All bottled waters produced by the mineral water companies in Bahrain can be broadly divided into two groups: natural and treated. However, the variety of bottled water varieties may not be adequately represented by this straightforward classification. This study focused on bottled water varieties that taste similar to tap water from municipal water supplies, or barely differ at all. These kinds fall into three primary categories.
This water is naturally free of pollutants due to its groundwater origins, which also provide it with minerals and small amounts of elements. The elements' composition changes depending on the region, giving the water a distinct flavour and brand name (such as Evian or Fiji Natural Artesian). On the mineral content at which water is deemed "mineral," there is, nevertheless, no unambiguous agreement. As an example, the European Federation of Bottled Water has a 50 ppm standard, whereas the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) has 250 ppm.
For mineral-infused bottled water, the mineral content must be unaltered and untreated from its point of origin to the customer. Its source, origin, and mineral composition should all be made very evident. (Throughout the remainder of this report, "mineral" water is simply referred to as "natural mineral water").
The majority of the water in this classification comes from groundwater sources like springs and wells. This category also includes glacier water. The product derives both its taste and its trade name from the water source. The product should not contain any minerals, be free of contaminants, and not undergo any significant processing.
Natural mineral water and other natural water are not the same in a few ways: i) The mineral content of spring and well water does not have to remain constant from source to consumer: ii) It is possible to package far from the point of origin, and iii) even though bottled water companies frequently list the mineral composition of their products for profit, it is not necessary. "Other natural water" is simply referred to as "natural" water throughout the remainder of this report.
Purified, prepared, handled, or table water are other terms for treated water. Its origin has no bearing on its branding, and disclosing this information is not required by law. It may originate from an unconfined aquifer, a surface source of water, or a municipal or community water system. To make this water safe to drink, it must undergo the necessary disinfection processes, such as chlorination. Reverse osmosis, distillation, deionization, and other procedures are possible methods of treatment.
Any type of bottled water can be classified as "still" or "sparkling"—that is, carbonated, either spontaneously or artificially. Only still water is taken into account in this report to guarantee consistency in readings and comparisons between tap and bottled water. The market for bottled water is dominated by just 10% of sparkling water, which has a distinct flavour from tap water.
Since they differ significantly from ordinary tap water and account for a small percentage of the market for bottles of water, bottles of water that have been altered by the incorporation of minerals, flavours, or additives are not taken into account in this report.
