CLUSIONS Drinking water should cont

CLUSIONS
Drinking water should contain minimum levels of certain essential minerals (and other
components such as carbonates). Unfortunately, over the two past decades, little research attention
has been given to the beneficial or protective effects of drinking water substances. The main focus
has been on the toxicological properties of contaminants. Nevertheless, some studies have
attempted to define the minimum content of essential elements or TDS in drinking water, and
some countries have included requirements or guidelines for selected substances in their drinking
water regulations. The issue is relevant not only where drinking water is obtained by desalination
(if not adequately re-mineralised) but also where home treatment or central water treatment
reduces the content of important minerals and low-mineral bottled water is consumed.