Most consumers associate Deer Park with its iconic green-labeled bottles containing Natural Spring Water. This water is, by definition, not purified water, but rather sourced from carefully selected springs and naturally contains a unique blend of minerals. However, the company also produces and sells a distilled water product, which is a specific and highly processed type of purified water. Understanding this distinction is key to choosing the right product for your hydration needs.
The Key Difference: Spring vs. Purified Water
To understand Deer Park's products, it is crucial to differentiate between spring water and purified water. While both undergo treatment to ensure safety, their core characteristics and source differ significantly.
- Spring Water: This water originates from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface. During this process, the water is naturally filtered by earth and rock and picks up minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which contribute to its taste. Spring water is treated to meet all safety standards but retains its naturally occurring mineral balance.
- Purified Water: This category of water can come from any source, including municipal or groundwater. It undergoes a more intensive, controlled process to remove nearly all dissolved solids, contaminants, and minerals. Common purification methods include reverse osmosis, deionization, and distillation, which is used for Deer Park's purified product. The FDA mandates that purified water contain no more than 10 parts per million of total dissolved solids (TDS).
Deer Park Natural Spring Water: The Standard Offering
For generations, Deer Park has been known for its Natural Spring Water, sourced from springs across the Eastern Seaboard and Appalachian Mountains. This water is put through a multi-step filtration and ozonation process designed to maintain its natural mineral balance while ensuring purity. The result is a crisp, clean taste from the minerals, which can be verified in the company's water quality reports. This is not purified water; it's natural spring water that has been filtered and treated for safety. Official Deer Park Website
The Exception: Deer Park Distilled Water
In addition to its spring water, Deer Park markets and sells a Distilled Water product, often in a gallon jug. Distillation is a process of purifying water by boiling it and collecting the steam, which is then recondensed back into liquid. Since minerals and contaminants do not vaporize at the same temperature as water, they are left behind. This process effectively removes nearly all contaminants and minerals, leaving an exceptionally pure product. This distilled water is the type of purified water offered by the brand and is often used for small appliances to prevent mineral buildup.
Comparing Spring Water vs. Purified Water
To help clarify the options, here is a breakdown of the key differences between Deer Park's Natural Spring Water and a typical purified water product.
| Feature | Deer Park Natural Spring Water | Purified Water (e.g., Deer Park Distilled) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Underground springs across the Eastern Seaboard | Any source, including municipal water or groundwater |
| Mineral Content | Contains naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium | Removes almost all minerals and dissolved solids |
| Processing | Multi-step filtration and ozonation | Intensive processes like distillation, reverse osmosis, or deionization |
| Taste | Defined by its natural mineral profile, often described as crisp | Lacks minerals, giving it a flat or neutral taste |
| Best for | Daily drinking and hydration | Use in small appliances, CPAP machines, or for specific lab applications |
Important Considerations
Choosing between spring water and purified water depends on your priorities. For many, the taste and mineral content of spring water are preferred for everyday drinking. The natural mineral profile in Deer Park Spring Water is balanced and well-suited for regular consumption. Purified water, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for tasks where mineral-free water is necessary, such as in certain medical devices or for cleaning specific appliances.
When purchasing bottled water, it's always wise to read the label carefully to identify the type of water you are getting and understand the specific source and treatment process. Both spring and purified waters from reputable brands like Deer Park are safe for consumption, but they offer distinct experiences based on their source and mineral content.
The Final Verdict
In summary, while Deer Park's primary offering is a natural spring water that is filtered, it is not a purified water product in the strictest sense because it retains its natural mineral content. The exception is the separate distilled water product, which is a true form of purified water, free of minerals. Therefore, the brand offers both options, and your choice should be based on your intended use and taste preference.
Key Takeaways
- Deer Park's standard water is Natural Spring Water, not purified, sourced from regional springs and containing naturally occurring minerals.
- The company also sells a Distilled Water product, which is a type of purified water that has had its minerals and contaminants removed through distillation.
- Spring water retains its natural mineral profile, which influences its crisp taste, while purified water has a neutral or flat taste.
- Processing methods differ, with spring water undergoing filtration and ozonation, while purified water undergoes distillation or reverse osmosis.
- The best choice depends on the application, with spring water being ideal for daily hydration and purified water being suitable for specific uses like medical devices or appliances.
