The Core Difference: Spring vs. Purified Water
Alhambra offers customers a variety of bottled water products, including natural spring water and purified drinking water. The primary distinction lies in their source and processing. Alhambra's spring water is sourced from a natural spring deep within the Sierra Nevada Mountains, which provides it with a unique and naturally balanced mineral composition. Conversely, the purified water undergoes a multi-step filtration process, such as reverse osmosis, that strips away virtually all minerals and contaminants. After purification, certain minerals are added back into the water to create the desired taste profile. This is why it is crucial to read the product label, as the term "Alhambra water" can refer to two very different products.
Ingredients in Alhambra Spring Water
By definition, spring water must come from an underground source that naturally flows to the surface. The ingredients in Alhambra spring water are not added but are naturally present in the Sierra Nevada mountain source. The specific mineral balance and taste profile come from the water's natural journey through rock and soil layers. While the exact analysis can vary slightly over time and is not as standardized as with the purified product, spring water naturally contains a balance of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sodium. A historical report on earlier Alhambra Springs, though a different source, noted salts of sodium, magnesium, and traces of iron and aluminum, illustrating the typical mineral content of such natural sources. This natural mineral content is what gives spring water its distinctive, non-neutral flavor.
Ingredients in Alhambra Crystal Fresh Purified Water
The ingredient list for Alhambra's purified water products is more transparent and consistent across batches because the minerals are deliberately added after the extensive purification process. These added ingredients serve a specific purpose: to enhance the taste and provide a clean, fresh profile. The typical ingredients include:
- Purified Water: The base, which has been treated to remove impurities and minerals.
- Sodium Bicarbonate: Also known as baking soda, it is used to adjust the pH level and improve taste.
- Magnesium Chloride: A salt that adds a subtle mineral taste.
- Calcium Chloride: Another salt added for taste, contributing to a crisper flavor.
- Sodium Sulfate: A mineral salt used to balance the flavor.
Fluoridated Water Variation
Alhambra also offers a specific version of its purified water with added fluoride. This product is labeled as "Crystal-Fresh Fluoridated Water" and includes the same base ingredients as the standard purified water, with the addition of sodium fluoride for dental health benefits. The ingredient list on this specific product explicitly states the addition of sodium fluoride and the amount per liter.
Comparison of Alhambra Water Products
| Feature | Alhambra Natural Spring Water | Alhambra Crystal Fresh Purified Water | Alhambra Crystal Fresh Fluoridated Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Natural spring in the Sierra Nevada Mountains | Municipal or other sources | Municipal or other sources |
| Processing | Filtered to ensure purity, but retains natural minerals | Multi-step purification (e.g., reverse osmosis) | Multi-step purification (e.g., reverse osmosis) |
| Mineral Content | Naturally occurring balance of minerals (calcium, magnesium, etc.) | Added minerals for taste (sodium bicarbonate, etc.) | Added minerals for taste (sodium bicarbonate, etc.) plus sodium fluoride |
| Taste Profile | Distinct, crisp flavor from natural minerals | Clean, fresh, and neutral taste | Clean, fresh, and neutral taste, similar to standard purified |
| Label Information | Emphasizes natural source, "nature's own mineral balance" | Lists specific added minerals | Lists specific added minerals plus sodium fluoride |
Conclusion
To answer the question, "What are the ingredients in Alhambra spring water?", the true answer is that they are the naturally occurring minerals from its Sierra Nevada source. However, it is vital to differentiate this from Alhambra's other products. The Crystal Fresh purified water contains a specific list of added mineral salts to achieve a consistent, clean taste, while the fluoridated version adds sodium fluoride for additional benefit. Therefore, consumers should always check the product name and label to ensure they are purchasing the specific type of water—and mineral content—they desire. For more information, the company's delivery service website provides details on their regional offerings (https://www.water.com/education/regional-spring-water/).
