Demystifying Hydration: What is the #1 healthiest water to drink in the world?

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

While the human body is roughly 60% water, finding the 'healthiest' source can be surprisingly complex. The answer to What is the #1 healthiest water to drink in the world? isn't a single product, but a choice based on a balance of purity, mineral content, cost, and personal health needs.

Quick Summary

The ideal drinking water depends on a personal balance of mineral content, purity, and environmental factors. Options range from naturally mineral-rich spring and alkaline waters to cost-effective filtered tap water.

Key Points

No Single 'Best' Answer: The healthiest water depends on a balance of purity, mineral content, cost, and individual needs, not a single type.
Spring and Mineral Water Benefits: Naturally sourced waters like spring and mineral varieties contain essential electrolytes like calcium and magnesium, which support bone and heart health.
Filtered Tap Water as a Top Choice: For many, filtered tap water provides a cost-effective and eco-friendly option that removes contaminants while retaining beneficial minerals.
Demineralized Water Risks: Methods like reverse osmosis and distillation remove almost all minerals, which can lead to deficiencies if consumed long-term without remineralization.
Consider Water Quality and Filters: The safety of water is paramount. For concerns about tap water, a filter can remove contaminants, but it's important to choose a system that meets your specific needs.

The search for the definitive 'healthiest water' is a journey with many different paths, as the best option depends on a combination of factors. The ideal choice for one person might be impractical or less beneficial for another. Instead of a single winner, experts suggest considering a spectrum of choices, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. By understanding the characteristics of different water types, you can make an informed decision for your health and lifestyle.

The Contenders for Healthiest Water

Spring Water

Sourced from underground springs, this water is naturally filtered by the earth, which contributes to its high purity. As it travels through rock and soil, it absorbs a variety of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Many consider spring water to be among the healthiest options because it is naturally enriched with these beneficial electrolytes and is free of many common contaminants found in surface water or municipal supplies. However, quality can vary, and bottled versions contribute to plastic waste.

Mineral Water

Defined by its consistent mineral content, mineral water originates from a protected underground source and must contain at least 250 parts per million of dissolved solids. Like spring water, its mineral profile is naturally occurring. Key benefits include improved bone density due to calcium and better digestion from magnesium. It is also known to help regulate blood pressure. The mineral content gives it a distinct taste, and like other bottled options, its high cost and environmental impact are notable downsides.

Filtered Tap Water

For many, high-quality filtered tap water is a practical and sustainable choice. The quality of tap water varies significantly by location, but most municipal supplies are regulated to be safe. However, filtration systems can provide an extra layer of protection by removing remaining contaminants like chlorine, lead, microplastics, and 'forever chemicals' (PFAS). The right filter can achieve high purity while retaining beneficial minerals, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to bottled water.

Alkaline Water

With a pH level typically between 8 and 9.5, alkaline water is less acidic than regular tap water. Proponents claim it can neutralize acid in the body, improve hydration, and offer antioxidant benefits. However, some of these claims are debated by medical experts. Naturally occurring alkaline water gets its pH from dissolved minerals, while many commercial brands use electrolysis and may not come from natural sources. Excessive consumption could potentially disrupt the body's natural pH balance.

Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water

RO systems force water through a semipermeable membrane to remove up to 99% of contaminants. This process produces extremely pure water, but it also strips away almost all natural minerals, including beneficial calcium and magnesium. Health organizations like the WHO have warned against long-term consumption of demineralized water, as it can lead to mineral deficiencies. For this reason, many RO systems now include a remineralization stage. This method also produces a significant amount of water waste.

Comparison of Water Types


Feature	Spring Water	Mineral Water	Filtered Tap Water	Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water
Source	Underground spring	Protected mineral spring	Municipal tap water	Tap or groundwater
Contaminants Removed	Naturally low; varies by source	Bottling process removes some	Depends on filter type; can remove chlorine, lead, etc.	Removes almost all contaminants
Mineral Content	Contains natural, beneficial minerals (e.g., Ca, Mg)	Naturally high mineral content (min 250 ppm)	Varies by source; some filters preserve minerals	Removes almost all minerals
Purity	High natural purity	High natural purity	Depends on filter quality; high purity with good filter	Very high purity, but demineralized
Taste	Often fresh and clean	Distinctive taste due to minerals	Can be improved by filtering chlorine	Often described as flat or flavorless
Environmental Impact	Plastic waste if bottled	Plastic waste if bottled	Low; reduces plastic waste	Water waste during filtration
Cost	High (bottled)	High (bottled)	Low to moderate initial investment, low ongoing cost	High initial and ongoing cost
Health Considerations	Excellent source of minerals	Supports bone and heart health	Safer than unfiltered tap water in many cases	Can lead to mineral deficiencies if not remineralized

The Importance of Minerals and Electrolytes

Electrolytes are minerals with an electrical charge that are vital for numerous bodily functions, including nerve and muscle function, fluid balance, and regulating blood pressure. Key electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. A balanced diet provides most of our electrolyte needs, but water can also be a significant source, especially spring and mineral waters. When considering water, particularly for athletes or those who sweat heavily, the presence of electrolytes can be a bonus for optimal hydration. Conversely, long-term consumption of demineralized water (like distilled or un-remineralized RO) is not recommended, as it can deplete the body's mineral stores.

Conclusion: Finding Your Personal 'Healthiest' Water

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to What is the #1 healthiest water to drink in the world?. The best approach involves weighing factors like purity, mineral content, and sustainability against your personal health needs and budget. For most people in regions with safe municipal supplies, investing in a high-quality filter for your tap water offers an excellent balance of safety, beneficial minerals, and cost-effectiveness, with a low environmental footprint. Those seeking a higher mineral intake might consider mineral water for specific health benefits, while prioritizing remineralization if using advanced filtration methods like reverse osmosis is necessary. The most crucial step is to ensure your water source is free from harmful contaminants, as emphasized by guidelines from reputable organizations like the World Health Organization.

World Health Organization water quality guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. In many developed countries, tap water is highly regulated and safe, sometimes undergoing more frequent testing than bottled water. Many bottled water brands are simply purified tap water, while others may contain microplastics from their packaging.

The primary downside of RO water is that it removes almost all minerals, including beneficial ones like calcium and magnesium. Long-term consumption of demineralized water has been linked to potential health issues, and RO systems also waste a significant amount of water.

For most people, a balanced diet provides the necessary electrolytes. However, individuals who sweat heavily during intense exercise or are unwell with vomiting or diarrhea may benefit from electrolyte-enhanced water to replenish lost minerals.

Proponents suggest alkaline water may improve hydration, neutralize body acidity, and offer antioxidant effects. However, much of the scientific evidence is limited, and overconsumption might disrupt the body's natural pH balance.

You can purchase at-home water testing kits from home improvement stores or online retailers to measure parameters like pH and mineral hardness and detect chemicals like chlorine or heavy metals. For more precise testing, consider sending a sample to a professional laboratory.

The best filter depends on your local water quality and specific concerns. Carbon filters are effective at removing chlorine and improving taste. For more comprehensive purification, a reverse osmosis system with a remineralization stage is an option, although it uses more water and removes most minerals.

While generally safe, carbonated mineral water has a lower pH, making it slightly acidic, which could potentially damage tooth enamel over time. For long-term bottled water drinkers, relying on plastic packaging is also a health and environmental concern.