If you’re a parent in Malaysia, chances are you’ve thought about your family’s water source more than once.
Maybe you’re renting a water purifier.
Maybe you’ve already bought one.
Or you’re still weighing your options – comparing prices, reading reviews, and considering bottled waters.
I know this because I’ve been there too.
For myself and my family, it started when my water purifier rental contract came to an end.
I thought, maybe this is my chance to simplify things.
Bottled mineral water seemed like a hassle-free option – no contracts, no servicing appointments, and hey, ‘mineral’ sounds healthier and more natural, right?
But as I stood staring at rows and rows of bottled water in the supermarket – white caps, blue caps, green caps – I realised I had no idea what any of it really meant.
So, I did a little digging.
And here’s what every Malaysian parent should know before switching to bottled water for your children, your pregnancy, or your daily hydration.
Decoding Bottled Water Types in Malaysia
When choosing bottled water for your family, bottle cap colours can actually tell you a lot – if you know what to look for.
In Malaysia, there are two main types of bottled water on the market: natural mineral water and packaged drinking water, and they can usually be identified by their cap colours.
Natural mineral water is drawn from protected underground sources, like water tables or springs.
It’s naturally filtered through layers of rock and soil, picking up beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium along the way.
This type of water is considered more ‘natural’ because it’s not treated in the same way as processed water – it’s simply filtered, bottled, and sealed.
In Malaysia, natural mineral water typically comes with a blue or green cap.
Packaged drinking water, on the other hand, usually starts off as treated tap water, sourced from rivers or municipal supply.
This water undergoes additional purification processes such as reverse osmosis, distillation, or deionisation to remove impurities before being bottled.
You’ll often find these bottles with a white cap.
Packaged drinking water doesn’t have as many minerals as natural mineral water, but it offers a safe and clean option.
It’s often a better choice for preparing infant formula or for anyone who prefers a neutral taste.
So, in short:
-
Green or Blue Cap – Natural Mineral Water (from underground springs)
-
White Cap – Packaged Drinking Water (treated tap or river water)
Just remember – cap colours are a helpful guide, but not a guarantee.
Some brands might use different colours, so it’s always a good idea to read the label and check the water source if you’re buying it for babies, pregnant mummies, or children.
What About Microplastics?
Now that you’ve got all this helpful info about water types and cap colours, here is something to take into consideration.
A 2022 study that analysed several popular bottled water brands in Malaysia found microplastics in every single sample tested.
Yes, every one.
These tiny plastic particles, often invisible to the naked eye, can come from packaging materials, the bottling process, or even the environment itself.
The thing is, the long-term health effects of consuming microplastics are still being studied.
But early findings suggest that they can pass through our digestive system and potentially enter other parts of the body.
This raises red flags for pregnant women, children, and anyone planning to make bottled water their main hydration source.
But, it’s not to say bottled water is unsafe.
Regulators closely monitor the process before bottled water reaches grocery shelves.
But if you’re thinking of switching to bottled water long-term (like I was), especially for your kids or while you’re pregnant, this is one more thing to weigh in your decision.
An occasional bottle of water during a road trip or lunchbox prep is perfectly fine.
But drinking bottled water every day adds up.
It doesn’t just stretch your grocery budget, it also increases your exposure to plastic over time.
So if you’re leaning towards bottled water as a purifier replacement, you may want to alternate with safer storage options like glass bottles, water jugs, or refillable BPA-free containers, especially for daily home use.
In the end, hydration is key, but how we hydrate matters too.
Choosing the Best Water for Different Family Members
For Infants
-
Water Quality: When preparing infant formula, it’s crucial to use water with low mineral content. High levels of sodium and sulfate in water can be harmful to infants.
-
Boiling Water: Regardless of the water source, always boil water before using it to prepare infant formula. This ensures the elimination of potential pathogens.
For Pregnant Women
-
Hydration Importance: Adequate water intake during pregnancy is essential for fetal development and maternal health. Insufficient hydration can lead to complications such as low amniotic fluid levels and preterm delivery.
-
Water Quality: Ensure that the water consumed is free from contaminants. Some studies have linked exposure to certain water contaminants during pregnancy to adverse birth outcomes.
For Young Children
Children can drink natural mineral water, but only in moderation.
Always check that the mineral content is suitable for their age and nutritional needs.
Avoid giving kids flavoured or vitamin-added waters.
These often contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners, which aren’t ideal for young children.
Make water more exciting by using fun, reusable cups or bottles.
This helps encourage healthy hydration habits and cuts down on single-use plastic.
Informed Parents, Healthier Families
There you have it, my fellow parents!
Whether you’re currently renting a water purifier, thinking of investing in one, boiling water straight from the tap, or reaching for bottled options during your grocery run, you’re not alone because as parents, we’re all just trying to make the best choices with the information and resources we have.
Staying hydrated in our hot and humid climate is non-negotiable, especially for little ones and expecting mummies.
And while bottled water may seem like a convenient, even ‘healthier’ choice, it’s worth taking a closer look at what’s really in the bottle – from mineral levels to microplastic concerns, and even what that cap colour might be telling you.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!