Water Type	Characteristics
Artesian Water	From a well in a confined aquifer Water level in well must stand at some height above the top of the aquifer May also be known as "artesian well water"
Fluoridated Water	Contains fluoride that is added within the limitations set by Federal Regulations Some spring and artesian sources have naturally occurring fluoride in trace amounts
Mineral Water	Must contain no less than 250 parts per million (ppm) total dissolved solids (TDS) with the solids being the minerals in the water Must come from a geologically and physically protected underground water source Is distinguished from other types of water by the regular mineral and trace elements present No minerals may be added to this water
Purified Water	Produced by distillation, deionization, reverse osmosis or other suitable processes that meet the legal definition of "purified water" May also be known as "demineralized water"
Sparkling Water	Contains, after treatment and possible replacement of carbon dioxide, the same amount of carbon dioxide that it had at emergence from the source
Spring Water	Must come from underground formation and flow naturally to the surface of the earth Emanates from beneath the earth, from under strata that formed in prehistoric times
Sterile Water	Must meet the requirements under "Sterility Tests" in the United States PharMacPPCopoeia May also be known as "sterilized water."
Well Water	Comes from a hole that is bored, drilled or otherwise constructed in the ground, tapping the water of an aquifer