What bottled water is all natural? A guide to finding pure and untreated water

January 12, 2026 •

4 min read

According to one study, microplastics were found in 93% of bottled water samples tested, underscoring the importance of understanding what’s in your bottle. This raises a critical question for many health-conscious consumers: what bottled water is all natural? This guide delves into the specifics of genuinely natural bottled water, helping you make an informed and healthier choice.

Quick Summary

Not all bottled water is created equal, with many popular brands being purified tap water. Truly natural options are sourced directly from protected underground springs and aquifers, maintaining their native mineral content. Consumers should check labels for specific terms like 'Natural Mineral Water' or 'Spring Water' to ensure a pure, minimally processed product from its original source.

Key Points

Source is Key: Truly all-natural bottled water comes from protected underground springs or aquifers, not from a municipal tap.
Check the Label: Look for 'Natural Mineral Water' or 'Spring Water' on the label; 'Purified Water' indicates heavy processing.
Mineral Content Matters: Natural mineral water is defined by a stable, naturally occurring mineral composition.
Purified Water is Processed: Brands like Aquafina and Dasani use municipal water that is stripped of impurities and then may have minerals added back in for taste.
Environmental Trade-offs: While natural water offers mineral benefits, the convenience comes with environmental concerns related to plastic production, microplastics, and transportation.
Consider Alternatives: For a budget-friendly and eco-conscious option, filtered tap water is a safe and sustainable choice.

Understanding the Different Types of Bottled Water

Navigating the bottled water aisle can be confusing, with labels promoting a variety of attributes like 'purified,' 'spring,' and 'mineral.' Knowing the source and processing method is key to determining if a product is truly natural. The term 'natural' most accurately applies to spring water and natural mineral water, which come from protected underground sources and undergo minimal treatment.

Natural Spring Water

Spring water is derived from an underground formation from which water naturally flows to the Earth's surface. The water is collected directly at or from the spring. While it is treated to ensure microbiological safety, it retains its original mineral content. This minimal processing allows the water to maintain the unique taste profile and composition it gained from its subterranean journey through natural rock and soil.

Natural Mineral Water

Like spring water, natural mineral water originates from a protected underground source. However, it is defined by its constant and distinctive mineral composition, which must be stable and originate from the water source itself. The mineral content must remain unaltered from the source to the bottle. In the EU, for example, treatments are limited to removing unstable elements like iron, manganese, or sulfur compounds, and using ozone-enriched air. The label must state the place of origin and the source.

Purified and Other Processed Water

Many popular bottled water brands are not natural at all; they are purified water. This can come from any source, including municipal water supplies, and is then extensively treated to remove impurities. Purification methods include reverse osmosis, distillation, and deionization. Some companies may add a blend of minerals and electrolytes back in for taste, as seen with brands like Dasani and Smartwater. While safe to drink, this water lacks the naturally occurring mineral composition found in spring or mineral water.

Key Differences Between Water Types


Feature	Natural Mineral Water	Natural Spring Water	Purified Water
Source	Protected underground aquifer/well	Underground spring formation	Any source, including tap water
Treatment	Minimal; may remove unstable elements, UV treated	Filtered to remove bacteria; retains original minerals	Rigorous multi-stage process (RO, distillation)
Mineral Content	Naturally high, constant mineral composition from source	Naturally occurring; varies by source	Removed during purification, often artificially added back
Taste	Distinctive, based on mineral content	Crisp, fresh; varies by source	Neutral, can taste 'flat' or metallic
Labeling	Specifies "Natural Mineral Water" and source	Must state "Spring Water" and location of source	Labeled "Purified" or "Drinking Water"

Identifying a Genuinely All Natural Product

To be sure you are drinking genuinely natural bottled water, follow these steps:

Read the Label: Look for specific phrasing such as "Natural Mineral Water" or "Natural Spring Water." If it just says "Drinking Water" or "Purified Water," it is not naturally sourced and processed.
Check the Source: The label must legally identify the location of the spring or aquifer from which the water was drawn. Brands like Evian (French Alps), Fiji (Fiji), and Icelandic Glacial (Iceland) all clearly list their protected sources.
Review the Mineral Analysis: Authentic mineral water labels typically provide a detailed breakdown of the mineral composition, including Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). A stable, naturally occurring mineral balance is a hallmark of natural mineral water.
Taste Profile: True spring and mineral waters have unique flavor profiles influenced by their mineral content. For example, some may taste slightly salty, while others are earthy or crisp. Purified waters, having been stripped of their minerals, often taste flat.

Popular All Natural Bottled Water Brands

Several brands are widely recognized for their natural origins. While product ranges can vary, these are generally known for being sourced from specific, protected springs or artesian wells:

Evian: Sourced from the French Alps, known for its specific mineral balance.
Fiji Water: Comes from an artesian aquifer in Viti Levu, Fiji.
Icelandic Glacial: Sourced from Iceland's Olfus Spring, known for its high natural pH.
Mountain Valley Spring Water: Sourced from the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas, bottled since 1871.
Acqua Panna: Italian still mineral water from a spring in the Tuscan Apennine Mountains.
San Pellegrino: Italian carbonated natural mineral water.
Volvic: Natural mineral water from the Auvergne region in France.

Environmental and Health Considerations

While natural water sources offer pure, mineral-rich water, consumers should be aware of the wider context of bottled water consumption. A major concern is the environmental impact, from plastic pollution to the carbon footprint of transportation. The long-term storage of water in plastic bottles can also lead to chemical leaching, introducing substances like microplastics and phthalates into the water.

For consumers, drinking natural water from a spring can offer beneficial minerals that contribute to hydration and overall health. However, the cost of bottled water is significantly higher than tap water, and many of the minerals can be obtained through a balanced diet. Choosing natural water in glass or other sustainable packaging and recycling properly can help mitigate some environmental concerns, but the most eco-friendly option is always to use a filter on your tap water.

Conclusion Choosing bottled water that is all natural means opting for spring or mineral water. These waters are sourced from protected underground formations and retain their innate mineral content with minimal processing. Brands like Evian, Fiji, and Icelandic Glacial are reliable examples. By carefully reading labels, consumers can distinguish between genuinely natural products and purified tap water, ensuring they get the purity and mineral benefits they seek. As with any product, balancing personal preferences with environmental impact is key to making a responsible choice. For more details on regulatory standards, the FDA maintains strict guidelines on bottled water labeling, which can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spring water is collected from a natural, underground spring and retains its natural minerals and composition with minimal treatment. Purified water, however, can come from any source, including tap water, and undergoes extensive processing like reverse osmosis or distillation to remove impurities and minerals.

No, brands like Dasani and Aquafina are not all natural. They are purified water, meaning their source is often municipal water that has been treated to remove impurities. Some minerals may then be added back in for taste.

Bottled spring water is generally considered natural, as it comes from a spring source. However, regulations and processing can vary. It's always best to check the label for the source location and look for transparent brands to ensure quality.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles found in the environment. Studies have found microplastics in many bottled water samples, which can leach from the plastic bottle itself, especially when exposed to heat or sunlight. While research is ongoing, it is a known environmental and potential health concern.

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is a measure of the dissolved mineral and salt content in water. Natural mineral water and spring water will have a naturally occurring TDS level, while purified water will have a very low TDS because the minerals have been removed.

Not necessarily. While some brands like Icelandic Glacial have a naturally high pH due to filtration through volcanic rock, other alkaline waters are created artificially by adding mineral additives. Always check the label to determine if the pH is naturally occurring or achieved through processing.

Yes. While reducing bottled water consumption altogether is the most eco-friendly option, some companies use more sustainable packaging, like cartons, glass, or aluminum cans. Look for brands that prioritize sustainable sourcing and packaging to minimize their environmental impact.