Sparkling Water

Sparkling Water

Sparkling Water, also known as soda water or seltzer, is carbonated water and such carbonation can occur naturally or artificially.  Carbonation occurs when carbon dioxide is dissolved in it creating the effervescence that characterizes sparkling water.

Natural carbonation

Certain rare geological conditions can produce naturally carbonated water and often the carbonation can be attributed to volcanic activity.  Naturally carbonated waters have historically been highly sought after for their supposed curative properties.  The carbon dioxide helps this water absorb minerals in high levels.

Artificial carbonation

Carbonation techniques used today, involve pressurizing food grade carbon dioxide before adding it to water.  The pressure increases the amount of carbon dioxide that will dissolve.  On opening a bottle of sparkling water, pressure is released allowing the carbon dioxide to form bubbles.  The quantity, size and spacing of bubbles is governed by the amount of carbon dioxide added and most artificially carbonated waters have 1 to 10mg per litre of carbon dioxide.