring water to natural mineral and healing water as well as our drinking water. But what are the differences between the types of water?

Natural mineral water

Mineral water is originally pure and comes from underground water resources protected from pollution. It must be filled directly at the source location. Its natural content of minerals and trace elements has a positive effect on the human organism. The natural mineral content of the mineral water must not be altered. Natural mineral water requires official recognition and is the best controlled food.

Natural healing water

Medicinal water also comes from underground water sources and must be bottled directly at the source. Due to its special composition, it has proven healing, soothing and preventive effects. It is subject to the German Medicines Act (Arzneimittelgesetz) and requires official and drug approval.

spring water

Spring water also comes from underground deposits, but it does not have to prove its original purity or nutritional or physiological effect. Spring water only has to meet the criteria applicable to drinking water.

bottled water

Table water is produced industrially. It can be artificially mixed from different waters (e.g. drinking water or mineral water). Seawater, natural brine, certain authorised additives and carbon dioxide may also be added to table water.

tap water

For drinking water, so-called raw water (groundwater and/or surface water, e.g. lake water) is taken from the water cycle, the quality of which varies greatly from region to region. In most cases, it is only suitable for consumption after extensive preparation. The waterworks constantly monitor the quality of drinking water, but are only responsible for it up to the water meter.

Small Mineralogy

Our body needs minerals for the smooth running of metabolic processes. Since he cannot produce them himself, we have to take in minerals through food. Minerals perform numerous tasks in the body and are important for maintaining performance and health. The human body stores more than 2.5 kg of minerals and trace elements. These control the fluid balance and are responsible for the functioning of muscles and nerves. At the same time they regulate the acid-base balance and activate various enzymes.

Potassium - For muscles and nerves

Potassium controls the fluid balance and is responsible for the functioning of muscles and nerves. It regulates the acid-base balance and activates various enzymes.

Chloride - digestion promoting

Chloride together with sodium regulates the water balance. It is a component of gastric acid and therefore important for digestion.

Sodium - Maintains tissue tension

Sodium is important for the tension of the tissue and for the water balance of the body. An important mineral required for muscle irritability and contraction.

Calcium - healthy bones and teeth

Calcium is involved in the formation of bones and teeth. It is one of the most important building blocks of our body and plays a decisive role in blood coagulation and the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscle cell.

Magnesium - for the plus in energy

Magnesium is needed for energy metabolism and reduces tiredness and fatigue. It activates enzymes for energy production and controls metabolism.

Phosphorus - building block of hereditary substance

Phosphorus is of great importance for the formation of bones, teeth and enzymes. It has an important function for energy production and plays a role in the formation of cell walls and as a buffer substance in the blood.

Zinc - Important defence function

Zinc is indispensable for our health. The trace element plays a role in a multitude of metabolic reactions. It is important for growth, skin, insulin storage, protein synthesis, sperm production and the immune system.

Iodine - Controls growth and basal metabolic rate

As an essential component of thyroid hormones, iodine is indispensable for growth, development and numerous metabolic processes. About 70 percent of the iodine absorbed is consumed in the thyroid gland, where growth and cell division are controlled.

Hydrogen carbonate - regulates the acid-base balance

Hydrogen carbonate is not a mineral in the true sense, but a salt of carbonic acid. HCO₃ neutralizes acids in the stomach and promotes gastrointestinal activity.

Sulphate - important for the metabolism

Sulphate is a natural sulphur compound, which is mainly known for its digestive properties. Sulphate stimulates the flow of bile and also acts in the intestine by binding water in the lower sections of the intestine.