Is it better to drink mineral water or regular water?

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, water is only considered mineral water if it contains at least 250 parts per million of total dissolved solids, naturally acquired from a protected underground source. This fundamental difference is at the heart of the hydration debate: Is it better to drink mineral water or regular water?.

Quick Summary

This article compares mineral water and regular tap water by examining their sources, mineral content, processing, taste, and cost. It weighs the potential health benefits of mineral-rich water against the convenience and environmental advantages of tap water, helping readers make an informed choice for their needs.

Key Points

Source and Processing: Mineral water comes from protected underground sources and is bottled directly, while regular tap water is sourced from surface or groundwater and is treated by municipalities.
Mineral Content and Bioavailability: Mineral water contains naturally occurring minerals, like calcium and magnesium, which are bioavailable and can offer health benefits. Tap water's mineral content varies by location and is generally lower.
Cost and Convenience: Regular tap water is significantly cheaper and more accessible than mineral water, which carries costs associated with bottling and transport.
Environmental Impact: Tap water is the more environmentally friendly choice, as it eliminates the plastic bottle waste and carbon footprint associated with bottled mineral water.
Health Considerations: While mineral water can offer a supplemental source of minerals, a balanced diet remains the best source. For most people, safe tap water is perfectly adequate for hydration.
Personal Preference: The choice often comes down to taste preference, specific mineral needs, and lifestyle considerations, including cost and environmental impact.

Understanding Regular (Tap) Water

Regular drinking water is typically sourced from rivers, lakes, reservoirs, or underground aquifers. Water suppliers treat this water to remove potential contaminants and ensure it is safe for consumption, adhering to strict government safety standards, such as those set by the EPA in the United States.

The treatment process for regular water often involves filtration and disinfection, typically with chlorine, which can sometimes leave a noticeable taste or odor. While safe, the mineral content in tap water can vary widely depending on the geographic region and its source. In some places, tap water may be naturally 'hard,' meaning it contains a higher concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium, while in others, it may be naturally softer and contain fewer minerals.

Key Characteristics of Regular Water:

Source: Surface water (rivers, lakes) and groundwater (aquifers).
Processing: Treated with chemicals (e.g., chlorine) and filtered to remove contaminants.
Mineral Content: Varies by region, generally lower than mineral water.
Cost: Significantly cheaper and readily available from the tap.
Environmental Impact: Much lower than bottled water due to reduced packaging and transport.

Understanding Mineral Water

Mineral water originates from protected, underground natural springs or reservoirs. As it travels through layers of rock and soil, it naturally absorbs essential minerals and trace elements like calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and bicarbonate. For water to be legally classified as "mineral water," it must meet specific criteria, including containing a minimum level of naturally occurring dissolved solids and being bottled directly at the source.

The Bioavailability of Minerals

One of the main arguments for mineral water is the bioavailability of its minerals. Some studies have shown that the body can effectively absorb and utilize minerals like calcium and magnesium from mineral water, in some cases as well as or better than from dairy products or supplements. These minerals play crucial roles in bodily functions, from bone health to nerve function.

Potential Health Benefits

Improved Bone Health: The calcium and magnesium content can contribute to stronger bones and may help in the prevention of osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women.
Heart Health Support: Magnesium is known to regulate blood pressure and blood glucose levels, and some studies suggest mineral water rich in magnesium may help lower blood pressure in individuals with low magnesium levels.
Digestive Aid: The magnesium sulfate and sodium sulfate found in certain mineral waters can help promote healthy digestion and alleviate constipation.

Potential Drawbacks

Sodium Content: The mineral content, particularly sodium, can vary significantly between brands. Those on a low-sodium diet must check labels carefully, as some types are quite high in sodium.
Microplastics: Bottled mineral water, especially in plastic bottles, may contain microplastics, which have potential, though not yet fully understood, long-term health concerns.
Carbonation Effects: Carbonated or sparkling mineral water has a lower pH level, making it more acidic. Regular consumption can potentially contribute to tooth enamel erosion, although it is still significantly less damaging than sugary soft drinks.

Comparison: Mineral Water vs. Regular Water


Feature	Mineral Water	Regular (Tap) Water
Source	Natural underground springs or reservoirs.	Surface (rivers, lakes) or groundwater.
Processing	Bottled at source; minimal treatment allowed to preserve mineral integrity.	Undergoes extensive treatment (filtration, chlorination) for safety.
Mineral Content	Naturally rich in specific minerals (calcium, magnesium, etc.); content varies by brand and source.	Contains minerals, but generally in lower concentrations and varying by location.
Cost	Significantly more expensive due to sourcing, bottling, and transport.	Highly cost-effective and readily available.
Environmental Impact	High, primarily due to plastic bottle waste and transportation footprint.	Low, especially when using reusable bottles.
Taste	Flavor profile is influenced by its unique mineral composition.	Can be affected by local water sources, treatment processes, and old plumbing.

Making an Informed Decision

Ultimately, the choice between mineral and regular water depends on your personal priorities. For the vast majority of people, the primary source of essential minerals should come from a balanced and nutrient-rich diet, not from water. That being said, mineral water can provide a slight supplemental boost for individuals who are not getting enough from food alone.

Choose regular (tap) water if:

You prioritize cost and convenience. It is the most economical and accessible option.
You are environmentally conscious. Reducing plastic waste is a significant benefit.
You are sensitive to high sodium levels. You can avoid the higher sodium content found in some mineral waters.
You can improve the taste with a home filter. Home filtration systems can enhance the taste and provide added peace of mind regarding safety.

Choose mineral water if:

You have specific mineral deficiencies. If you are low on magnesium or calcium, certain mineral waters can offer a helpful supplement.
You prefer the taste. The unique mineral profile of different brands can be more appealing than tap water.
Your tap water quality is a concern. In areas with aging infrastructure or known contamination issues, bottled mineral water may offer a safer alternative.
You enjoy the occasional variety. Many people enjoy sparkling mineral water as a healthier alternative to sugary drinks.

Conclusion

Both mineral water and regular tap water are effective for hydration, with both being considered safe to drink in most regulated areas. While mineral water offers a source of supplemental minerals and a distinct taste, its higher cost, potential for microplastic contamination, and environmental impact are notable downsides. Conversely, regular tap water is inexpensive, convenient, and environmentally friendly, though its taste and mineral content can vary regionally. The right choice depends on your specific health goals, budget, and environmental concerns. For most people, consuming a healthy, balanced diet while drinking filtered tap water is the most practical and sustainable approach.

For more detailed information on mineral bioavailability from different sources, consider reading research from the National Institutes of Health.(https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10384676/)

Frequently Asked Questions

Mineral water can contain higher levels of specific minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can be beneficial for health. However, a balanced diet is the primary source of these nutrients, and the nutritional difference from water is often marginal for most healthy individuals.

Yes, mineral water that is rich in calcium and magnesium may support bone health. Studies have shown that the body can effectively absorb calcium from mineral water, contributing to bone strength and density.

Carbonated mineral water is slightly acidic due to the carbonic acid and can potentially contribute to tooth enamel erosion over time. However, it is far less damaging to teeth than sugary sodas and other sweetened beverages.

The main drawbacks are its high cost, the significant environmental impact from plastic bottle waste, and the potential presence of microplastics in bottled products.

In many countries with strong regulations (like the US), tap water is rigorously tested and generally safe to drink. However, water quality can vary by location, and potential issues from old pipes can occur. Consulting local water quality reports is recommended.

For those concerned about taste or minor impurities, using a home water filtration system (like a pitcher or under-sink filter) is an effective and cost-efficient solution.

No, it is highly unlikely you would get all your necessary minerals from water alone. While mineral water offers a supplemental boost, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods is essential for meeting your daily nutritional needs.