Are There Different Types of Water?

October 12th, 2020 by Leah Hoppes

Categories:

Are there different types of water blog image

Most people know there are different types of water. There are obvious differences in salt water in the seas, grey water down the drains, and clear spring water. However, there are also differences in the water that comes out of your faucet. There are three types of water that enter your household: utility grade, working grade, and drinking grade.

Utility Grade Water

Utility grade water is the water that you pay for with your water payment, or “utility” payment. It is the city or well water that comes directly to your house. This water may be treated at a water treatment facility, or it may come from a clean well water source.

Water that is utility grade may be hard water, which means it has a high mineral content. This water leaves behind debris or residue that wears on appliances, and it leaves hard water deposits on windows. It can also reduce the clean appearance of laundry and leave the hair and skin feeling dry.

The quality of utility water varies based on the water source, and it may require a water softener or filtration system to get the quality desired by a homeowner.

Working Grade Water

Working grade water is used to do the work of the house. It may pass through the dishwasher, washing machine, or other appliances. Working water may pass through a water softener, and it is appropriate for shower use as well.

Technically, working grade water should be “okay” to drink. There are water safety standards that municipalities set in order to make sure people get safe water. However, these standards allow some levels of toxicity that could be harmful to vulnerable individuals.

Drinking Grade Water

Lastly, drinking grade water is the closest thing to pure water that can be reasonably achieved. It is filtered, which makes it the safest water to drink. Drinking grade water is the safest, best-tasting, and clearest water you can get. It typically requires a reverse osmosis (ROS) filtration system and water softener in order to obtain this quality of water. It doesn’t have toxins or organisms that are hazardous to your health.

Water Knowledge is the Key to Safety

Many people think buying bottled water is the key to getting drinking grade water, whether they know there are different types of water or not. However, it is not required that bottled water be filtered. There are dangers to bottled water that are similar to utility grade water. The only way to ensure your water is as pure as possible may be to filter it yourself.