How does spring water compare to other types of bottled water?
Spring water comes from an underground formation that flows naturally to the surface; mineral water has at least 250 ppm dissolved solids and no added minerals; purified water is treated by distillation, deionization or reverse osmosis. These are US FDA definitions (21 CFR 165.110). None is proven safer; they differ in source, treatment and taste.
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What is the difference between spring water and other bottled water?
The US FDA defines each type in 21 CFR 165.110, and the differences are about where the water comes from and how it is treated.
| Type | What the rule says |
|---|---|
| Spring water | From an underground formation that flows naturally to the surface; collected at the spring or by a bore hole tapping the same formation; the spring’s location must be identified |
| Mineral water | At least 250 ppm total dissolved solids, from a protected underground source, with consistent mineral content and no minerals added |
| Purified water | Made by distillation, deionization, reverse osmosis or another process meeting the USP definition of purified water |
| Artesian water | From a well tapping a confined aquifer where the water level rises above the top of the aquifer |
| Well water | From a hole bored or drilled to tap an aquifer |
| Sparkling water | After treatment it keeps the same carbon dioxide it had when it came out of the source |
Is spring water better than purified water?
We found no official statement that one is healthier. Spring water keeps whatever minerals come from its source, so its taste varies by brand. Purified water is a consistent, neutral product. Choose by taste and price.
Is spring water the same as mineral water?
No. Mineral water has a minimum of 250 ppm dissolved solids; a spring water can be much lower. Labels must say low mineral content below 500 ppm and high mineral content above 1,500 ppm for mineral water.
Which should you pick?
- Everyday drinking: any of them, or tap water.
- Coffee, tea or a steam iron: a low-mineral or purified water gives a cleaner taste and less scale.
- Taste explorers: mineral waters differ the most.
Check the label for the water type and the source name.
People also ask
What is spring water?
Under US rules it is water from an underground formation that flows naturally to the surface and is collected at the spring or through a bore hole tapping that formation.
Is spring water the same as purified water?
No. Purified water is made by distillation, deionization, reverse osmosis or a similar process, while spring water is defined by its natural source.
Is mineral water better than spring water?
We found no official claim that it is. Mineral water has at least 250 ppm dissolved solids and no added minerals; the choice is mainly about taste.
Sources
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