Water Course

Know your H20.

Sparkling or still, bottled water is big business. Toni

taps into the trend Paterson and explains the nuances of this crowded category.

When it comes to bottled water, I have mixed emotions. While I find it difficult to reconcile the cost and environmental impact,

I do buy it on occasion. Others must, too, as the global market is booming.

Tap water is the most economical and eco-friendly option, and the obvious choice for everyday drinking. But when you’re on the go or travelling, it isn’t always accessible.

France is attempting to fix this problem. Along with a network of water fountains, self-service sparkling-water sources have been installed across Paris in an attempt to reduce the waste generated from bottled water.

If you are concerned about the taste of your tap water, which can sometimes have earthy or chlorine characters, home-filtration systems are useful. Some progressive restaurants offer bottomless refills of filtered still or sparkling for a small fee.

But what should you buy? The category is surprisingly complex.

According to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, ‘mineral’ or ‘spring’ water must be sourced from a subterranean water supply.

If the source isn’t listed, it is probably processed tap water.

Different springs have dramatically different mineral and salt contents, which impact the taste and mouthfeel. This is sometimes expressed as TDS (total dissolved solids). Water with low TDS can taste more neutral than those with high levels.

The size of the bubbles and level of fizziness influence sparkling water choice, with smaller bubbles often associated with more expensive products. Sparkling water loses its effervescence rapidly, so consume soon after opening. And while plastic bottles are lightweight and portable, from a taste perspective I prefer glass.

Tasting notes CAPE GRIM SPARKLING Tasmanian rainwater. An extremely soft and pure water with lively, refreshing bubbles. Highly delicate with negligible minerality. Due to its understated nature, it is a top choice when drinking good wine. ANTIPODES SPARKLING Sourced from a deep aquifer on New Zealand’s North Island. Subtle and uplifting, with very fine bubbles and gentle minerality. HEPBURN SPARKLING An assertive mineral water from Victoria with a weighty palate and high bicarbonate level. BELOKA WATER SPARKLING A spring water sourced from the Kosciuszko National Park in NSW. Full-bodied and assertive with distinctive minerality.