The Core: 100% Natural Spring Water
At its most fundamental level, Crystal Geyser water is natural alpine spring water. Unlike purified drinking water, which is often sourced from municipal supplies and treated extensively, Crystal Geyser's water originates from underground aquifers and is collected as it flows naturally to the earth's surface. The company explicitly states that they bottle directly at the source and do not sell filtered tap water. The sourcing from geographically remote and protected springs helps maintain a high level of natural purity from the start, minimizing the need for harsh chemical treatments.
Naturally Occurring Minerals and Electrolytes
The most significant component of what gives Crystal Geyser its unique character is the array of naturally occurring minerals and electrolytes. These are not added by the manufacturer but are dissolved into the water as it travels through geological formations. Independent lab tests have confirmed the presence of several beneficial trace minerals.
Key minerals typically found include:
- Calcium: Important for bone health.
- Magnesium: Plays a role in many biochemical reactions in the body, including muscle and nerve function.
- Potassium: An essential electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance and blood pressure.
- Sodium: A vital electrolyte, though typically found in low levels in Crystal Geyser's still water.
- Trace elements: Depending on the specific source, you may find trace amounts of elements like vanadium, barium, strontium, and titanium.
It is important to note that since the water comes from different spring sources across the country, the exact mineral composition can vary slightly depending on where the bottle was filled. The company provides water quality reports for its seven different sources on its website, allowing for full transparency.
The Processing: Minimal Intervention for Maximum Purity
Crystal Geyser utilizes a careful, minimal processing approach to preserve the natural taste and balance of minerals. The company's method involves two primary steps:
- Microfiltration: The water is passed through microfilters to remove impurities and sediment before bottling.
- Ozonation: A small exposure to ozone is used as a disinfectant. Unlike chlorine, ozone breaks down into oxygen, leaving behind no chemical taste or residue.
This two-step process meets or exceeds both U.S. and European bottled water standards, ensuring the product is safe and pure while keeping the natural mineral profile intact.
The Difference Between Still and Sparkling
While the still alpine spring water is minimally processed, the sparkling variety has an additional step. The sparkling version is made with the same natural spring water, but with the addition of carbon dioxide for a crisp, bubbly texture. For flavored sparkling waters, natural fruit flavors are added, but without any artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or added sodium. This maintains the company's commitment to natural ingredients across its product line.
Crystal Geyser vs. Other Water Types
To better understand what makes Crystal Geyser unique, here is a comparison with other common water types.
| Feature | Crystal Geyser (Still) | Crystal Geyser (Sparkling) | Municipal Tap Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Protected underground alpine springs, bottled at the source. | Protected underground alpine springs, plus added carbonation. | Reservoirs, lakes, or groundwater, supplied by public utilities. |
| Mineral Content | Naturally occurring electrolytes and minerals from the spring. Varies by source. | Naturally occurring minerals, plus carbon dioxide. | Varies greatly by municipality; often has added minerals or chlorine. |
| Processing | Microfiltration and ozonation. | Microfiltration, ozonation, and carbonation. | Extensive filtration and chemical disinfection (e.g., chlorination) for sanitation. |
| Additives | None added to still water. | Carbonation and natural flavors added to sparkling versions. | Often contains added fluoride and residual chlorine compounds. |
| Taste Profile | Crisp, clean taste influenced by natural minerals. | Crisp and bubbly with the added texture of carbonation. | Taste can be affected by chlorine, pipes, and regional mineral content. |
Understanding Source Variations and Water Reports
Since Crystal Geyser sources its water from multiple springs, the precise mineral composition can differ between bottles, depending on the bottling location. For consumers interested in the specific details of their water, the company provides detailed water quality reports for each of its sources. This transparency allows you to see the exact levels of minerals and other components for the water coming from the spring identified on your bottle.
Conclusion: Purity from Protected Alpine Sources
What does crystal geyser water have in it? Fundamentally, it contains what nature put there, plus a minimal amount of processing to ensure safety and quality. The water is defined by its 100% natural alpine spring source and the naturally occurring electrolytes and minerals it contains. Unlike purified tap water, Crystal Geyser is bottled directly at the source, giving it a distinctive, clean taste that is not altered by extensive chemical treatments. For those who prioritize a natural, minimally processed beverage with a consistent commitment to quality, Crystal Geyser provides a clear choice. Crystal Geyser's official website contains further information on their sources and quality reports.
