Does Mineral Water Count as Water? The Truth About Hydration and Health

November 19, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), mineral water is defined as water that contains at least 250 parts per million of total dissolved solids. So, does mineral water count as water? Yes, it does, but with unique characteristics that differentiate it from ordinary tap water.

Quick Summary

Mineral water is sourced from protected underground springs, giving it a distinct mineral profile and higher total dissolved solids than tap water. While both are hydrating, differences in mineral composition, source, and treatment methods exist. The choice depends on personal taste, potential health benefits, cost, and environmental factors.

Key Points

Counts as Water: Yes, mineral water is a valid source of hydration, equivalent to regular water for daily needs.
Natural Origin: It comes from protected underground sources, absorbing natural minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Higher Mineral Content: True mineral water must meet a minimum mineral threshold (250 ppm TDS), often containing more electrolytes than tap water.
Electrolyte Replenishment: The mineral content can be beneficial for replacing electrolytes lost during exercise or illness.
Health Benefits: Some minerals in the water, such as magnesium, may help with blood pressure and digestion, but a healthy diet is more crucial.
Trade-offs vs. Tap Water: Mineral water is more expensive and has a larger environmental impact due to bottling, while tap water is affordable, eco-friendly, and safe in regulated areas.

Understanding the Fundamentals: What is Mineral Water?

At its core, mineral water is water, but it's distinguished by its unique origin and composition. It must come from a geologically and physically protected underground source, such as a natural spring or borehole. As the water travels through rock and soil, it naturally absorbs minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. The FDA requires that true mineral water contains at least 250 parts per million (ppm) of total dissolved solids (TDS) at the source. This contrasts with bottled drinking water, which may be treated tap water or sourced from springs but does not have the same TDS requirements or protections. This difference in sourcing and mineral content is the primary reason for mineral water's distinct taste and potential health benefits.

The Hydration Factor: How Mineral Water Compares

For the average person in typical conditions, the hydration provided by mineral water is essentially the same as that from tap water. Both are pure sources of H2O that your body needs to function. However, the electrolytes in mineral water can be beneficial, particularly for certain individuals or situations. Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium play a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance within the body.

When Electrolytes Can Make a Difference

After intense exercise: During heavy sweating, the body loses both water and electrolytes. Mineral water can help replenish these lost minerals, potentially aiding rehydration more effectively than plain water alone.
In hot climates: Similar to exercise, prolonged exposure to heat can lead to excessive sweating and electrolyte loss. Mineral water can assist in restoring this balance.
During illness: Conditions that cause vomiting or diarrhea can deplete the body's electrolytes. Drinking mineral water can help restore the balance, though more severe cases may require medical intervention.

Potential Health Benefits and Considerations

The specific mineral profile of a brand of mineral water depends entirely on its source. Some common health benefits associated with drinking certain mineral waters include:

Bone health: Calcium-rich mineral waters can be a good dietary source of calcium, which is vital for bone strength and density.
Blood pressure regulation: Studies have shown that mineral water rich in magnesium and calcium may help lower blood pressure in individuals with borderline hypertension and low mineral levels.
Digestive health: Magnesium and sulfate can have a laxative effect, promoting digestive regularity and easing constipation for some individuals. Bicarbonate-rich waters can also help neutralize stomach acid.

It is important to remember that while mineral water can contribute to your daily mineral intake, it should not be relied upon as the sole source of essential nutrients. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is a far more significant source of minerals. Additionally, those on low-sodium diets should check mineral water labels, as some varieties can have high sodium content.

Mineral Water vs. Tap Water: A Comparison


Feature	Mineral Water	Tap Water
Source	Protected underground springs and boreholes.	Municipal supplies (rivers, lakes, reservoirs, groundwater).
Processing	Limited treatment; bottled at the source to preserve original purity and mineral content. Can be carbonated naturally or by added carbon dioxide.	Treated at a municipal plant using filtration, chemical disinfection (like chlorination), and sometimes fluoridation.
Mineral Content	Must contain a minimum of 250 ppm of total dissolved solids, with a stable and distinct mineral composition. Varies significantly by brand and source.	Varies by location and source. Usually contains lower levels of minerals, though some hard tap water can be mineral-rich.
Regulation	Regulated as a food product by agencies like the FDA.	Regulated for safety by government agencies (e.g., EPA in the US) under strict standards for contaminants.
Cost	Significantly higher cost due to sourcing, bottling, and transportation.	Far more affordable and readily available.
Environmental Impact	Higher carbon footprint due to plastic bottle production and transportation, contributing to waste.	Lower environmental impact, especially when using a reusable bottle.

The Mineral Water Production Process

Producing bottled mineral water involves several key steps to ensure its quality and purity.

Sourcing: Water is collected from the designated protected underground source.
Aeration: Raw water is sometimes aerated to remove unwanted gases like hydrogen sulfide.
Filtration: A series of filters, including sand and activated carbon, remove suspended particles, odor, and color. More precise filters handle smaller impurities.
Sterilization: The water is sterilized using methods like UV light or ozonation to kill bacteria without altering the mineral composition.
Carbonation (if sparkling): Naturally carbonated water retains its fizz, while still water can have carbon dioxide added.
Filling and Packaging: The water is filled into sterilized bottles, sealed, labeled, and packaged, all at the source.

Making Your Choice

The choice between mineral water and tap water depends on your personal priorities. For safe, affordable, and environmentally friendly hydration, tap water is the clear winner in areas with reliable municipal water supplies. However, for those seeking a different taste, potential electrolyte replenishment, or additional dietary minerals, mineral water is a valid and hydrating option. It's not a substitute for a healthy diet but can complement it. As pointed out by Medical News Today, while mineral water has potential health benefits, the differences are often not very significant, and a balanced diet is a more powerful source of nutrients. The most important thing is to stay consistently hydrated, regardless of your water source. For more information on drinking water safety standards, you can refer to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's website (https://www.epa.gov/sdwa).

Conclusion

In summary, mineral water does count as water, as it is an effective and safe source of hydration. The key distinctions lie in its subterranean origin and stable, naturally occurring mineral content, regulated differently than municipal tap water. While its electrolytes can be beneficial for specific needs, and its minerals may offer minor health advantages, a balanced diet remains the primary source of nutrients. Ultimately, the decision between mineral and tap water is based on a trade-off between convenience, cost, environmental impact, and a preference for a specific taste and mineral profile. Both are excellent choices for meeting your daily fluid requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, sparkling mineral water is just as hydrating as still mineral water. The carbonation does not affect the water's ability to hydrate the body. However, some people may experience bloating or discomfort from the carbonation.

Not necessarily. In most developed countries, tap water is strictly regulated and safe to drink. While mineral water contains more minerals, the amounts are often not enough to replace a healthy, balanced diet as a source of nutrients. For most people, tap water is a perfectly healthy, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly choice.

The most common minerals found in natural mineral water include calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and bicarbonate. The specific composition and concentration vary greatly depending on the geographical source.

Mineral water can help replenish lost electrolytes like sodium and potassium after exercise, especially when sweating heavily. However, for intense or prolonged exertion, a dedicated sports drink might be more effective in replacing the specific balance of electrolytes and carbohydrates lost.

Yes. In the United States, tap water is regulated by the EPA as a public water supply, whereas bottled mineral water is regulated by the FDA as a food product. Mineral water must be bottled at the source and retain its original mineral content.

The higher cost of mineral water is due to several factors, including the costs of sourcing from a specific underground spring, bottling and packaging, and transportation. Tap water is significantly cheaper as it is delivered through existing municipal infrastructure.

For most people, plain mineral water is safe. However, individuals with high blood pressure or kidney issues should check the sodium and potassium levels on the label, as some brands can be high in these minerals. Carbonated versions are slightly acidic and may cause minor tooth enamel erosion over time, though far less than soda.