Drinking and Natural Mineral Water: Treatment and Quality–Safety Assurance

Water is one of the most essential materials for human survival and preservation of life. The significance of equitable access to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation is established as a human right that is essential for the full enjoyment of life. The scope of this review is to record the different water sources, along with the water’s main characteristics of each source, and to compare the existing regulations and legislations regarding drinking water as have been set by the competent organizations. Furthermore, this review will highlight and provide a general insight into the most applied drinking water treatment methods and introduce some novel treatment methods. Moreover, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) requirements and case studies of drinking water treatment plants are presented. Finally, natural mineral water characteristics, treatment methods, and legislation, along with the uses and treatment of water in the food industry, are also discussed.