Which water should you choose? Drinking, cooking, and living self-sufficiently
A complete guide to water: drinking, cooking, gardening, animals and survival
Introduction – Water, the essence of life
Water is the fundamental element of life on Earth. It covers more than 70% of our planet's surface, but only 2.5% is freshwater, and some of that is locked away in glaciers or deep aquifers that are difficult to access. Yet every drop counts; it irrigates our crops, waters our animals, supplies our homes, and, of course, keeps us alive. The human body is composed of approximately 60 to 70% water, varying according to age, sex, and muscle mass. It performs vital functions: transporting nutrients, regulating body temperature, eliminating waste from organs, and hydrating skin and joints. Water loss is serious. A loss of 2% of body water can cause fatigue and cognitive impairment, while a loss of more than 10% can be fatal. The water we choose to drink, cook, use, and for our animals and gardens therefore has a direct impact on our health, comfort, and self-sufficiency. In this guide we will explore in detail all aspects of water in everyday life, with practical advice, comparative tables, alternative solutions and mistakes to avoid for each use.
Water and its spiritual dimension
Water is not only a vital element for the body and the planet: it also possesses a subtle and energetic dimension that has fascinated people for centuries. Research and traditions suggest that water can "retain" information, be influenced by intention, vibrations or music, and even by lunar cycles.
Key points to know:
-
Water memory: some studies, such as those by Dr. Masaru Emoto, show that water reacts to emotions, words, and intentions, which can influence its energy.
-
Influence of the moon: the full moon and the new moon can alter the energetic quality of water, used by some traditions for harvesting, purification or consumption.
-
Practical benefits: drinking water that is positively “charged” or simply mindful can improve feelings of well-being, meditation, or connection with nature.
Practical tip : Leaving your water in the moonlight or reciting a positive intention before drinking it may seem simple, but many people report a subtle effect on their energy and mental clarity.
Drinking water – which water to choose
Understanding the types of water.
There are several types of water sold commercially, but they are not all equal in terms of health, taste, and cooking. To choose wisely, you should consider:
- Mineral content: Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium. pH.
- The balance: optimal acid-base for health.
- The source: Natural, filtered, spring, tap.
- Taste and use: Some waters are better suited for drinking, others for cooking.
Practical advice : For preferred daily use, a balanced water, rich in essential minerals with a pleasant taste and a pH close to neutral (5.5 to 8).
Comparative table of commercially sold bottled water
|
Brand / Type |
Main minerals (mg/L) |
pH |
Taste |
Benefits |
Disadvantages |
Overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Monrouscou (natural mineral) |
Ca 120, Mg 50, K 2 |
7.4 |
Soft, lightweight |
Excellent mineral content, perfect balance for health and cooking |
Price a little high |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Evian (mineral water) |
Ca 80, Mg 26, K 1 |
7.2 |
Soft |
Very well-balanced, rich in essential minerals |
High price, plastic bottle |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Volvic (mineral water) |
Ca 11, Mg 8, K 0.7 |
7.0 |
Neutral |
Low mineral content, ideal for cooking and everyday drinks |
Low magnesium |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Vittel (mineral water) |
Ca 160, Mg 45, K 1 |
7.5 |
Slightly pronounced |
Good for athletes, rich in minerals |
Strong taste, price |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Cristaline (source) |
Ca 30, Mg 5, K 0.5 |
7.2 |
Neutral |
Affordable price, wide distribution |
Weak minerals |
⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Filtered tap water |
Varies by region |
6.5–8 |
Variable |
Inexpensive, available everywhere, convenient |
Chlorine, limescale, heavy metals, variable taste |
⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Contrex (mineral) |
Ca 468, Mg 84, K 1 |
7.4 |
Forte |
Very rich in minerals |
Very strong flavor, not for everyone |
⭐⭐ |
|
Perrier (mineral sparkling water) |
Ca 147, Mg 3, K 1 |
5.5 |
Sparkling |
Refreshing, moderate minerals |
Acidity and gas can irritate digestion. |
⭐⭐ |
Discover our Article on survival and self-reliance
Tips: Varying your water sources is beneficial for getting a wider range of minerals. For cooking, low-mineral water gives a neutral taste and preserves nutrients.
Practical tips and mistakes to avoid when drinking water
Practical advice:
-
Always drink at room temperature or cold to preserve nutrients and avoid any metallic taste.
-
Regularly check the pH and minerals of your water, especially if you use a reverse osmosis system or collect rainwater.
-
For athletes or people with specific needs, choose water rich in magnesium and calcium to support muscles and bones.
Common mistakes:
-
Drinking exclusively mineral-rich waters like Contrex without medical necessity → can cause an unpleasant taste or excess calcium.
-
Thinking that all bottled waters are equivalent → some are very low in minerals or very acidic.
-
Using hot tap water for drinking → dissolves metals and alters the taste.
The sources and origins of water around the world
Mineral and spring water comes from specific geographical areas, often protected and regulated to guarantee quality and purity. The mineral composition varies depending on the rock it passes through and the soil from which it is drawn, which explains the differences in taste, pH, and calcium, magnesium, or sodium content.
Examples of sources and location
|
Brand / Type |
Country / Region |
Source type |
Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Monrouscou |
France, Massif Central |
Deep volcanic spring |
Low mineral content water, perfect Ca/Mg balance, very mild taste |
|
Evian |
France, Haute-Savoie |
Glacial |
Pure water naturally filtered through alpine rocks |
|
Volvic |
France, Auvergne |
Volcanic |
Low mineral content water, ideal for cooking and babies |
|
Vittel |
France, Vosges |
Natural source |
Rich in calcium and magnesium, with a slightly pronounced taste |
|
Cristaline |
France, various sources |
Various sources |
Wide availability, minerals vary depending on the source |
|
Contrex |
France, Vosges |
Natural source |
Very rich in calcium and magnesium |
|
Perrier |
France, Gard |
Natural gas source |
Naturally sparkling water, rich in carbon dioxide |
Specificities vary by region
-
Europe: The majority of French and Italian mineral waters come from mountain or volcanic springs. They are naturally filtered and have a stable composition.
-
North America: Many spring waters come from rocks and glaciers (e.g., Canada), sometimes lightly filtered to remove bacteria or impurities.
-
Asia: Mineral water often comes from volcanic or mountain springs, with varying mineralization depending on the rock and the region.
-
Africa: Sources often in protected areas, some waters require filtration or treatment for domestic consumption.
-
Oceania: Mountain or volcanic springs, water generally low in minerals, neutral taste.
Practical tip : Knowing the origin of the water allows you to choose water suited to your needs: low in minerals for cooking, rich for health or sport.
Useful link: Complete Guide to Drinking Water Sources – WHO
Water for cooking and washing food – a complete guide
The water we use to prepare our meals and wash our food plays a crucial role in food safety, taste, and nutrient preservation. It's not just about taste: water can carry bacteria, heavy metals, or chemical residues, especially when heated directly from the tap.
Basic principles for cooking
-
-
Hot tap water can dissolve metals from pipes (lead, copper).
-
It may contain chlorine residues, which partially evaporate but alter the taste and nutritional quality of food.
-
Practical example: when cooking pasta, rice or vegetables, always start with cold filtered or spring water.
Always use cold water for cooking:
-
Low mineral content waters (e.g. Volvic, Monrouscou) for cooking rice, pasta, soups → neutral taste, preserves texture.
-
Waters richer in calcium and magnesium (e.g. Vittel, Evian) for broths or fortified drinks → additional mineral intake.
-
Avoid using carbonated water for cooking → carbon dioxide alters the texture and taste.
Choose the appropriate water depending on the food:
-
-
Washing fruits and vegetables:
-
Always use cold water to remove dirt, pesticides and bacteria.
-
Soak root vegetables (carrots, potatoes) for 5 to 10 minutes to loosen impurities.
-
Rinse thoroughly before cooking or consuming raw.
-
Helpful tip: Adding a teaspoon of white vinegar to the soaking water can help eliminate some bacteria and chemical residues.
Good practices for preserving nutrients
-
Do not leave vegetables to soak for too long → risk of loss of water-soluble vitamins (C, B).
-
Prefer steaming or braising → water is used but minerals and vitamins are preserved.
-
For soups and broths, avoid very hard water → limescale can alter the texture of vegetables and legumes.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
|
Common mistake |
Why this is problematic |
Practical solution |
|---|---|---|
|
Use hot tap water for cooking |
Dissolves metals, alters taste and nutrients |
Always start with cold filtered or spring water |
|
Quickly wash the vegetables under a net. |
Insufficient waste to remove impurities |
Soak and scrub if necessary |
|
Long cooking time in hard water |
Altered texture, “hard” vegetables |
Use low-mineral or filtered water. |
|
Store cooking water for a long time |
Risk of bacteria and nutrient loss |
Consume quickly or keep refrigerated for a maximum of 24 hours. |
Additional links
-
To reduce the impact of plastic and improve water quality at home, see our guide on Zero Plastic Kitchen .
-
For families who wish to be self-sufficient, our Essential Survival Pack includes filters and solutions for reliable drinking water.
Water for animals – a complete guide
Water is essential for our four-legged companions, just as it is for us. It plays a role in digestion, regulating body temperature, blood circulation, and eliminating toxins. Dehydration can lead to kidney problems, constipation, overheating, and loss of energy, particularly in active or senior dogs and cats.
Specific needs depending on the species
-
Adult dogs: 50–60 ml/kg/day on average. Active or sporting dogs need more.
-
Puppies: 100–120 ml/kg/day to support their rapid growth.
-
Cats: 40–50 ml/kg/day, often less if wet food.
-
Rodents or small animals: low but constant needs, always clean and renewed water.
Practical advice: Needs vary according to age, size, activity level, and climate. Always adjust the quantity and frequency.
Water quality
-
Spring or filtered water: choose water with low mineral content, balanced in calcium and magnesium.
-
Never use softened water: it contains too much sodium for animals.
-
Ideal pH: 7–7.5 for dogs and cats, slightly variable for rodents depending on the species.
-
Temperature: water at room temperature, never ice-cold or boiling.
Best practices
-
Change the water every day, or more often for very active animals.
-
Clean the bowls regularly to prevent bacteria and algae.
-
Avoid stagnant water: a bowl left outside or an unemptied bowl can quickly become contaminated.
-
Storage: If you have several animals, provide several water points to avoid competition and maintain hygiene.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
|
Common mistake |
Consequences |
Practical solution |
|---|---|---|
|
Provide softened water |
Excess sodium → puts strain on the kidneys and heart |
Use spring or filtered water |
|
Do not clean the bowls |
Bacteria, algae, digestive diseases |
Clean daily with mild soap and rinse thoroughly. |
|
Water left in the sun |
Promotes bacterial and algae growth |
Place the food bowl in the shade and change the water regularly. |
|
Stagnant water in outdoor watering trough |
Rapid contamination, unpleasant taste |
Install or change drip irrigation systems frequently |
|
Mix mineral water very rich in Ca/Mg |
May cause constipation or digestive problems |
Choose low-mineral water for sensitive animals |
Additional tips and recommendations
For elderly or sick animals, filtered water is preferable to avoid any spikes in metals or chlorine.
-
For travel or outings, use a portable filter bottle or water bottle.
-
Cats are often sensitive to taste: try neutral waters, Monrouscou or Volvic to get him used to it.
-
Dogs love fresh water: consider an automatic dispenser if you have several animals or will be away for a long time.
Vegetable garden and water harvesting – a complete guide
Water is vital for a healthy and productive vegetable garden. But not all water is created equal for irrigation: quality, mineral content, and collection method directly influence plant growth, soil health, and crop yields.
Water collection and recovery
-
Rainwater harvesting:
-
Install gutters and storage tanks to collect naturally soft water.
-
Filter out impurities at the inlet (leaves, branches, dust) with a pre-filter or fine mesh screen.
-
Provide a lid or closed system to prevent mosquitoes, algae and contamination.
-
Reused domestic wastewater:
-
Avoid hot water, soapy water or water containing chemicals.
-
Vegetable rinsing water can be recovered for irrigation, without adding harmful products.
-
Store in opaque tanks to limit light and algae growth.
-
Regularly check pH and minerals: too much limestone can block the absorption of nutrients by plants.
Storage and distribution:
-
Practical tip: Use drip irrigation or a micro-irrigation system to reduce waste and ensure that each plant receives the right amount of water.Water quality for the vegetable garden
-
Soft, low-mineral water: ideal for most vegetables, herbs and fruits.
-
Optimal pH: 6.5–7.5 for most crops.
-
Avoid: stagnant water, water containing chlorine or softener (too much sodium), or water very rich in minerals which can burn the roots.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
|
Common mistake |
Consequences |
Practical solution |
|---|---|---|
|
Watering with hot tap water |
Burns roots, alters nutrients |
Always use cold filtered or rainwater |
|
Stagnant water in the tank |
Algae and bacteria proliferation |
Closed, opaque tank, regular cleaning |
|
Use of softened water |
Excess sodium → unsuitable soil and diseased plants |
Prefer rainwater or filtered water. |
|
Overwatering or uniform irrigation |
Shallow roots, diseases |
Use a drip irrigation system, watering according to the plants' needs |
|
Forgetting to check pH and minerals |
Slowed growth, deficiencies |
Regular testing with a pH/mineral kit or strip |
FAQ – Everything you need to know about water
What is the best water to drink?
Monrouscou or Volvic, lightly mineralized, neutral and safe.
Can tap water be used for cooking?
Yes, but always cold and filtered.
Why not use softened water?
Contains sodium, not suitable for consumption.
How can I tell if my water is hard?
pH/mineral test or supplier report.
What type of water is suitable for babies?
Low in minerals, low in nitrates.
Can rainwater be filtered for drinking?
Yes, filtration + quality test.
What type of water is best for the vegetable garden?
Soft water, pH 6.5–7.5, never softened.
How to effectively filter tap water?
Activated carbon, reverse osmosis, ceramic.
Does water have a spiritual influence?
Yes, water memory, lunar cycles, intentions.
How to hydrate your animals?
Clean bowl, freshly renewed water, not softened.
Can sparkling water be used for cooking?
No, only for drinking.
How much water should I store?
3–5 L/person/day for 72h.
How to purify water in an emergency?
Filtration + boiling or UV, optional tablets.
How to manage water for the vegetable garden?
Collect rainwater, filter it, water it drip-by-drip, test the pH.
Why not leave the stagnant water for animals?
Bacteria and algae → diseases.
What type of water is suitable for soups and broths?
Low mineral content, filtered.
Can filtered water be used for all purposes?
Yes, but some are “flat”, consider remineralizing.
How to avoid the unpleasant taste of water?
Filter, let it rest for a few minutes, or use spring water.
Can water collected for a vegetable garden be used for animals?
Yes, if filtered and not stagnant.
How to maintain healthy water in the long term?
Airtight containers, rotation 6–12 months, filtering or purification.
Take action: secure your water and your self-sufficiency
Water is the key to life. Now that you know all the best practices and mistakes to avoid, it's time to take action.
- Ensuring the health of your family and pets.
- Avoid errors that compromise water quality.
- Initiate your water self-sufficiency in emergency situations or on a daily basis.
Our solutions:
- Essential Survival Pack : drinking water, filters, storage, 72-hour guide.
- Zero Plastic Kitchen : reduce plastic and manage water daily.
- Animal Module : water needs of your companions.
Tip: Start today. Even a small water supply and a simple filter can make a difference.