What Is the Cleanest Bottled Water in Australia? A Complete Guide

December 23, 2025 •

5 min read

A 2022 study revealed that 94% of bottled water samples in Australia contained microplastics, with imported brands showing higher concentrations. This highlights that finding the cleanest bottled water in Australia is not always straightforward, as "cleanliness" can be defined by different factors, including filtration processes and source purity.

Quick Summary

This guide explores what makes bottled water clean in Australia, examining different types like purified, distilled, and spring water, and highlighting prominent brands. It also covers the issue of microplastics, consumer choices, and explains Australia's bottled water regulations and standards.

Key Points

Pureau offers highest purification: A three-step filtration process removes virtually all impurities, including chlorine and fluoride, exceeding WHO standards.
Distilled water is ultra-pure: Refresh Waters uses distillation for water with extremely low total dissolved solids and zero PFAS.
Spring water offers natural minerals: Beloka Water, sourced from Kosciuszko National Park, provides naturally filtered water with a unique mineral profile.
Microplastics are a concern: Australian and international studies have found microplastics in many bottled water brands, which poses potential health risks.
Australian tap water is very clean: Highly regulated and frequently tested, it is a safe and far more sustainable alternative to bottled water.
The 'cleanest' depends on your definition: Your choice depends on whether you prioritise low dissolved solids, natural minerals, or environmental factors.
Glass bottles are a safer option: For those avoiding plastic and microplastics, spring waters in glass containers, like Beloka, are a better choice.

Defining 'Cleanest' Water: Purity vs. Mineral Content

When searching for the cleanest bottled water in Australia, it is important to understand that "clean" can mean different things. For some, it is water with the absolute lowest level of dissolved solids, achieved through advanced filtration. For others, it's natural spring water, which contains beneficial minerals and is protected from surface contaminants. Australian regulations, overseen by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and the Australasian Bottled Water Institute (ABWI), ensure bottled water is safe for consumption, but do not dictate a single 'cleanest' option.

Types of Water and Their Purity

Purified Water: This water, often sourced from a municipal supply, undergoes extensive treatment like reverse osmosis, distillation, or deionization to remove impurities. Brands like Pureau and Refresh Waters fall into this category, aiming for maximum purity and minimal dissolved solids.
Distilled Water: A type of purified water created by boiling and condensing steam, removing almost all minerals and contaminants.
Natural Spring Water: Sourced from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface. Its purity depends on the natural filtration provided by the geological strata. Brands such as Beloka Water pride themselves on this natural sourcing.
Mineral Water: Similar to spring water, it is sourced from a naturally protected underground source but contains a stable level of minerals. Beloka is also classified as a natural mineral water.
Tap Water: Highly regulated and tested, Australian tap water is considered safe to drink and is a very clean, low-cost option. Many popular bottled water brands are simply treated tap water.

Australian Brands with Strong Purity Claims

Several Australian brands stand out based on their claims and processes:

Pureau: Marketed as Australia's purest water, Pureau uses a three-step chemical-free filtration process that includes reverse osmosis. The company guarantees its water is 100% free from chlorine, bacteria, fluoride, and sodium. According to its website, Pureau's water is 100 times purer than the World Health Organization's minimum standards.
Refresh Pure Water: Specializing in distilled water, Refresh uses a patented vapor compression distillation process. The company claims its ultra-pure water has an average of less than one part per million total dissolved solids (TDS) and is free from PFAS.
Beloka Water: This premium mineral water is sourced from the Kosciuszko National Park, naturally filtered through 500-million-year-old rock strata. The Fine Water Society rates it as "superior," citing its low nitrate level (less than 1mg/L) as an indicator of purity. Beloka's purity comes from its natural source and minimal human interference.

The Microplastic Concern

One of the most pressing concerns with bottled water, especially those in plastic containers, is the presence of microplastics. A 2018 study, reported by 9News and the Australian Water Association, found microplastics in 93% of bottled water samples tested globally. A specific 2022 Australian study found an average of 13 microplastics per litre in local samples. The potential health impacts of consuming microplastics are still being researched, but it is a significant factor for those prioritizing absolute cleanliness.

Comparison of Australian Water Types


Feature	Purified Water (e.g., Pureau, Refresh)	Spring/Mineral Water (e.g., Beloka, Mount Franklin)	Australian Tap Water
Source	Municipal tap water or bore water	Natural underground springs	Municipal water reservoirs
Purification	Distillation, reverse osmosis, deionization	Natural geological filtration, minimal processing	Multi-stage treatment, disinfection, fluoride added
Purity Metrics	Extremely low Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)	Contains natural minerals and electrolytes, low contaminants	Meets high national standards for safety
Taste	Often described as neutral or flat	Reflects its mineral composition	Varies by location and source treatment
Sustainability	Manufacturing and packaging have significant environmental impact	Source protection is key; packaging creates waste	Highly sustainable, zero packaging waste

Factors for an Informed Choice

Making the right choice for bottled water involves weighing different priorities. Here is a list of key considerations:

Prioritise Minimal Contaminants? If eliminating virtually all dissolved solids and contaminants is your goal, distilled or highly purified water like Refresh or Pureau is the closest option to 100% H2O.
Prefer a Natural Profile? If you value natural minerals and a unique taste profile, a high-quality spring or mineral water such as Beloka is the better choice, provided it comes from a pristine, protected source.
Concerned About Microplastics? The most reliable way to avoid microplastics is to opt for water not stored in single-use plastic. This includes Australian tap water or bottled water sold in glass containers, like Beloka.
Value Sustainability and Cost? For those concerned about both cost and the environment, Australian tap water is a superior choice. It is safe, subject to more rigorous and frequent testing than bottled water, and avoids the environmental burden of plastic bottles. Installing a high-quality home filtration system for your tap is an excellent alternative.

Conclusion: The Best Choice Depends on Your Definition of 'Clean'

There is no single "cleanest" bottled water in Australia, as the term is subjective. For laboratory-pure, low-TDS water, brands like Pureau and Refresh, which use advanced purification, are top contenders. For naturally sourced, mineral-rich water, Beloka offers a high standard of purity from its unique geological source. However, the conversation around bottled water must also address its environmental and potential health costs. The presence of microplastics in many bottled waters is a genuine concern for consumers seeking the purest option. Ultimately, a conscious consumer will weigh these factors. While bottled water offers convenience, Australia's regulated tap water remains a very clean, safe, and significantly more sustainable alternative. For premium purity without the plastic, consider distilled water or choosing a spring water sold in glass bottles.

Ethical Sourcing and Packaging Concerns

Beyond purity, the ethical and environmental implications of bottled water are significant. The production and transport of plastic bottles consume vast amounts of energy and resources, contributing to climate change and plastic waste. Choosing locally-sourced water, like the 100% Australian-owned Beloka, or opting for brands that use recycled materials or glass, can help mitigate this impact. For an in-depth look at the ethical ratings of various bottled water brands, a helpful resource is available on the Shop Ethical! website, detailing ownership and sourcing.

A Final Word on Your Personal Preferences

Your definition of clean should guide your choice. Are you seeking maximum chemical purity, or do you prefer the taste and minerals of natural spring water? Are you concerned about microplastics or the environmental footprint? By considering these aspects, you can make a choice that aligns with your health goals, budget, and ethical considerations. In many cases, a high-quality tap filter offers the best of all worlds: cost-effectiveness, purity, and sustainability.

Shop Ethical! provides an excellent resource for evaluating Australian bottled water brands based on various criteria, including environmental impact and company ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Purified water, like Pureau, is treated to remove almost all minerals and contaminants, often starting from a municipal source. Spring water, like Beloka, comes from a natural underground source and its mineral content is naturally occurring.

In Australia, tap water is safe to drink and is regulated by more rigorous and frequent testing than bottled water. Bottled water, especially in plastic, may contain microplastics, which are largely absent in tap water.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles found in many bottled waters, potentially leaching from the plastic packaging. Research has found them in almost all brands, raising potential health concerns for consumers.

Brands that use glass bottles, such as Beloka, are a better choice for avoiding microplastics. Distilled water brands like Refresh are also known for extreme purity. However, the most reliable method is to avoid plastic bottles entirely.

Mineral-rich bottled water, such as Beloka, can offer beneficial electrolytes and nutrients like calcium and magnesium. However, Australian tap water also contains essential minerals, and for many, the natural minerals in spring water are a matter of preference rather than a necessity.

Paediatricians often recommend low-mineralised water for infants under six months. It is crucial to choose a water labelled "suitable for preparing infant food" and check for low nitrate levels. Many Australian brands meet these criteria, but always check the label.

Australian tap water is the most environmentally friendly choice, as it eliminates the need for single-use plastic bottles, which contribute to waste and consume significant energy to produce. Using a high-quality tap filter offers a sustainable way to enjoy purified water at home.