Is mineral water safe to drink?
Yes. In the US, bottled water including mineral water is regulated by FDA, which sets limits for bacteria, arsenic, lead, nitrate and more in 21 CFR 165.110. Mineral water must have at least 250 ppm total dissolved solids from a protected underground source. We found no official daily amount of mineral water that is unsafe.
Free download
Juice, Soda and Water Storage Chart (PDF): How long juice, soda, coconut water and bottled water last, opened and unopened. 19 rows, each with its source.
Thank you
Your chart is ready
We use your email only for this download.Also free:
Home Bar Storage Chart (PDF)Milk and Dairy Storage Chart (PDF)Coffee, Tea and Hot Drinks Storage Chart (PDF)Drink Strength, Calories and Units Cheat Sheet (PDF)Want the full pack? About 10 printable sheets: a larger chart for each drink type, a “has it gone off?” checklist, date labels, a party planner and an inventory sheet.
In this article
What counts as mineral water?
Under FDA rules (21 CFR 165.110), mineral water contains not less than 250 parts per million (ppm) total dissolved solids, comes from a bore hole or spring, and from a geologically and physically protected underground source. Minerals cannot be added.
Does FDA test the safety of mineral water?
FDA sets standards that bottled water must meet. These include microbiological limits (E. coli makes water adulterated) and chemical limits in mg/L such as arsenic 0.010, lead 0.005 and nitrate 10 (as nitrogen). Water that fails must carry a statement such as Contains Excessive Bacteria.
What does the label tell me about mineral content?
| Total dissolved solids | Required front-label statement |
|---|---|
| Below 500 ppm | low mineral content |
| 500 to 1,500 ppm | none required |
| Above 1,500 ppm | high mineral content |
How much mineral water is safe to drink?
We found no official limit on how much mineral water an adult may drink per day. Mineral water is exempt from the chloride, iron, manganese, zinc, sulfate and total dissolved solids limits, which FDA treats as aesthetic rather than health-based. If you must limit sodium or minerals for a medical reason, read the label and ask a doctor or pharmacist.
Water not sterile and labeled for infant formula must say so on the label: not sterile, use as directed by a physician.
People also ask
Is mineral water safe to drink?
In the US it must meet FDA bottled water standards in 21 CFR 165.110, including limits for bacteria and contaminants such as arsenic and lead.
How much mineral water is safe to drink?
We found no official daily limit. If you need to limit minerals or sodium for medical reasons, ask a doctor or pharmacist.
What makes water mineral water?
At least 250 ppm total dissolved solids, from a protected underground spring or bore hole, with no minerals added.
Sources
About · How we verify this · Editorial policy · Corrections
What would help you most next?
One tap. Anonymous. It helps us decide what to build.
Thank you. The free charts above are yours to keep.
