Still water vs spring water: what is the difference?

What does spring water mean?

US bottled water rules (21 CFR 165.110) say water may be called spring water if it is derived from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface of the earth. It must be collected only at the spring or through a bore hole tapping the formation that feeds the spring, and the spring’s location must be identified on the label.

Is still water the same as spring water?

No. “Still” in everyday use means not carbonated. The regulation text we read does not define the word “still”, so we cannot cite an official definition for it. A still water can be spring water, but it can also be another type of bottled water. Spring water can in principle also be sold with bubbles, as the rule is about the source, not the fizz.

How is mineral water different from spring water?

The same regulation says mineral water contains not less than 250 parts per million (ppm) total dissolved solids, comes from a geologically and physically protected underground source, and may not have minerals added. If the total dissolved solids are below 500 ppm, or above 1,500 ppm, the label must say “low mineral content” or “high mineral content”. Between 500 and 1,500 ppm no extra statement is needed. The text we read gives no minimum dissolved solids figure for spring water.

How can I tell which one I am buying?

• Look for the type on the label: “spring water”, “mineral water” or another name.
• For spring water, check that the spring location is named.
• For mineral water, look for a low or high mineral content statement.

This page covers US rules. Other countries have their own definitions. We did not rank brands, because we found no official source that rates bottled water brands.