Spring water is a product of the earth. Because the mineral content is not changed during bottling, spring water retains the same properties and quality as its underground source. Depending on the mineral content, water temperature, and other naturally occurring factors; each spring will impart its unique “fingerprint” and taste to that particular water. In 1995, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration established the legal definition for spring water that applies to its geology, method of collection and how the product is labeled.

Hydrocycle
While water does circulate from one point to another in the water cycle, the paths it can take are variable.

Heat energy directly influences the rate of motion of water molecules. When the motion of the molecule increases because of an increase in heat energy, water will change from solid to liquid to gas. With each change in state, physical movement from one location to another usually follows. Glaciers melt to pools which overflow to streams, where water may evaporate into the atmosphere.

Gravity further influences the ability of water to travel over, under, and above Earth’s surface. Water as a solid, liquid or gas has mass and is subject to gravitational force. Snow on mountaintops melts and descends through watersheds to the oceans of the world.

One of the most visible states in which water moves is the liquid form. Water is seen flowing in streams and rivers and tumbling in ocean waves. Water travels slowly underground, seeping and filtering through particles of soil and pores within rocks.

Although unseen, water’s most dramatic movements take place during its gaseous phase. Water is constantly evaporating, changing from a liquid to a gas. As a vapor, it can travel through the atmosphere over Earth’s surface. In fact, water vapor surrounds us all the time. Where it condenses and returns to Earth depends upon loss of heat energy, gravity, and the structure of Earth’s surface.

Water condensation can be seen as dew on plants or water droplets on the outside of a glass of cold water. In clouds, water molecules collect on tiny dust particles. Eventually, the water droplets become too heavy and gravity pulls the water to Earth.

Living organisms also help move water. Human and other animals carry water within their bodies, transporting it from one location to another. Water is either directly consumed by animals or is removed from foods during digestion. Water is excreted as a liquid or leaves as a gas, usually through respiration. When water is present on the skin of an animal (for example, as perspiration), evaporation may occur.

The greatest movers of water among the living organisms are plants. The roots of plants absorb water. Some of this water is used within the body of the plant, but most of it travels up through the plant to the leaf surface.

When water reaches the leaves, it is exposed to the air and the sun’s energy and is easily evaporated. This process is called transpiration.

All these processes work together to move water around, through and over the Earth.

· Defining a Spring

· Selecting a Spring

· Managing For Sustainability

· Mineral Composition

· A Week in the Life of a Natural Resource Manager