Packaged drinking water is water that has been subjected to various chemical and physical treatments to disinfect the water from any sort of contamination and to remove any impurities from the water. The source water can be any potable water source and the water has to be packaged in hygienic, aseptic conditions. The manufacturing and water testing processes should be in line with BIS standards.

The common impurities present in water may be classified as:

• Suspended Impurities: They remain suspended in water and cause turbidity of water. Clay, mud, algae, industrial waste, organic matter, etc. are examples of suspended impurities.
• Dissolved Impurities: Gases present in the air like carbon dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, hydrogen sulfide are soluble in water and become dissolved impurities.
• Colloidal Impurities: Colloidal particles of clay, fine mud and decayed leaves may be present in water. Such impurities neither settle down on standing nor can they be removed by filtration.
• Biological Impurities: Pathogenic bacteria, viruses, etc. are examples of biological impurities.

Boiled water/water from a domestic purification system is safe water, but not pure water. Boiling the water only removes the biological impurities. It cannot remove the suspended, dissolved and colloidal impurities found in water. Boiled water can get re-contaminated upon cooling.

A domestic purification system removes most of the impurities, but it is in no way foolproof. Domestic purification systems need to be monitored very frequently to ensure safe water. 90% of the systems do not get monitored as frequently as they need to be, and hence the water obtained from it is contaminated water.

As mentioned earlier, boiled water or water from a domestic purification system is safe water, but not pure water. None of the methods are foolproof and chances of water contamination are really high. No matter how accustomed you are to drinking such water, the chances of a health risk upon consuming such water cannot be discarded. If a cost benefit analysis is done, packaged drinking water always comes out to be a better option in the long run.

Packaged drinking water is derived from any source of potable water and can be subjected to various chemical and physical treatments to disinfect the water from any sort of contamination and to remove any impurities from the water. Minerals, required by the human body, can be added in the right proportion to impart taste to the water and to benefit the human body in multiple ways.

Natural mineral water, on the other hand, is derived from any natural water source that is rich in minerals, under conditions which guarantee the original natural microbiological purity of the water and packed close to the point of emergence of the source. It is characterized by its content of certain naturally obtained minerals which impart taste to the water.

The following minerals in a dissolved form are added to 'Sahyadri Pure Water ' packaged drinking water:

• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Sodium
• Sulphates
• Chlorides
• Bicarbonates

The amount added depends on the quality of the raw water, so as to maintain the final proportion of each mineral consistent with company standards.

Water from any natural source contains minerals. These minerals are not always the desirable ones and they could be in proportions harmful for the body. In order to provide only the essential minerals in the right proportion, 'Sahyadri Pure Water ' undergoes a unique 9-step process in which the water is stripped of all its contents. Minerals are then added to the water as per company standards. Re-mineralisation gives taste to the water and plays a vital role in the body’s metabolic functioning. Each of the added minerals helps the body in different ways.

• Calcium: Calcium is important for the formation and development of healthy teeth and bones. It also helps in producing white blood cells, prevents pus formation and regulates the time mechanism of the heart.
• Magnesium: Magnesium is an important constituent of bones, soft tissue and body fluids. It prevents depression, irritability and muscular weakness. Magnesium is also good for the heart since it protects the heart muscles during pumping.
• Potassium: Potassium helps in new brain cell formation and absorption and distribution of oxygen and iron in the body. It is also required for the proper functioning of muscles.
• Sodium: Sodium helps maintain osmotic pressure, fluid balance, and acid-base balance. It also helps in producing white blood cells, prevents pus formation and regulates the time mechanism of the heart.
• Sulphates: Sulphates help in proper wear and tear of body tissue. It is also important for proper digestion of fat and control of carbohydrate mechanism.
• Chlorides: Chlorides are necessary for the production of hydrochloric acid in gastric juices which is necessary for proper digestion. It also activates important enzymes in saliva which is another important element or the digestion process.
• Bi-carbonates: Bi-carbonates are the main constituent of plasma and is Responsible for maintaining acid-base balance in the body.

As long as the packaging of the 20ltr jar is not tampered with, the shelf life is 30 days from the date of manufacturing. Once the jar has been opened, the earlier it is consumed, the better.

To ensure that the packaging of 'Sahyadri Pure Water ' 20ltr jar is intact and the jar has not been tampered with, make sure to look for the following 3 things:

• The jar that you have received has a sleeve on top of the cap and it contains all the relevant information.
• Once the sleeve has been removed, the cap has a “VAFL” mark embossed on it.
• The jar has a body sticker mentioning the brand 'Sahyadri Pure Water ' and its manufacturing location.

Filled 20ltr jars should be stored in a cool, dry, hygienic environment away from sunlight. Special care should be taken to ensure that the jars are placed away from any chemicals, household cleaning products or any products with an odor as the odor might permeate into the jars, affecting the smell and taste of the water inside.

20ltr jars being returnable containers, an equal amount of care has to be taken while handling an empty 20ltr jar. The jars should be kept away from dust, chemicals, household cleaning products or any products with an odor, preferably with the cap placed back onto the bottle. This way no foreign particles can get stuck inside the bottle.