For general good health we need to drink 2 - 3 litres of water per day - about 1,5 litres of this is derived from food and the other 1,5 litres from liquid consumed. More water is needed during exercise and when burning energy. Water is the largest single component of the body, making up 50 - 70% of an adult's total body weight (40 - 50 litres).
Natural waters and table waters contain a number of minerals and differ depending on source. Consumers should remember that minerals in any food or beverage are only beneficial when they are in complementary form and in appropriate quantities.
Hydration of the body is a prerequisite to good health. All conditions being equal and ideal, spring or mineral waters are usually purer and better for drinking than the average tap water.
The shelf life of spring and mineral waters depends on the source and the organic matter in the water.
The therapeutic claims of spring and mineral waters rest partly on the fact that they are live - they may contain beneficial micro-organisms. For this reason, there is a view that they should ideally be consumed within a day or two of breaking the seal, and that if left opened for long periods of time, harmful bacteria may enter the bottle.
As a general rule, store your bottled water in a cool area to prevent bacterial growth.