What is the Cleanest Bottled Water to Drink in the USA?

October 2, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2024 study, bottled water may contain up to 100 times more plastic than previously thought, highlighting a major purity concern. Finding the cleanest bottled water to drink in the USA involves navigating marketing claims and understanding different purification processes.

Quick Summary

This guide examines what constitutes 'clean' bottled water, comparing purification methods like reverse osmosis and distillation with natural spring sources. It considers microplastic contamination, packaging choices, and the various factors that influence the final product's quality, purity, and taste.

Key Points

Purified vs. Spring: Purified water undergoes extensive filtration (e.g., reverse osmosis) to remove nearly all solids, while spring water retains natural minerals.
Microplastics are a concern: Recent studies show bottled water can contain significant amounts of micro- and nanoplastics, likely from the plastic bottle itself.
Packaging matters: Choosing glass or aluminum packaging can help avoid potential contaminants leaching from plastic containers.
Top-rated purity: Brands like Mountain Valley (spring, glass) and Aquafina (purified by RO) are often cited for high purity and taste.
Home filtration is an option: For the highest purity and lowest environmental impact, consider using a high-quality home filtration system for tap water.

Determining the absolute 'cleanest' bottled water in the USA is a complex task, as the term can refer to different qualities, including mineral content, taste, and the absence of contaminants. While federal regulations set safety standards, varying sources and filtration methods mean that the purity of bottled water is not uniform across all brands. The choice often comes down to personal preference for mineral content versus extreme filtration, and growing concerns about microplastics have introduced another critical factor.

The Difference Between Purified and Spring Water

Before diving into specific brands, it's crucial to understand the fundamental distinction between the two main types of bottled water:

Purified Water: This type of water, which includes brands like Aquafina and Dasani, typically begins as municipal tap water. It undergoes extensive filtration processes, such as reverse osmosis, distillation, or deionization, to remove nearly all Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), including minerals, chemicals, and contaminants. The result is a water with a very low TDS and a neutral or 'flat' taste. For those who prioritize the removal of impurities above all else, purified water is often considered the cleanest option.
Spring Water: Sourced from an underground aquifer that flows to the Earth's surface, spring water retains naturally occurring minerals and electrolytes. While spring water is also treated to remove harmful bacteria and contaminants, some of its natural mineral content is preserved. Brands like Mountain Valley Spring Water and Crystal Geyser promote their natural, untouched origins. The taste can vary depending on the mineral composition of the specific spring source.

The Quest for Purity: Filtration and Testing

Several advanced techniques are used to ensure bottled water is clean and safe to drink. The most common and effective include:

Reverse Osmosis (RO): This process forces water through a semi-permeable membrane that removes ions, unwanted molecules, and larger particles. Many major brands use RO technology to produce purified water, often resulting in an extremely low TDS reading.
Distillation: In this method, water is boiled and the steam is collected, leaving behind solid contaminants. When the steam condenses, it becomes distilled water, which is exceptionally pure but has a very low mineral content.
Ultraviolet (UV) Sterilization: UV light is used to disinfect water and kill microorganisms like bacteria and viruses without altering the water's taste or chemistry.
Carbon Filtration: This technique uses activated carbon to trap impurities, including chlorine and certain organic chemicals, improving the water's taste and odor.

Brand Comparisons for Purity

When evaluating different brands, consumers weigh factors like source, taste, and purification level. For many, a low TDS reading is a proxy for purity. Here is a look at how some popular US brands measure up.


Feature	Mountain Valley Spring Water	Essentia Alkaline Water	Aquafina Purified Water	Path Water (Refillable)
Water Type	Spring	Purified (Alkaline)	Purified	Purified (Alkaline)
Source	Ouachita Mountains, USA	Municipal (Washington)	Municipal, filtered (multiple locations)	Municipal, filtered
Key Processing	Natural filtration, glass bottled	Microfiltration, RO, electrolytes added	Reverse Osmosis	RO, UV, ozone sterilization
pH Level	7.3–7.7 (Natural)	9.5 (Enhanced)	6.5 (Typical)	8.0+ (Enhanced)
TDS	100+ ppm (Mineral-rich)	Low, proprietary blend	1 ppm (Very low)	Low
Packaging	Recyclable Glass and BPA-free plastic	Phthalate-free plastic	Plastic	Aluminum (refillable)

The Problem with Plastic and Microplastics

Beyond filtration, the container itself can affect water purity. Recent studies have detected high concentrations of microscopic plastic particles (microplastics and nanoplastics) in bottled water, suggesting the plastic bottle is a significant source of contamination. The health implications are not yet fully understood, but many consumers are seeking alternatives to single-use plastic. Glass, aluminum, and cartons are becoming popular options for those concerned about plastic leaching or contamination. Some companies, like Path Water and Liquid Death, promote their use of recyclable aluminum as a purer alternative.

What to Look For: Tips for Choosing Clean Water

When you're trying to find the cleanest bottled water, consider these points:

Opt for purified water if minimizing contaminants is your top priority. Brands using advanced filtration methods like reverse osmosis will have a very low TDS. Check the label for terms like 'purified by reverse osmosis' or 'distilled'.
Choose spring water if you prefer natural minerals. While still filtered for safety, spring water offers naturally occurring mineral content. Look for brands that bottle at the source and use protective packaging like glass to maintain purity.
Select alternatives to plastic packaging to reduce microplastic exposure. Brands offering water in glass bottles, such as Mountain Valley Spring Water, or aluminum cans, like Path Water, offer a way to avoid microplastics leaching from the container.
Check the source and testing reports. Reputable brands often provide information about their water source and testing procedures on their websites. Some third-party organizations also conduct and publish water purity reports.
Consider filtering your own tap water. Many home filtration systems, such as reverse osmosis units, can provide highly purified water at a lower cost and with less environmental impact than bottled water. This is often the most sustainable and economical option for clean drinking water.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the quest for what is the cleanest bottled water to drink in the USA does not have a single answer. The "cleanest" depends on whether you prioritize extreme filtration and low TDS or the retention of natural minerals. While some brands consistently receive high marks for purity, consumer concerns over microplastics are driving a shift toward non-plastic packaging. For consistent purity and taste, purified options like Aquafina are reliable, but brands using glass or aluminum like Mountain Valley or Path Water appeal to those with concerns about plastic contamination. The most sustainable choice may be filtering your own tap water, but for convenience, an informed look at a brand's source, processing, and packaging will guide you to the cleanest option for your needs.

Learn more about sustainable water consumption by exploring alternatives to bottled water at a resource like the Environmental Working Group.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. Purified water is often subjected to processes like reverse osmosis to remove almost all contaminants and minerals, resulting in a very low Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) count. Spring water is filtered but retains naturally occurring minerals. The 'cleaner' choice depends on whether you prioritize the removal of all solids or prefer natural mineral content.

Yes. Several studies, including one published in 2024, have detected micro- and nanoplastics in bottled water, often in higher concentrations than previously estimated. These plastics can originate from the bottle itself during the bottling and storage process.

To minimize microplastic exposure, consider brands that use glass or aluminum packaging, such as Mountain Valley Spring Water (glass) or Path Water (aluminum). These materials are less likely to leach microplastics into the water than PET plastic bottles.

Yes, bottled water is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA sets standards for bottled water quality and requires bottlers to adhere to good manufacturing practices. However, tap water is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and standards can differ slightly.

TDS refers to the sum of all inorganic and organic substances dissolved in water, measured in parts per million (ppm). In the context of bottled water purity, a lower TDS can indicate fewer dissolved solids and contaminants. However, some spring waters have a naturally higher TDS due to beneficial minerals.

Brands like Liquid Death use aluminum cans, which proponents argue are a cleaner alternative to plastic because they don't leach microplastics. While the can itself is less likely to contaminate the water, the purity of the water still depends on its source and filtration, which is spring water in this case.

Filtering tap water at home is often the most economical and environmentally friendly option. Many home systems can effectively remove contaminants, and with high-quality filtration like reverse osmosis, you can achieve very high levels of purity comparable to or exceeding many bottled brands, while also avoiding plastic packaging.