The bottled water aisle can be a confusing place. With a variety of labels promising natural purity and pristine sources, it's easy to assume every bottle comes from a mountain spring. While this imagery is often part of marketing, the reality is that the source of your bottled water can vary significantly. By understanding the regulations and terminology, consumers can make more informed choices about their hydration.
What Defines Spring Water?
The term "spring water" is not a marketing gimmick; it is a classification with a specific regulatory definition. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), spring water must be collected from an underground formation where water flows naturally to the surface. This means the water is drawn from a true, naturally occurring spring. It is also permissible for the water to be collected from a borehole, provided that the borehole taps into the same underground source as the surface spring and the water has the same physical and chemical properties as the naturally flowing water.
The Bottling Process for True Spring Water
For a brand to be certified as true spring water, the bottling process must happen at or very close to the source. This is done to preserve the water's natural integrity and composition. Before bottling, the water undergoes minimal treatment, such as microfiltration, to remove harmful bacteria and contaminants while retaining its unique mineral profile. It's the journey through naturally occurring rock and soil that imbues spring water with its specific flavor and mineral content, distinguishing it from other water types. Brands like Crystal Geyser, Evian, and Icelandic Glacial are known for bottling their water directly at their specified spring or artesian sources.
The Difference: Spring Water vs. Purified Water
Perhaps the most significant source of confusion for consumers is the distinction between spring water and purified water. The key difference lies in the source and the treatment process.
Purified Water
- Can come from any source, including a municipal or public tap water supply.
- Undergoes a multi-stage purification process to remove impurities, chemicals, and minerals.
- Common purification methods include reverse osmosis, distillation, and deionization.
- The rigorous purification process often results in a neutral, or sometimes described as "flat," taste, as many natural minerals are stripped away.
- Some purified water brands, like Dasani, add a blend of minerals back in for a more desirable taste.
Spring Water
- Must originate from a natural underground spring or aquifer.
- Has a naturally occurring mineral profile that gives it a distinct taste.
- Undergoes minimal processing, primarily for filtration and disinfection, to maintain its natural qualities.
Common Bottled Water Types and Sources
Beyond spring and purified water, there are other classifications you might find on labels:
- Artesian Water: Comes from a well tapping into a confined aquifer where water is under pressure, causing it to rise naturally. This is a specific type of groundwater, often associated with a spring source.
- Mineral Water: Defined by its constant level of total dissolved solids (TDS), originating from a protected underground source. The TDS level must be at least 250 parts per million (ppm), and no additional minerals can be added. Brands like Fiji and Evian have naturally high mineral content.
- Drinking Water: This is a broad category for water from a public or protected source that has been treated and is safe to drink. If it comes from a community system, the label must state this. Many brands, including some budget options, fall into this classification.
- Well Water: Water pumped from a hole drilled into the ground. It is not necessarily a spring and can be treated similarly to purified water.
Comparison: Spring Water vs. Purified Water
| Feature | Spring Water | Purified Water |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Underground spring or aquifer | Any source (tap water, wells, etc.) |
| Processing | Minimal (filtration, ozonation) | Extensive (reverse osmosis, distillation) |
| Taste | Reflects mineral content of source | Neutral or bland; added minerals may alter |
| Minerals | Naturally occurring | Removed and sometimes re-added |
| Regulation | FDA definition requires specific source | FDA regulates final water quality, not source |
| Example Brands | Evian, Fiji, Mountain Valley | Aquafina, Dasani, Smartwater |
How to Identify Real Spring Water
To ensure you are truly buying spring water, follow these guidelines:
- Read the label carefully: Look for phrases like "Natural Spring Water" and the specific source location. FDA regulations mandate that labels be truthful. If a product says "purified drinking water," it is not spring water, even if the label has mountain scenery.
- Check the fine print: Some labels are designed to look natural but reveal the true source in small print. Labels must state "from a community water system" or "municipal source" if that is the case.
- Research the brand: A quick online search can confirm a brand's sourcing practices. For example, brands often highlight their protected spring locations, while others are open about using municipal sources and advanced filtration.
The Role of Regulation and Misconceptions
Both the FDA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulate water quality in the U.S. The FDA oversees bottled water as a packaged food, while the EPA regulates tap water. The FDA mandates that its regulations for bottled water must be as stringent as the EPA's for tap water. This dispels the myth that bottled water is less regulated or inherently safer than tap water.
However, some brands employ clever marketing to create a false impression of purity. Pictures of glaciers or pristine mountains are often used on bottles of purified water. Another common misconception is that all bottled water is sourced from a natural spring, when in fact, approximately 45% of bottled water is purified tap water. Additionally, it is important to remember the environmental impact. The transportation of bottled water, particularly from international sources like Fiji or France, contributes significantly to carbon emissions.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Spring Water
In conclusion, yes, some bottled water is actually spring water. It is defined by its source—an underground formation where it flows naturally to the surface. True spring water, like Evian or Crystal Geyser, is minimally treated to preserve its natural mineral composition. However, a large portion of the market is dominated by purified water, which can originate from any source, including the tap, and is heavily processed. Consumers must read labels carefully and understand the FDA's definitions to distinguish between the two. The choice depends on personal preference for taste, mineral content, and considerations for environmental impact.
For more detailed information on water types and regulations, you can refer to the IBWA's regulation page.
