What brand of bottled water is safe? Navigating your options for pure hydration

According to research by Consumer Reports and the Oasis app, many major bottled water brands have tested positive for trace contaminants like PFAS. Knowing what brand of bottled water is safe requires a closer look at a brand's source, purification process, and independent testing.

Quick Summary

Exploring safety standards for bottled water involves understanding purification processes, packaging, and regulatory oversight. Key factors like source, independent testing for contaminants, and bottle material play a crucial role in determining a brand's reliability and purity.

Key Points

• Check for Certifications: Look for seals from independent organizations like IBWA or NSF International, which verify adherence to higher safety and manufacturing standards than government mandates.

• Understand Water Type: Know the difference between purified water (treated public source), spring water (natural underground source), and mineral water (naturally high mineral content) to match your purity and taste preferences.

• Research Contaminant Testing: Seek out brands that voluntarily test for and disclose levels of contaminants like PFAS. Websites and apps dedicated to water testing can be a valuable resource.

• Evaluate Packaging: Opt for glass or aluminum bottles to avoid potential chemical leaching from plastic, especially if the water is exposed to heat or sun during transport or storage.

• Store Properly: Regardless of the brand, store bottled water in a cool, dark place away from household chemicals to prevent degradation of the bottle and potential contamination.

• Consider the Source: For spring or mineral waters, the geographic location and protection of the water source directly impacts its natural purity. A clean source requires less intrusive treatment.

Navigating the bottled water aisle can be confusing, with a variety of brands and types promising purity and great taste. However, recent scrutiny has brought questions about contaminants like PFAS and microplastics to the forefront. Determining what brand of bottled water is safe involves understanding regulatory oversight, different water classifications, and a brand's specific purification and testing protocols.

Understanding Bottled Water Regulations and Types

FDA and EPA Oversight

In the United States, tap water is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), while bottled water is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a food product. The FDA mandates that bottled water meet or exceed federal standards for quality and safety. Organizations like the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) and NSF International provide additional, often more stringent, independent certification for brands that voluntarily participate. Look for the seals of these organizations on the label, which indicate compliance with higher manufacturing and testing standards.

Defining Your Water: Purified vs. Spring vs. Mineral

Understanding the type of bottled water is crucial to evaluating its safety and purity:

• Purified Water: This water comes from a public or private source (essentially tap water) that has been treated to remove chemicals, microbes, and total dissolved solids (TDS). Common methods include reverse osmosis (RO), distillation, and deionization. Aquafina, for example, is purified via an extensive RO process.
• Spring Water: Sourced from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface, spring water is collected at the source. It may be filtered to remove bacteria but retains its natural mineral content. Brands like Icelandic Glacial and Mountain Valley are examples of spring water.
• Mineral Water: Similar to spring water, but it must contain at least 250 parts per million of total dissolved solids (TDS). The natural mineral composition must remain stable at the source. Evian is a well-known natural mineral water.

Key Factors Influencing Bottled Water Safety

Contaminants of Concern

While regulations help, not all bottled water is created equal. Beyond basic purification, consumers are increasingly concerned with modern contaminants:

• PFAS (Forever Chemicals): These synthetic chemicals are a major concern. Third-party testing, like that conducted by the Oasis app, shows that levels can vary widely between brands. Brands such as Arrowhead and Mountain Valley have been cited as having no detectable PFAS.
• Microplastics: Tiny plastic particles can be shed from bottles over time. While the long-term health effects are still under investigation, many prefer to minimize exposure by choosing alternative packaging or less-aggressive purification methods.
• Heavy Metals and Other Chemicals: Brands that rely on municipal water sources or less-protected springs may have a higher risk of contaminants if their purification process is inadequate. Regular, independent testing is the best safeguard.

The Importance of Packaging

Packaging is not just for branding; it affects the water's safety over time. Many single-use bottles are made from PET plastic (labeled with a '1'), which the FDA considers safe. However, environmental concerns and potential leaching over time, especially with exposure to heat, lead many to seek alternatives. Glass bottles (like Mountain Valley) and aluminum cans (like Liquid Death) offer inert, chemical-free alternatives that do not leach over time, though water quality is not guaranteed by packaging alone.

Proper Storage and Handling

Even the safest brand can become compromised with improper storage. The Government of Canada advises storing bottled water in a cool, clean, and dark place away from heat and sunlight. It's also critical to keep water away from household solvents, which can leach through plastic over time. Refrigerating the bottle after opening and not refilling single-use plastic bottles can prevent bacterial growth and chemical contamination. For more on safety guidelines, visit the CDC website.

Brands Frequently Cited for Safety and Purity

Brands with Minimal Contaminants (based on recent testing)

• Icelandic Glacial: Sourced from the Olfus Spring in Iceland, this naturally alkaline water is certified carbon neutral. It has a high pH and is naturally filtered through lava rock. It's been cited for having low PFAS levels.
• Mountain Valley Spring Water: Sourced from the Ouachita Mountains and bottled in glass, this brand has a long history and high credentials for purity. It has also been noted for having no detectable PFAS.
• Boxed Water Is Better: Purified via carbon and reverse-osmosis filtration and packaged in a BPA-free, paper-based carton, this brand has been highlighted for low contaminants.

High-Purity Process-Focused Brands

• Aquafina: Owned by PepsiCo, Aquafina uses a rigorous purification process called Hydro-7, which includes reverse osmosis and ozonation to remove virtually all minerals and contaminants, resulting in a very low TDS.
• Glaceau Smartwater: A Coca-Cola brand, Smartwater is vapor-distilled to remove impurities and then has electrolytes added for taste. This process also ensures a low TDS.

Comparison Table: Key Bottled Water Types

Feature	Purified Water	Spring Water	Mineral Water
Source	Public/municipal supply	Natural underground source	Protected underground source
Treatment	Reverse osmosis, distillation, etc.	Filtration for microbes; minerals retained	Minimal treatment allowed
Mineral Content	Very low (low TDS)	Varies based on source	High and stable (high TDS)
Taste Profile	Generally neutral, can be bland	Dependent on the unique source	Richer, distinctive taste from minerals
Purity Control	High, due to intensive filtration	High, if from a protected source	High, due to natural protection

Making an Informed Hydration Choice

Choosing the safest bottled water is a personal decision based on a few key factors. First, decide what level of purity you prefer—highly purified (low TDS) or natural mineral content. Second, consider your environmental impact and choose brands with sustainable packaging. Finally, always look for independent certifications (like NSF or IBWA) and seek out brands that voluntarily disclose their testing for modern contaminants. While no single brand is universally superior, focusing on transparency, sourcing, and packaging will empower you to make a safer and healthier choice.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Hydration Choice

Ultimately, making the safest choice for bottled water involves becoming an informed consumer. By looking past marketing and focusing on verifiable data—from the FDA regulations it follows to any independent certifications and voluntary testing for emerging contaminants—you can confidently select a brand that aligns with your health and environmental priorities. Whether choosing a highly purified option or a naturally sourced spring water, a discerning eye is your best tool for ensuring pure, safe hydration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is all bottled water safer than tap water?

Not necessarily. While bottled water is regulated by the FDA, tap water is regulated by the EPA, and both must meet safety standards. In many developed regions, tap water is just as safe, if not safer, than some bottled water.

What is the safest type of plastic for bottled water?

Most bottled water is sold in PET plastic (labeled with a '1'), which is generally considered safe and doesn't contain BPA. However, some consumers prefer to avoid plastic entirely due to concerns about microplastics or potential leaching over time.

Are there brands of bottled water with no PFAS?

Yes, some brands, like Arrowhead, Boxed Water, and Mountain Valley, have been reported by independent testers to have no detectable PFAS. It is important to check the latest testing results, as these can change.

Does alkaline water offer health benefits?

Some naturally alkaline waters, like Icelandic Glacial, have naturally occurring minerals and a higher pH. While some people prefer the taste, there is limited scientific evidence to support widespread health claims beyond basic hydration.

What does 'purified water' mean for purity?

Purified water, like Aquafina, undergoes intensive filtration such as reverse osmosis or distillation to remove almost all contaminants, including minerals. This typically results in a very low Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level, signifying high purity.

Should I refrigerate bottled water after opening?

Yes, it is recommended to refrigerate an opened bottle of water. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria that can be introduced from your hands or mouth.

How can I verify a brand's water quality reports?

Reputable bottled water brands, especially those certified by IBWA or NSF, often make their water quality reports publicly available on their websites. You can also contact the bottler directly to request recent testing results.