Mineral water is best consumed unheated, chilled, or slightly warmed; it should not be boiled.
Mineral water generally contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, giving it a certain degree of hardness. At room temperature, calcium and magnesium are in ionic form, making them easily absorbed by the body and providing excellent calcium supplementation.
Boiling mineral water easily causes calcium and magnesium to react with calcium carbonate, forming scale that precipitates out. This results in the loss of calcium and magnesium and also causes sensory discomfort. Therefore, the best way to drink mineral water is at room temperature.
Refrigeration is recommended, but freezing is not.
During the freezing process, mineral water becomes supersaturated with calcium and magnesium, and a white precipitate forms as bicarbonates decompose.
When mineral water is frozen and analyzed compared to its original state, the presence of white precipitate indicates a significant decrease in bicarbonate and calcium ion levels. However, other components, particularly beneficial trace elements such as metasilicic acid and strontium, remain largely unchanged. Therefore, frozen mineral water is not harmful to the human body, and those who prefer chilled water can drink it without worry.
However, the presence of sediment in bottled water does affect sensory evaluation.
In the hot summer, people enjoy refreshing drinks, and mineral water retailers often freeze bottled mineral water for sale. The appearance of white floating matter during consumption can mislead customers into believing the water is unclean. Therefore, the national standard for mineral water (GB8537-1995) explains that "bottled mineral water stored below zero degrees Celsius may exhibit trace mineral condensation due to low temperatures, forming a small amount of white floating matter."
Optimal Drinking Time
Natural mineral water is extremely prone to developing green algae. Large bottles of mineral water must be stored in a cool, dark place, never in direct sunlight, to prevent the growth of algae.
Opened large bottles of mineral water should be consumed within 2-4 weeks in autumn and winter, and ideally within 7-10 days in spring and summer. Water dispensers should not be left plugged in for extended periods or repeatedly boiled. Repeatedly boiled water has increased nitrite levels and is not suitable for drinking. Water containers should be disinfected regularly, ideally every three months, to avoid secondary contamination and ensure safe, hygienic, and healthy drinking water.
