Water Foundation · 6 / 9
Water containing minerals
What the components dissolved in water do
Have you ever carefully looked at the back of a bottled water label? Components like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and silica are listed in milligrams per liter. Water is not just water; it contains these minerals in various combinations. And these components subtly determine the properties of the water. In this installment, we will discuss what roles the minerals dissolved in water play.
The Process of Water Containing Minerals
In a previous installment, we mentioned that water dissolves various components as it passes through the ground. The indicator representing the amount of these dissolved minerals is hardness, which was briefly mentioned earlier. Water with fewer minerals is sometimes called 'soft water,' and water with many minerals is called 'hard water.'
Groundwater tends to have higher hardness than surface water. This is because it has dissolved sufficient components like calcium and magnesium while passing through rock formations for a long time. Even water originating from the same rain will have a completely different composition depending on which path it took and for how long.
The Component Called Silica
Among various minerals, silica (silicate) is frequently mentioned in relation to the feel of water. Silica is known as a component that adds a smooth feeling to water.
The silica concentration in natural water is usually less than 30 mg per liter. However, this value tends to increase in water that has passed through deep rock formations for a long time. A high silica content is also an indication that the water has passed through deep, ancient rock layers.
Components and Effects Are Different Stories
Here, we want to make something clear once again. We are not claiming that mineral-rich water has any specific effects on the body. Statements about a particular component being good or bad for certain symptoms are not something we can arbitrarily assert.
What we can provide are only facts. We simply inform you what components are in this water, how much of each, and how those values compare to general water. What those numbers mean, and whether that water suits you, is for you to experience and decide for yourself. Disclosing components and claiming health benefits are entirely different matters, and we intend to do only the former.
Traces Minerals Leave in Water
Water rich in minerals not only feels different but also leaves visible traces. High-hardness water does not lather well with soap and tends to accumulate scale with prolonged use. This does not mean the water is bad; rather, it is natural evidence that it contains many minerals. Water with many minerals and water with few minerals simply have different characteristics; neither can be said to be right or wrong.
What's interesting is that the water we remember as good often contains a certain amount of dissolved minerals. Completely pure water, on the other hand, can feel bland. The fact that water from mountain springs or renowned bottled waters each have different tastes and textures is ultimately due to the different combinations of minerals dissolved within them. The unique character of water is created by these invisible components.
What Undam's Water Contains
Analysis by accredited institutions shows that the water at Undam Park contains over 50 mg of silica per liter. This is quite high compared to the average for natural water mentioned earlier. In addition, various other minerals are dissolved in greater abundance than in general water.
These figures are not fabricated by us; they have been confirmed by tests from the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources and the Gyeonggi Provincial Institute of Health and Environment. We plan to disclose these analysis results as they are. You can take your time to judge what kind of water this is after reviewing the numbers and experiencing it for yourself.
One more thing to add is that mineral-rich water does not feel the same to everyone. Some may describe it as smooth, while others may not notice much difference. This is because the perception of water's feel varies from person to person. Therefore, we aim to present the figures as they are and leave the experience to each individual. In the next installment, we will discuss how to verify components, in other words, how to recognize good water.
| Component | Level | Statutory hot-spring criteria | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring temp. | 34.4 ℃ | ≥ 25 ℃ · Hot spring | 138% |
| total S²⁻ | 1.745 | ≥ 0.1 · Sulfur spring | 1,745% |
| SiO₂ | 50.8 | ≥ 40 · Silica spring | 127% |
| pH | 8.92 | ≥ 8.5 · Alkaline spring | Meets |
| Na·HCO₃ | Na 95% · HCO₃ 74% | Sodium bicarbonate spring | Meets |
| Na | 103 | · | · |
| HCO₃⁻ | 201 | · | · |
| Ca | 3.47 | · | · |
| K | 1.79 | · | · |
| Li | 0.31 | · | · |
| Sr | 0.10 | · | · |
Unit: mg/L (except pH)
Legal classification criteria (Korea Hot Spring Act · water classification)
- Hot springSpring temp. 25 ℃ or above
- Sulfur springtotal S²⁻ 0.1 mg/L or above
- Silica springSiO₂ 40 mg/L or above
- Alkaline springpH 8.5 or above
- Sodium bicarbonate springNa·HCO₃ dominant (Na 95% · HCO₃ 74%)
Tested by · Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM), Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment
The spring temperature is a field measurement from the pumping test.
These are the properties of water drawn from bedrock six hundred meters underground. Because this water touches your skin, we disclose it without concealment.