How safe is Voss water? An in-depth guide

VOSS Artesian Water from Norway meets and often exceeds bottled water standards for quality and safety set at U.S. Federal, State, Norwegian, and International levels. The iconic bottled water, frequently associated with luxury, is sourced from an artesian aquifer in Southern Norway, naturally protected from pollutants for centuries by layers of rock and sand. This article explores how safe is Voss water by examining its natural source, testing protocols, potential modern concerns, and comparing its quality to alternatives.

Quick Summary

Voss water is sourced from a naturally protected Norwegian artesian aquifer and undergoes extensive third-party testing to ensure it meets global safety standards, boasting low Total Dissolved Solids. Modern concerns include microplastics from plastic bottles and potential PFAS contamination, though Voss bottles are BPA-free. Its high cost primarily reflects branding, design, and sourcing rather than superior health benefits compared to good quality tap water.

Key Points

• Sourced from a Pure Artesian Aquifer: Voss water comes from a deep, protected aquifer in Norway, naturally shielded by rock and sand.

• Rigorously Tested for Safety: The company performs extensive testing on its water source and final product to ensure compliance with U.S. and international bottled water standards.

• Low Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): Voss Still water has a very low TDS count (under 45 ppm), contributing to its clean taste but also meaning minimal mineral content.

• Microplastics are a Concern for Plastic Bottles: While Voss offers glass bottles, its plastic versions, like all plastic bottled water, are not entirely free from the risk of microplastic exposure.

• Not Necessarily Healthier than Good Tap Water: For most people, high-quality tap water is a safe and far cheaper alternative, as the high price of Voss reflects branding and sourcing, not necessarily superior health benefits.

The Pristine Origin of Voss Water

Voss water's journey begins in a sparsely populated region of Southern Norway, where it is sourced from a deep artesian aquifer. An artesian aquifer is a confined body of water under pressure, trapped between impermeable layers of rock and sand. For Voss, these natural geological formations provide a centuries-long, multi-layered filtration system. This natural purification process shields the water from air and surface pollutants, ensuring its exceptional purity before it is even bottled.

How Voss Water is Sourced and Tested

Voss boasts that its water is bottled directly at its source in Norway, meaning it requires minimal processing. The company conducts frequent and extensive testing on both the source water and the final product to ensure compliance with a wide array of safety and quality standards, including U.S. FDA regulations. The water's purity is evidenced by its low Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), a measure of the mineral levels in the water. For still water, this figure is often less than 45 parts per million (ppm), significantly lower than many other bottled water brands, which contributes to its distinctively clean taste.

Low TDS and Health Considerations

The low TDS count in Voss Still water is often highlighted as a sign of purity, but it also means it contains minimal minerals and electrolytes. While high TDS levels can indicate contaminants, a low TDS doesn't automatically make water healthier than mineral-rich varieties. In fact, some people prefer water with higher mineral content for health benefits. The low mineral profile of still Voss water means it is not a significant source for replenishing electrolytes lost during intense exercise. For its 'VOSS+' line, however, the brand adds minerals and electrolytes for enhanced hydration.

Modern Concerns: Microplastics and PFAS

Despite its pristine source, Voss water faces the same modern challenges as other bottled brands, particularly concerning packaging. Concerns regarding contaminants like microplastics and PFAS chemicals are valid areas of inquiry for any bottled water.

Microplastics in Voss Bottles

It is widely understood that water bottled in plastic containers can contain microplastics. A 2018 study found that bottled water, on average, contained more plastic particles than tap water. While Voss offers glass bottles, its plastic (PET) versions, though BPA-free and recyclable, are not immune to this issue. A consumer concerned about plastic exposure may prefer the glass bottle option or reuse their glass Voss bottle with tap water instead.

PFAS in Bottled Water

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a family of synthetic chemicals, have been linked to various health problems and have been a subject of investigation for potential contamination in various bottled water brands. While a class-action lawsuit inquiry in mid-2025 mentioned Voss alongside other brands regarding potential PFAS contamination, the investigation was based on concerns and not a definitive finding of widespread contamination. Voss states its commitment to quality and safety standards, but consumers with concerns should monitor ongoing information from independent studies and regulatory bodies.

Voss vs. Tap Water: A Quality Comparison

For most people living in areas with high-quality municipal water, tap water is a safe and far more economical alternative to Voss. The core difference lies in the source, mineral content, and price, not necessarily a significant difference in safety or health benefits.

Feature	Voss Water (Still)	High-Quality Tap Water
Source	Protected artesian aquifer in Norway	Public municipal water system
Sourcing Cost	High; reflects international shipping, branding, and luxury positioning	Very low; reflects local water treatment and infrastructure
Taste Profile	Minimal mineral content leads to a clean, crisp taste	Taste can vary based on the local source and treatment process (e.g., chlorine)
TDS Level	Very low (under 45 ppm)	Variable, but often higher than Voss
Mineral Content	Very low, so not a significant source of minerals	Variable, can contain beneficial minerals
Packaging Issues	Potential for microplastics in plastic bottles; glass option available	None related to plastic bottles; however, pipe infrastructure can be a source of contaminants
Safety Standards	Adheres to stringent U.S. FDA, Norwegian, and International standards	Adheres to local, state, and federal standards (e.g., EPA in the U.S.)

A Balanced Conclusion

So, how safe is Voss water? Overall, Voss is a demonstrably safe, high-quality bottled water. Its source in a protected Norwegian artesian aquifer, coupled with strict internal and independent testing, ensures it meets or exceeds international safety standards. The low Total Dissolved Solids contribute to its pure, clean taste, which is a key selling point. However, its perceived luxury and high price are largely driven by marketing and packaging, not a fundamental difference in safety compared to high-quality local tap water. Modern bottled water concerns like microplastics in plastic bottles are a valid consideration, but Voss offers glass bottle options for consumers who wish to avoid this issue. Ultimately, for the average consumer, Voss offers a premium taste experience, but is not necessarily healthier or safer than good quality, filtered tap water. For those seeking basic, safe hydration on a budget, tap water remains the most practical choice. For those who prioritize a premium bottled product and enjoy its taste, Voss is a very safe option. For more information on water quality testing, you can visit the Environmental Working Group's Tap Water Database: www.ewg.org/tapwater.

The Voss Foundation

As a final note, Voss also runs the Voss Foundation, which is committed to providing access to clean water in Sub-Saharan Africa. This initiative adds a charitable component to the brand, potentially influencing a consumer's purchasing decision beyond the product's quality alone.

Sources

• VOSS Water Quality Report | PDF - Scribd
• Discuss on voss : r/water - Reddit
• Why people love Voss - Voss Direct
• Water Quality Report | VOSS - vosswaterusa.com
• FAQs - VOSS water - vosswaterusa.com
• #Cadmium: Voss Glass Water Bottle - Lead Safe Mama
• Voss - Boushahri Group
• Bottled Water Products Contain Toxic PFAS Chemicals? - ClassAction.org
• VOSS Water Global - vosswaterglobal.com
• Microplastics in Our Waters, an Unquestionable Concern - Penn State Extension
• Occurrence of Microplastics in Tap and Bottled Water: Current - National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• VOSS Premium Still Bottled Natural Water - BPA-Free - Amazon.com
• VOSS Water Artesian Still water from Norway Naturally pure for a - Amazon.com
• Water Voss - Norway - Voss Production - BienManger.com
• Is Voss water good? - Quora
• VOSS Water Global - vosswaterglobal.com
• VOSS Water Global - vosswaterglobal.com
• VOSS Water Original Glass Bottle - vosswaterglobal.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Voss water get its water from?

Voss water is sourced from an artesian aquifer located in the pristine wilderness of Southern Norway, deep beneath layers of rock and sand that act as a natural filter.

Is Voss water healthier than other bottled waters?

Voss still water is recognized for its purity and low mineral content, but it is not inherently healthier than other bottled or tap waters that meet safety standards. Its health benefits are comparable to other clean drinking water.

Is Voss water tested for contaminants?

Yes, Voss conducts extensive testing on both its water source and the finished product. These tests are carried out by internal scientists and independent certified laboratories to ensure compliance with quality and safety regulations.

Do Voss plastic bottles contain BPA?

No, Voss is proud to state that its PET (plastic) bottles are BPA-free. They are made from premium, recyclable plastic.

Why is Voss water so expensive?

The high cost of Voss water is primarily due to its branding, iconic bottle design, and international distribution costs, rather than its quality being significantly superior to other safe water sources.

Does Voss water contain microplastics?

While Voss offers glass bottles, its plastic (PET) versions could potentially contain microplastics, a common issue with water sold in plastic packaging. Choosing the glass bottle minimizes this risk.

Is tap water a better alternative to Voss?

In most areas with high-quality municipal water, tap water is a perfectly safe, healthier, and significantly more affordable alternative to bottled water like Voss. Filtering tap water can further improve its taste and remove specific contaminants.