When you’re a father, one of the most important things you need to take care of is your children’s health. While diets, exercise, and many other factors play a huge role into your child’s proper development, one important aspect often gets overlooked.

As you’ve most likely guessed from the title, it’s about water. Not all water is created equal. There are different water properties to take into consideration for your drinking needs. Today we will be going through several of the most common ones and try to figure out which is the healthiest for your kids without going overboard on your budget.

Types of Healthy Water 

Below are a few types of water and their source of provenience. We’re going to analyze their pros and cons so you can decide for yourself which would be a good fit for your kids. 

Tap Water 

Yes, we know what you’re probably thinking. Hold on, isn’t tap water usually NOT safe for drinking? Truth be told, yes, but you can install water filters, reverse osmosis systems, and many other devices to make tap water not only convenient but also healthy. These systems can be sensitive and prone to issues such as limescale and leaks, so be sure to search online for local ’Repair drinking water system specialists’ who can service your system regularly and keep it in tip top condition.

Apart from pollutants (which can be easily stopped with a filter), tap water has high amounts of calcium and magnesium (hard water) that are very beneficial for drinking. Sure, the resulting limescale isn’t good for appliances, but you can get a water descaler system to prevent said deposits and still keep beneficial minerals intact.

 Pros 

Affordable in the long run when compared to purchasing bottled water

Convenient and easy to access for most people in the country

Usually contains high levels of calcium and magnesium 

Cons 

Might contain pollutants for which you’ll need to install a filter

Isn’t necessarily the “tastiest” type of water out there

Alkalinity levels may vary

Mineral Water

Mineral water comes from mineral springs, and it’s a great source of calcium, sulfur, magnesium, and possibly even other beneficial minerals. Depending on jurisdictions and countries, mineral water is often left intact or only not-so-beneficial minerals get removed such as heavy metals, arsenic, with the help of filtration, decantation or through ozone-enriched air.

Pros 

Provides your body with nutrients that it can’t create by itself

Helps aid digestion and somewhat improves the taste of food

 Cons 

The cost can become quite noticeable if you plan on relying solely on mineral water

You can also obtain many of these minerals through a healthy diet, not by spending extra money on bottled water

 Alkaline Water 

Alkaline water is basically water with a pH level above 7 (which is the neutral pH that regular water has). Because of this, some advocates of alkaline water believe it can neutralize the acid in your body.

Alkaline water also contains antioxidants and alkaline minerals that work together to reduce acidity in everything that they come in contact with. While regular water is good most times, alkaline water does have benefits you can’t ignore, much like this 2012 study suggests. 

Pros 

Has anti-aging properties thanks to antioxidants that the human body absorbs more quickly

Can cleanse your child’s colon and improve their immune system as well as promote weight loss (great if your kids are fat)

Increases the body’s natural cancer-fighting abilities 

Cons 

You’ll have to take the pH into consideration, as water that is way too alkaline might make children vomit

A physician should be consulted to determine the alkalinity level and optimum amount of water for your child’s particular needs

The Bottom Line 

In most cases, regular tap water (as long as it’s filtered and treated) is the best option for most people. The second best for drinking is mineral water, and the third best option is alkaline water – though you’ll have to consult a physician to see what the optimum amount is for your child’s particular needs. Good luck!