What is an “Aquifer” and why is it important for understanding Superior Natural Mineral Water?
Webster’s defines an aquifer as:
…a water-bearing stratum of permeable rock, sand, or gravel
That is a good technical definition, but what makes SNMW unique is the composition of the “stratum,” how the water travels there, and the way we extract it—all while protecting both the aquifer and the source. On top of that, we are the only natural mineral water sourced and bottled in the U.S.
Let’s dig deeper – we believe that this is why you should select Superior Natural Mineral Water as your beverage of choice for when you work out, when you eat, or when you need to re-establish balance in your life. This is why we focus on our four aspects:
- Superior Performance
- Superior Eating
- Superior Living
- Superior Sustainability
The Beginning: Rain, Snow, Sleet, Mist
All aquifers begin as groundwater runoff. Our aquifer, located in the Ottawa National Forest, benefits from an abundance of water sources. The region averages over 125 inches of snow each year—some areas see 300+ inches—and receives roughly 30 inches of rain annually. Combined with a moisture-rich atmosphere for much of the year, there is more than enough water to feed the aquifer.
This moisture needs places. We carefully monitor our water, checking pH and mineral levels (see our Mineral Benefit Chart) along with the standard safety tests all beverages undergo. This allows us to confidently call it Natural Mineral Water. To qualify, water must contain at least 500 ppm of solids—some popular tropical brands have only ~250 ppm and cannot make this claim. That’s what sets us apart from nearly every other bottled water in the U.S.
Many European mineral waters are carbonated, which can mask their true flavor and affect how they pair with meals. We choose naturally still water, giving you the best of both worlds: water purified through layers of soil and rock, naturally enriched with minerals, and completely free of carbonation.
As you can see from the image, there are multiple aquifers as part of the Great Lakes Watershed. We draw from a Carbonate and Sandstone portion of the aquifer, which provides a rich set of naturally occurring minerals.
Fun Fact: Only naturally occurring minerals in water are readily absorbed by the body (bioavailability). Minerals added back—like in many “enhanced” waters—affect flavor but provide little real benefit. The more you know!
We carefully monitor our water, checking pH and mineral levels (see our Mineral Benefit Chart) along with the standard safety tests all beverages undergo. This allows us to confidently call it Natural Mineral Water. To qualify, water must contain at least 500 ppm of solids. Some popular tropical waters only have ~250 ppm and cannot make this claim. That sets us apart from nearly every other bottled water in the U.S.
Many European mineral waters are carbonated. Carbonation can mask their true flavor and affects how they pair with meals. We prefer naturally still water. This gives you water purified through layers of soil and rock, naturally enriched with minerals, and free from carbonation.
Fun Fact: Most spring, purified, and reverse-osmosis waters have removed the minerals your body needs. When you exercise, you lose not only water but also essential nutrients, sometimes called electrolytes. Superior Natural Mineral Water retains these nutrients so you can perform at your peak.
Now you know a bit more about aquifers. For a quick lesson on how they work, check out this fun video: Ice Cream Aquifer.
We have just one question for you: What is keeping you from embracing Superior? Whether for Superior Performance, Superior Eating, Superior Living, or Superior Sustainability, Superior Natural Mineral Water gives you a place to start maximizing all of these—and achieving Superior in everything you do.
