Prepared by
Diane Linder, EdD, LDN, RD

and
Melissa Brener, MS

Hard water is water with a high calcium and magnesium (minerals) content. Soft water has a high sodium (mineral) content.

Table of Contents for Water What is Water Functions of Water How Much Water Should You Drink How to Get Enough Water Dehydration Soft Drinks Water Questions and Answers Summary Review questions Back to Nutrition Curriculum Lessons

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Soft Drinks

Although a person can get water from other fluids besides plain water, it is recommended that juice or milk be consumed instead of soft drinks.  Soft drinks usually contain caffeine (a stimulant). Caffeine is a natural diuretic. This means that caffeine can cause a person to lose more water by having to urinate more frequently.   The more caffeine you drink, the more water you lose through urination.   Caffeine can also cause your body to lose more calcium through excretion.  Too much caffeine can have negative effects, such as jitters, anxiety, insomnia (inability to sleep) or a faster heart rate.

Water Questions and Answers

What is hard water and soft water?

Hard water is water with a high calcium and magnesium (minerals) content. Soft water has a high sodium (mineral) content. Most cities have soft water or soften their water by removing the calcium and magnesium and adding sodium. People usually prefer soft water because it doesn't leave a mineral buildup on appliances or scum in the tub. These are caused by the minerals in hard water.  Soft water doesn't have the metallic taste that hard water can have, which is another reason it is usually preferred over hard water.

Should you buy bottled water?

In urban areas, tap water is just as safe as bottled water because of government regulations, so it is a matter of personal preference as to whether you should buy bottled water.  In some rural areas, there may be a higher amount of lead (a mineral) in the tap water.  Also, some homes have lead water pipes, so the water will contain more lead.  If this is the case, pregnant women and families with young children may need to buy bottled water because it does not contain lead.  Tap water usually contains chlorine and some people do not like its taste in the water.  Therefore, they may choose to buy bottled water because it doesn't contain chlorine and tastes better.   Bottled water may lack the fluoride supplied by tap water. Fluoride is very important in helping form healthy teeth and in keeping your teeth healthy. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service office regarding lead or other concerns about your water. If your water has off-flavors, you might also explore possibilities to remove off-flavors through filtering.

Why does tap water sometimes have a bad odor?

The bad odor, described by some as a rotten egg odor, is caused by the amount of sulfur (a mineral) in the water.

Summary

Water is necessary for life and humans cannot survive very long without it. The average human body is composed of 50-75% water. Most people should drink a minimum of six to eight cups of water each day to replace what is lost in urine, feces, sweat and exhalation. Sedentary adults need nine to 12 cups of fluid daily. However, some people need more water, especially those who exercise, perform hard physical labor or have various illnesses. The functions of water in the body include temperature regulation, waste removal, digestion, absorption, lubrication and transportation of nutrients.

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