Nutrition Diet and Water Quality: Who has the best water in the US?

October 2, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2024 J.D. Power report, Washington was ranked as the state with the best tap water, impressing customers with quality and taste. So, who has the best water in the US? The answer isn't simple, as it depends on factors from source to treatment, affecting its nutritional contribution and personal preference.

Quick Summary

This article examines factors determining water quality and taste across the US, comparing municipal and bottled options. It discusses water's role in a healthy nutrition diet and offers tips for making informed hydration choices.

Key Points

Top Tap Water States: Washington, Hawaii, and states in the Pacific Northwest frequently receive high rankings for their municipal tap water quality and taste, according to consumer reports and publications.
Factors Affecting Water Quality: Water's perceived quality depends on its source (surface, groundwater), mineral content (TDS), pH, and the treatment it undergoes to meet safety standards.
Bottled Water Sourcing: Many popular bottled water brands are sourced from springs or artesian wells, while others are simply filtered municipal tap water. Regulations differ significantly between tap and bottled water.
Tap vs. Bottled: Tap water is generally more regulated, environmentally friendly, and affordable than bottled water. However, some bottled waters may have lower bacteria counts in specific tests.
Hydration's Nutritional Role: Water is a vital nutrient that supports essential bodily functions like nutrient transport, waste removal, and temperature regulation, making proper hydration crucial for a balanced diet.
Make an Informed Choice: For everyday consumption, filtered tap water is often the best choice. Consider bottled water only when tap water is unsafe or unavailable, and use a reusable bottle to reduce environmental impact.

Understanding the Quality Factors That Define 'Best'

Determining who has the best water in the US isn't as simple as picking a single winner. The perception of "best" is subjective and often influenced by taste, source, and marketing. However, objective metrics provide a clearer picture of overall water quality. Both municipal tap water and bottled water are subject to regulations, but their specific characteristics can differ significantly.

Key water quality indicators to consider include:

Source: Where the water originates plays a major role in its mineral content and purity.
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): This measures dissolved substances and can affect taste.
pH Level: The measure of acidity or alkalinity, influencing taste.
Filtration and Treatment: Processes vary between municipal and bottled water.
Contaminants: The presence of pollutants is a key concern, with different regulations for tap (EPA) and bottled (FDA) water.

Top-Ranking Tap Water in the US

For many, the best water is the most accessible, affordable, and sustainable option: tap water. The quality of municipal tap water varies greatly by location. Several states and cities are recognized for exceptional quality and taste.

States and Cities Praised for Excellent Tap Water

Washington: Ranked highest in a 2024 J.D. Power report for tap water quality based on customer satisfaction.
New York City: Celebrated for water sourced from the Catskill Mountains.
Hawaii: Highly ranked for drinking water quality, primarily from aquifers.
Pacific Northwest (Seattle and Portland): Cities in this region consistently receive positive reviews for quality.
Boston, MA: Recognized by the American Water Works Association for great taste.

A Look at Bottled Water Brands

Bottled water is convenient but more costly and environmentally impactful than tap water. Quality and type vary, from spring water to treated tap water.

Here are some of the most considered brands, based on a 2025 Food & Wine report:

Aquafina: Uses reverse osmosis to purify municipal water.
Smartwater: Vapor-distilled with added electrolytes.
Essentia: Alkaline water with a pH of 9.5.
Mountain Valley Spring Water: Sourced from Arkansas mountains, known for its natural taste.
Fiji: Artesian spring water from the Fiji Islands, noted for a smooth taste.

Tap Water vs. Bottled Water

This table provides a high-level comparison between tap and bottled water based on common criteria.


Feature	Tap Water	Bottled Water
Cost	Pennies per gallon, highly cost-effective.	Up to 1,000 times more expensive than tap.
Environmental Impact	Minimal.	High carbon footprint from production, transportation, and waste.
Regulation	Regulated by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act; standards publicly available.	Regulated by the FDA as a food product, often with less stringent and transparent oversight than tap.
Convenience	Always available at the faucet, but not convenient for on-the-go hydration without a reusable bottle.	Convenient for travel, but requires constant purchasing.
Mineral Content	Varies by location; generally contains some minerals from its source.	Varies widely; some are mineral-rich, while purified types have had minerals removed.
Potential Contaminants	Possible from aging pipes (e.g., lead) or temporary local issues.	Risk of chemical leaching from plastic bottles, including microplastics.

Water's Role in a Nutritional Diet

Water is essential for nearly all bodily functions, making informed hydration crucial for a healthy diet.

Nutrient Absorption: Aids in absorbing vitamins, minerals, and glucose.
Waste Removal: Helps flush out toxins.
Body Temperature Regulation: Maintains stable body temperature.
Joint Lubrication: Cushions and protects joints.
Cognitive Function: Proper hydration supports focus and mood.

How to Make the Best Choice for You

Choosing the "best" water is a personal decision based on quality, taste, cost, and environmental concerns.

Check Local Water Quality: Review your municipality's annual water quality report for details on source, mineral content, and contaminants. You can find resources on the EPA website.
Use a Water Filter: Filters improve taste and remove minor contaminants from tap water, offering a cost-effective alternative to bottled water.
Minimize Plastic Use: A reusable water bottle filled with tap or filtered water reduces plastic waste and saves money.
Consider Your Diet: While water contains minerals, a balanced diet is a more significant source.
Use Bottled Water When Necessary: Bottled water is a safe alternative when tap water is unsafe or unavailable, but tap is generally preferred for daily use.

Conclusion

While determining who has the best water in the US is complex, many Americans have access to high-quality tap water. States like Washington and Hawaii are often highly rated. Filtered tap water is typically superior to bottled water in terms of cost, safety, and environmental impact, supporting optimal hydration for your nutrition diet.

To learn more about your local water quality, visit the official Environmental Protection Agency website at https://www.epa.gov/sdwa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bottled water is not inherently healthier or purer than tap water. In many cases, bottled water is simply purified tap water, and both are subject to safety standards. Tap water, regulated by the EPA, often has more rigorous and transparent oversight than bottled water, regulated by the FDA.

Based on consumer and expert reviews, states like Washington, Hawaii, and cities in the Pacific Northwest (Seattle, Portland) and New York City are frequently praised for their tap water. Local taste can vary based on the water's source and mineral content.

The water's source, such as surface water (rivers/lakes), groundwater (wells/aquifers), or springs, determines its natural mineral composition. For example, water from volcanic regions may have higher silica content, affecting mouthfeel, while spring water can be mineral-rich from its bedrock.

The production, transportation, and disposal of bottled water contribute significantly to a higher carbon footprint and plastic waste. In contrast, tap water is delivered via existing infrastructure, making it a more eco-friendly and sustainable choice.

For most people with a balanced diet, adding electrolytes to water is not necessary, as minerals are primarily obtained from food. However, athletes or those engaged in intense, prolonged exercise may benefit from electrolyte-enhanced drinks to replenish what is lost through sweat.

You can check your municipality's annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report), often available online. These reports detail the water's source and list any detected contaminants, confirming that it meets or exceeds EPA standards.

TDS is a measure of the total amount of dissolved solids, such as minerals and salts, in water. While higher TDS can affect the water's taste, it doesn't necessarily mean the water is unsafe. Extremely high TDS, however, could be a sign of contamination.

If you don't like the taste of your tap water, consider using a high-quality home filtration system, such as a pitcher filter, faucet mount, or under-sink unit. This can effectively remove impurities and improve the taste, offering a more sustainable and affordable option than bottled water.