Water is used as a beverage in various forms. The principal source of drinking water is found in the springs and wells. Spring water or well water consists of the water which falls upon the surface of the earth and either enters the surface of the earth directly or subsequent to its forming streams of greater or less size. Passing through the earth the water absorbs the soluble principles with which it may come into contact. When the quantity of these dissolved matters is not large there is formed ordinary spring or well water. In water of this kind the amount of dissolved matter is not sufficient to give any characteristic taste. Spring or well water of this kind forms by far the greatest part of the water used as a beverage in all except crowded centers such as the towns and cities. When the water comes to the surface through natural causes it produces the spring. When water is secured by digging or boring into the earth there is produced what is known as the well. Unless the material through which water percolates is exposed to some infection spring and well water is universally regarded as the most wholesome form of water as a beverage.