Minerals in drinking water available in Bangkok, Nakhon Nayok, and Chachoengsao

Abstract

In this study, drinking water from various sources in Bangkok and two other provinces in Thailand was collected, and its physical properties and mineral content were determined. Water from canals and dug wells contained diverse components making it turbid and coloured. Artesian water from the same province as canal and dug well water had similar mineral content, indicating that pollutants could spread thoroughly. The amount of iron detected in tap water varied from house to house, depending on its plumbing system since it came from corroded aged metal pipelines. The purity and mineral content of some bottled purified and mineral water were identical to that of the tap water. Furthermore, there was phosphate contamination in bottled water, probably from the bottle washing powder. Both local and imported bottled mineral water contained lower amounts of calcium and magnesium than expected, thus they might not be an effective mineral supplement. The high sodium content of sports drinks could make them harmful to health. The perception that bottled water is healthier than tap water should be reconsidered.