The Purity of Crystal Geyser Alpine Spring Water
Crystal Geyser Alpine Spring Water is distinguished by its commitment to bottling natural spring water directly at the source. The company operates bottling plants near its protected, remote spring sources across the United States, including locations in California, Tennessee, and New Hampshire. This "bottled at the source" approach is intended to preserve the water's natural quality and refreshing taste. Unlike many purified bottled waters that start with municipal water and use reverse osmosis, Crystal Geyser's still water is intended to be as natural as possible. The result is water that contains a natural balance of minerals and electrolytes, with no artificial additions.
The Treatment Process: Microfiltration and Ozone
While nothing is added to the still spring water to change its fundamental composition, it does undergo minimal processing to ensure safety and quality before bottling. The two main steps are microfiltration and ozone treatment:
- Microfiltration: The water is passed through a fine filter to remove any particles or microorganisms, ensuring its purity.
- Ozone Treatment: Instead of using chemical disinfectants like chlorine, Crystal Geyser utilizes a small exposure to ozone during the bottling process. Ozone is a natural oxidant that sanitizes the water and dissipates quickly, leaving no residual taste or chemical byproducts.
This two-step process allows the company to meet safety standards while maintaining the natural flavor profile of the spring water.
The Sparkling Line: What is Added?
Crystal Geyser's sparkling water product line differs slightly from its still water. For these products, two things are added:
- Carbonation: Pure carbonation is added to the spring water to give it its crisp, sparkling texture.
- Natural Flavors: For the flavored sparkling varieties, natural flavors are included. According to the company, these flavors are derived from natural fruit essence and contain no added sugars, sweeteners, or preservatives.
Potential Contaminants and Controversies
Despite the company's claims of purity, Crystal Geyser has not been without controversy. In April 2024, a class-action lawsuit was filed alleging that the water, marketed as "natural," contained microplastics. This issue is part of a larger, industry-wide concern regarding the presence of microplastics in bottled water. It's important for consumers to be aware of this allegation, which is often a byproduct of the bottling and packaging processes, rather than an intentional additive. Crystal Geyser uses rPET bottles, which contain recycled plastic, and the company has emphasized its commitment to sustainability.
A Comparison: Crystal Geyser Spring Water vs. Other Types
To better understand what makes Crystal Geyser unique, here is a comparison with other common types of bottled water:
| Feature | Crystal Geyser Alpine Spring Water | Purified Bottled Water | Enhanced Water (e.g., Vitaminwater) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Protected natural springs | Often starts as municipal tap water | Various sources, often municipal water |
| Additives | Naturally occurring minerals only | Often has electrolytes or minerals added | Contains added sweeteners, flavors, and vitamins |
| Treatment | Microfiltration and ozone | Reverse osmosis, deionization, distillation | Extensive filtration, then addition of flavorings, etc. |
| Taste Profile | Natural, varies slightly by source | Can taste flat or slightly mineral-like | Sweet, distinct flavors |
| Cost | Generally affordable | Varies widely | Higher cost due to added ingredients |
Conclusion: Nothing Artificially Added, But with Natural Factors
In conclusion, for its still Alpine Spring Water, the answer to "is anything added to Crystal Geyser water?" is no—at least, not in the traditional sense of artificial additives, sweeteners, or preservatives. The water contains only naturally occurring minerals from its protected spring sources. The purification process relies on microfiltration and ozone, which are non-chemical methods for sanitation. For sparkling products, carbonation and sometimes natural flavors are intentionally added. Consumers should be aware of the recent microplastics allegations, which highlight broader industry concerns, but the company's core promise of bottling natural, non-blended spring water remains a key part of its brand identity. For more information, visit the official Crystal Geyser website at https://www.crystalgeyserplease.com/.
