The type of water, its mineral composition and, in particular, its sodium content can make a difference when we want to choose water that is suitable for regular consumption.
In Romania, consumers can find natural mineral water, spring water and table water on the market. Natural mineral water comes from underground sources and is characterised by its mineral composition and original purity. These characteristics must be preserved and are assessed according to geological, hydrological, physico-chemical and microbiological criteria.
The first thing to check, therefore, is exactly what is written on the label. For natural mineral waters, the label must indicate the chemical composition and the source from which the water is extracted. This allows consumers to compare the actual values of different products rather than relying solely on promotional claims.
An important criterion for daily consumption is sodium content. The World Health Organization recommends that adults consume less than 2,000 mg of sodium per day, equivalent to less than 5 grams of salt. Most sodium generally comes from food, but drinking water can also contribute to total sodium intake.
For this reason, when choosing water for daily consumption, it is useful to check the “Na” or “sodium” value on the label. People who need to restrict their sodium intake on medical advice should pay particular attention to this indicator.
Another element to consider is dry residue, which provides an indication of the total amount of dissolved mineral salts. Water with a lower mineral content can be a simple choice for regular consumption, while waters with a higher mineral content have a different mineral profile and should not automatically be considered “better”. More minerals do not necessarily mean that a particular water is more suitable for everyone.
Calcium and magnesium are also important naturally occurring components of mineral waters. Their levels can vary considerably from one source to another, which is why two Romanian waters can have very different tastes and compositions even though both are officially recognised as natural mineral waters.
The choice between still and sparkling water is also primarily a matter of personal preference and tolerance. For daily hydration, what matters is drinking water regularly and choosing a type that is suitable for the individual consumer.
Romania has numerous natural mineral waters originating from local sources, and the official list of recognised natural mineral waters is established by the competent authority. Order No. 257/2025 approves the list of natural mineral waters recognised in Romania and replaced the previous list.
What to check when choosing water for everyday consumption:
• the type of water: natural mineral, spring or table water;
• the sodium content;
• the calcium and magnesium content;
• the dry residue, as an indicator of mineralisation;
• whether the water is still or sparkling, depending on personal preference and tolerance;
• the source and the information provided on the label.
There is no single Romanian water that can be declared “the best” for everyone. For daily consumption, the choice should be based on the composition indicated on the label and on individual needs, rather than simply on the brand or on the fact that the water contains more minerals.
Ultimately, the best water for daily consumption is water that is safe, compliant with the applicable standards, well tolerated and consumed in sufficient quantities to maintain adequate hydration.
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