The mineral content of most kinds of water is dominated by several elements, commonly called major ions. These elements are in general not linked to public health problems ( except "nitrate".

 

Values from the French Standards ( AEP ) are provided here, as most of the major ions are not covered by the WHO guidelines.

 

Cations ( positive charge ) :

Calcium ( Ca2+ ), Magnesium ( Mg2+ ), Sodium ( Na+ ), Potassium ( K+ ), Iron ( Fe2+, Fe3+ ), Manganese ( Mn2+ ), Ammonium ( NH4+ ).

 

Anions ( negative charge ) :

Chloride ( Cl- ), Sulphate ( SO4 2- ), Nitrate NO3 - ), Nitrite NO2- ), Phosphate ( PO4 3- ).