Regions across the world are afflicted by severe water problems: Kabul may be on course to be the first modern city to run out of water. Mexico City is sinking at a rate of around 20 inches a year as the vast aquifer beneath its streets is over-pumped.
A cutting-edge farming technique being implemented on an experimental ranch in Arizona's Sonoran Desert has already saved a billion gallons of water over five years, according to Civil Eats, a news site covering America's food system.
Water quality significantly impacts skin health. Hard water, with high mineral content, can lead to dryness, irritation, and even exacerbate skin conditions like eczema and acne due to mineral buildup and residue.
When prepping ice for your restaurant or coffee shop, you probably don't stop to ponder the process. It's relatively automated, meaning there's not much for you to do. But knowing how a commercial ice maker works can help you better understand what goes into the perfect cube.
Water, or H2O, is one of the most essential and plentiful compounds on Earth. Existing in gaseous, solid, and liquid states, it is tasteless and odourless at room temperature.
Artesian Water vs. Spring Water
While they’re similar, artesian and spring water aren’t quite the same. They can be, but only in certain instances.
Spring water is any water that flows naturally at the land surface.
So technically, a flowing artesian well is an artesian spring. However, a regular artesian well is not a spring, as it doesn’t flow out of the earth.
Maybe a little confusing? Maybe just a little!
Artesian Water
Source: Artesian water comes from a well that taps into a confined aquifer, which is an underground layer of rock or soil that holds water under pressure.
How it reaches the surface: The water is forced to the surface due to the pressure within the aquifer, often without the need for a pump.
Characteristics: Artesian water is often described as having a crisp, clean taste and being naturally filtered as it travels through the layers of rock and soil.
Examples: Fiji Water is an example of a popular brand of artesian water.
Spring Water
Source: Spring water originates from groundwater that reaches the surface through natural geological formations.
How it reaches the surface: Water may flow naturally from a spring due to pressure, or it may be pumped from a well that accesses the spring.
Characteristics: The taste of spring water can vary depending on the mineral content of the source, but it's often described as refreshing and crisp.
Examples: Numerous bottled water brands, like Origin, label their water as spring water.
Key Differences
Pressure: Artesian water relies on the pressure within a confined aquifer, while spring water may or may not be under pressure.
Well vs. Spring: Artesian water typically comes from a well tapping into a confined aquifer, while spring water can come from a natural spring.
Flow to surface: Artesian water flows to the surface without the aid of a pump, while spring water may or may not require pumping.