I remember when we visited Italian relatives, we would join the locals who queue to fill water carriers, plus various other weird and wonderful old containers, with fresh spring water which flows freely from la fontana (the fountain) near the church. People celebrated and appreciated the amazing taste and purity of this simple gift from God, and even attributed magical powers to it – ‘if you drink this spring water you’ll always return here’ – or maybe that was just our rellies making sure we didn’t forget to visit? I’m not sure, but the water tasted so good and we would relish it like a fine wine.

There are numerous debates over the pros and cons of bottled waters versus tap water. Spring water is naturally filtered as it passes through underground rocks, where it also acquires important minerals for our health. In these days of intensive farming, one does wonder about the mineral content of vegetables and supplementing with natural spring water can only be a good thing. Plus these minerals give spring waters their unique and special taste, different from artificially chlorinated tap water.

If, however, you’re not lucky enough to have a natural spring within walking distance, is it really appropriate to buy from a distant source, in plastic bottles which are known to release (albeit in small amounts) harmful cancer-inducing chemicals into that water – not to mention the associated carbon footprint and plastic bottle mountains?

It’s a tricky balance, and as someone who has had breast cancer I’m wary of drinking regularly from plastic bottles. So I was excited to hear about Doran Binder’s family business – Crag Spring Water, which delivers fresh spring water direct from their spring, at The Crag Inn in The Peak District National Park.

When Doran discovered the Crag spring, or aquifer, he was advised by Richard Taylor, of testing company Blair Water, that not only was it safe to drink, but it was a source of exceptionally high-quality spring water, which having filtered through layers of sand and rock for centuries, is rich in trace minerals resulting in some of the silkiest, creamiest water ever to be tasted.

Passionate about this very special spring water, Doran has created a business model to bring you the good stuff without the downsides – and directly to your home.

Crag Spring Water delivers direct to doorsteps nationwide in reusable glass bottles. They then collect your empties and wash them, ready to be used again for the next delivery. To further reduce the carbon footprint of the deliveries they’ve partnered with the Modern Milkman.

At £12.50 for a crate (12 x 750ml or 20 x330ml bottles) of still and £15 for a crate of sparkling spring water (plus VAT and delivery) these waters are delicious, healthy, competitively-priced and convenient.

What are you waiting for? Give them a try at https://cragspringwater.co.uk/ – I tried them, and I can confirm they a real pleasure, and bring back happy memories for me of la fontana.

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://faitobooks.co.uk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.