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 the make-up of the “stratum” and how the water gets there combined with how the water is extracted (and both the aquifer and the source are protected) is what makes SNMW unique. Well, that and the fact that we are the only natural mineral waters sourced and bottled in the US.

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. Where our aquifer is located in the Ottawa National Forest, there is an abundance of all four of the above. Averaging well over 125 inches of snow each year (with 300+ inches in some parts pretty normal) combined with roughly 30 inches of rain each year plus a moisture laden atmosphere most seasons, there is plenty of moisture to start with.

Great Lakes IllustrationThis moisture needs places to go – and Lake Superior is one of these places. The lake level has been pretty consistent with some folks concerned that the water level is too high – and continues to erode the coastline near Duluth, MN. Not that we get our water from Lake Superior – we do not – but we are always concerned about the total water health of our area.

The other main place all of this moisture goes is into groundwater. Over many years and through multiple layers of sand, gravel, soil and rock, the aquifer we work with continues to replenish itself. Nature does the work, you get the benefit and we only act as an intermediary. This is part of our Superior Sustainability – we work with all the various authorities (local, state, regional and National) to make sure we are good stewards of not only our water but water as a precious resource for everyone in the Midwest.

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: Did you know that only naturally occurring minerals in water are readily absorbed by the body (Bio-Availability)? Minerals that are added back – like many “enhanced” waters only impact the flavor – not the overall benefit to the body. The more you know…

 

We monitor what is in our water focusing on pH levels and mineral levels (check out our Mineral Benefit Chart here) as well as the normal monitoring for safety that every water and beverage does no matter what the source. This allows us to make the claim of Natural Mineral Water (to be a natural mineral water, you must have a minimum of 500 ppm of solids. As an example, some popular waters based in tropical islands only have ~250 ppm and can’t make the claim of Mineral Water) which differentiates us from just about every other US bottled water. Many of the most popular European mineral waters are carbonated – which often hides or masks the true flavor of the water (carbonation impacts how your taste buds interpret flavors) and this can add some nuances to how you pair water with your meals and is a wonderful product. We prefer naturally still water – meaning there is no carbonation. This gives you, the consumer, the best of all possible worlds. Water “purified” by the arduous journey of the water through multiple layers of soil and rock but with naturally infused minerals.

Fun Fact: Did you know that most spring, purified and reverse-osmosis waters available today have removed the minerals that provide your body those replenishing minerals? When you exercise, you not only lose moisture/water but also essential nutrients your body needs to function at its peak. Sometimes called Electrolytes, Superior Natural Mineral Water retains these wonderful nutrients so you can always be at the top of your game. 

So, now you know a bit more about an aquifer. For a quick lesson on how an aquifer works, check out this fun video that uses a very popular medium to explain aquifers: Ice Cream Aquifer.

Image of 20 oz bottle of Superior Natural Mineral Water in splash of water.

We now only have one question. What is keeping you from embracing Superior? Whether for Superior Performance, Superior Eating, Superior Living or Superior Sustainability, Superior Natural Mineral Water is the one place where you can begin to maximize each of these – and help your achieve Superior in everything you do.

You only get one life…make it Superior!