What is ultra-soft water? Why is Japanese water easy to drink and how is it different from mineral water?
What is ultra-soft water?
Have you ever heard the term "ultra-soft water"?
Water has an indicator called "hardness," which is classified according to the amount of minerals such as calcium and magnesium it contains.
Generally, they can be divided as follows:
・Hard water/Soft water/Super soft water
Among these, ultra-soft water refers to water with a very low mineral content and a smooth taste.
Therefore, it has a mild and easy-to-drink character.
What is water hardness?
Water hardness is an indicator that represents the amount of mineral components such as calcium and magnesium contained in water.
The general classification is as follows:
| hardness | Types of water |
|---|---|
| 0-60 | soft water |
| 60-120 | medium hard water |
| 120 or more | hard water |
European water is often hard water, characterized by its high mineral content.
On the other hand, much of Japan's water is soft water, and it is known for its easy-to-drink quality.
Reasons why Japanese water is easy to drink
Japan's water resources are generated by its mountainous and rainy natural environment.
Groundwater passes through geological layers over many years, naturally filtering itself before emerging as spring water.
Because this process results in water with relatively low mineral content, soft water and ultra-soft water are commonly found in Japan.
This water quality
- Smooth taste - Enhances the flavor of food - Easy to drink
These are some of its characteristics.
Therefore, Japanese natural water is known worldwide as water that is easy to drink.
Difference from mineral water
Mineral water refers to water that uses natural water sources such as groundwater as its source.
However, the hardness of mineral water varies depending on the water source.
for example,
• Water in Europe → Often hard water
• Natural water in Japan → Mostly soft water
That is the difference.
Therefore, it is said that many Japanese people find soft water easier to drink.
Japan's natural ultra-soft water "Onsen Water 99"
In Japan, there are also natural waters with extremely low hardness, known as ultra-soft water .
Onsen Water 99 , a natural hot spring water sourced from Tarumizu Onsen in Kagoshima Prefecture, is one of the prime examples.
99 Characteristics of Hot Spring Water
- Ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7 - Alkaline ionized water with a pH of 9.9 - Natural hot spring water from Kagoshima
Because of these characteristics, it is known as a mild and easy-to-drink natural water.
Water suitable for daily hydration
Since water is something we drink every day, ease of drinking is an important factor.
Ultra-soft water
• Mild taste • Easy to drink
These are some of the characteristics that make it known as water suitable for daily hydration .
summary
Ultra-soft water is water with a very low mineral content, resulting in a smooth taste.
Japanese natural water is mostly soft water, making it easy to drink.
Onsen Water 99 , natural hot spring water from Tarumizu Onsen in Kagoshima, is an ultra-soft water with an extremely low hardness of 1.7, and is characterized by its mellow taste.
When considering daily hydration, knowing the different types and characteristics of water is an important point.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is ultra-soft water?
Ultra-soft water is water that contains very little of minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
What is the difference between soft water and hard water?
Water with a high mineral content is called hard water, and water with a low mineral content is called soft water, based on its hardness.
Why is Japanese water so easy to drink?
Most natural water in Japan is soft water with a low mineral content, making it smooth and easy to drink.
